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Sexual Assault & Sexual Abuse

We help survivors of sexual abuse seek justice and recover the compensation they deserve.

73s

 A U.S. adult or child is sexually assaulted.

1 in 6

American women will be the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime.

99.5%

Of sexual assault perpetrators walk free.

$37m+

Total amount in judgments awarded to Donelan Law clients in sexual abuse cases.

Understanding Sexual Abuse

Being sexually abused can have a devastating impact on a person’s life.

While the criminal justice system primarily aims to punish offenders, it is not designed to address the serious harms suffered by survivors. Through a civil lawsuit, survivors may pursue justice by seeking financial compensation from:

  • The individual abuser
  • Third parties whose conduct enabled the assault
  • Negligent institutions

This civil process provides an additional avenue for accountability and recovery beyond the criminal system.

Learn More

Legal Options and Accountability

Civil claims may proceed with or without criminal charges and focus on recovery rather than punishment. Financial compensation may help address medical expenses, relocation, lost income, and other lasting impacts of the abuse.

Bringing a civil case is a significant decision that may not be the right choice for every survivor.

Donelan Law provides candid guidance to help individuals:

  • Understand available legal options
  • Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of a civil claim
  • Decide what path is right for their circumstances

Abuse Involving Children

Children who experience sexual or physical abuse have the right to seek damages for the harm they suffered. Donelan Law represents parents, guardians, and adults abused as children who choose to pursue accountability for both perpetrators and institutions that failed to provide protection.

These cases require particular care, privacy, and sensitivity.

Case Results

$20m

Judgment
Child Sexual Abuse. Stepfather repeatedly sexually abused the victim. Compensation pursued through the Tort Victim Compensation Fund.

$10m

Judgment
Child Sexual Abuse. Stepfather repeatedly sexual abused the victim. Judge awarded damages for pain and suffering, treatment, and past and future economic loss.

$50m

Jury Verdict: Wrongful Death
Woman brutally stabbed to death by an acquaintance.

$30m

Judgment: Wrongful Death
Woman was held captive and murdered. Compensation pursued through the Tort Victim Compensation Fund. 

$5m

Judgment
Child Sexual Abuse.

$2.8m

Tort Victim Compensation Fund Awards
Child Sexual Abuse. Compensation obtained through the Tort Victim Compensation Fund.

$2m

Judgment
Sexual assault of teenager.

$150k

Settlement
Sexual misconduct by an older child at a childcare facility.

$95k

Settlement
Sexual misconduct by an older family member.

Client Testimonials

I had an extremely positive experience working with Sarah and Erica at Donelan Law. They constantly stayed on top of my case and never let anything slip past them. I truly felt that they were invested in the case and my well-being throughout the process.

Avery L.

My experience at Donelan Law with Sarah was amazing. This was my first time pursuing charges in any way on my own. I was only 19-20, and Sarah and her coworkers walked me through every step with patience and kindness. They communicated with me as they went through the process, and kept me informed the whole time. Which was a huge comfort because I was so so nervous.

Not only were they professional, fast, along with strong communication, but they were also so friendly. I felt comfortable opening up to them which was really important in a case like mine.  It’s truly a place built on a foundation of cutthroat kindness, with people who want to work WITH you not just for you.

Again, I had an amazing experience with Donelan law, considering my situation things couldn’t have gone better. She won my case, prioritized my emotions, properly prepared me for court and taking the stand. As far as being a lawyer goes I genuinely cannot find one thing she needs to improve on. I would refer anyone to her and her team!

– Allyssa B.

I reached out to Donelan Law for help in navigating an extremely stressful and complicated issue involving my daughter. My daughter was the victim of a sexual assault and I did not know where to begin. Sarah walked us through every step of the process. She explained to us every step we would need to take and every possible outcome we could face, good or bad. She took her time with my daughter, always checking in, making sure she was okay throughout the process. Her advice was invaluable as we worked towards a resolution. I do not know where we would be today without her and everyone at the office. She truly cared about my daughter and our family. I simply cannot say enough good things about her. 

– L.W.

Highly recommend Sarah. She is down-to-earth yet professional. Handled our situation with class and was great to work with. Highly recommend.

– Mark H.

Sarah and her team are amazing. Sarah took the time to explain the legal process in ways that I could understand and always kept me up to date on everything that was happening. I was also able to contact her via call or text and she was always getting back to me very quickly. She knows these cases are very sensitive and personal and she takes great care in her approach to talking about everything. Sarah was able to get me a settlement from my childhood sexual abuser and we settled the case before trial. Without her help I would have been so lost. Thank you Sarah (and the rest of the team) for your help! You made the entire process as easy as possible for me and I truly appreciate it. Thank you so much!

– C.F.

Donelan Law never let me down!  Sarah was a wealth of information and knowledge.  She put up with all my worries and frustrations.  She was definitely my voice of reason!  It took the better part of 2 yrs to settle the case, but Sarah was with me every step of the way. I cannot begin to express how thankful I was to have Sarah on my team!  Even though I hope I never encounter more legal issues, Sarah would be my 1st choice, hands down.  Many thanks for the tireless commitment for me and my case.

– Anonymous

I had an extremely positive experience working with Sarah and Erica at Donelan Law. They constantly stayed on top of my case and never let anything slip past them. I truly felt that they were invested in the case and my well-being throughout the process.

Avery L.

My experience at Donelan Law with Sarah was amazing. This was my first time pursuing charges in any way on my own. I was only 19-20, and Sarah and her coworkers walked me through every step with patience and kindness. They communicated with me as they went through the process, and kept me informed the whole time. Which was a huge comfort because I was so so nervous.

Not only were they professional, fast, along with strong communication, but they were also so friendly. I felt comfortable opening up to them which was really important in a case like mine.  It’s truly a place built on a foundation of cutthroat kindness, with people who want to work WITH you not just for you.

Again, I had an amazing experience with Donelan law, considering my situation things couldn’t have gone better. She won my case, prioritized my emotions, properly prepared me for court and taking the stand. As far as being a lawyer goes I genuinely cannot find one thing she needs to improve on. I would refer anyone to her and her team!

– Allyssa B.

I reached out to Donelan Law for help in navigating an extremely stressful and complicated issue involving my daughter. My daughter was the victim of a sexual assault and I did not know where to begin. Sarah walked us through every step of the process. She explained to us every step we would need to take and every possible outcome we could face, good or bad. She took her time with my daughter, always checking in, making sure she was okay throughout the process. Her advice was invaluable as we worked towards a resolution. I do not know where we would be today without her and everyone at the office. She truly cared about my daughter and our family. I simply cannot say enough good things about her. 

– L.W.

Highly recommend Sarah. She is down-to-earth yet professional. Handled our situation with class and was great to work with. Highly recommend.

– Mark H.

Sarah and her team are amazing. Sarah took the time to explain the legal process in ways that I could understand and always kept me up to date on everything that was happening. I was also able to contact her via call or text and she was always getting back to me very quickly. She knows these cases are very sensitive and personal and she takes great care in her approach to talking about everything. Sarah was able to get me a settlement from my childhood sexual abuser and we settled the case before trial. Without her help I would have been so lost. Thank you Sarah (and the rest of the team) for your help! You made the entire process as easy as possible for me and I truly appreciate it. Thank you so much!

– C.F.

Donelan Law never let me down!  Sarah was a wealth of information and knowledge.  She put up with all my worries and frustrations.  She was definitely my voice of reason!  It took the better part of 2 yrs to settle the case, but Sarah was with me every step of the way. I cannot begin to express how thankful I was to have Sarah on my team!  Even though I hope I never encounter more legal issues, Sarah would be my 1st choice, hands down.  Many thanks for the tireless commitment for me and my case.

– Anonymous

What Sets Donelan Law Apart

Donelan Law utilizes the civil courts to empower victims, provide an opportunity to be heard, and pursue meaningful accountability and change. Our clients receive:

  • An honest evaluation of whether a civil claim makes sense
  • Experience pursuing claims against individuals and institutions
  • A respectful, survivor-centered legal approach

Our goal is to help survivors be heard, pursue fair compensation, and seek meaningful accountability and change.

Discuss Your Options

Frequently asked questions and answers

No. A civil lawsuit is separate from a criminal case. You do not need to file a police report to pursue a civil claim for compensation. We can explain the differences and help you decide what feels right for you.

There are many differences between criminal and civil cases:

1) Who decides to pursue charges.
In criminal cases, the State of Missouri or the federal government decides whether to pursue charges against a person when they have committed a crime. 

In a civil action, the victim or their legal representative chooses to pursue legal action against the person or entity who caused them harm. 

2) The kinds of justice and remuneration a case can achieve.
In a civil case, the victim usually seeks monetary compensation for damages.

In a criminal cases, the courts may award monetary restitution, but also can impose punishments such as fines, imprisonment, community service, court-ordered treatment, or other remedies.

3) The Standard of Proof required to achieve a result.
In civil cases, the standard of proof is generally lower than in criminal cases.

4) Impact on Related Cases
A criminal conviction can sometimes make the civil case more likely to be successful, but it is not necessary to file criminal charges. Even if a defendant is found not guilty in a criminal case, you still may be able to file a civil action against the abuser or a third party.

A victim can pursue a civil action whether or not a criminal case has also been filed. 

It depends on several factors.

In most personal injury cases, Donelan Law works on a contingency basis. This means you do not pay a fee for the services unless we win and make a successful recovery. A personal injury case is a civil legal claim brought by an individual seeking compensation for wrongs committed by an individual or entities who caused them preventable harms and losses (i.e., suing an abuser or third party for money damages).

In other types of cases, Donelan Law can be hired for an hourly rate or a flat fee.  For example, representation for obtaining an order of protection is often based on an hourly fee or a flat fee.  After reviewing the facts of your case, we will let you know the initial retainer fee to open a case and candidly discuss potential costs from the beginning and throughout your case.

In many types of cases, Donelan Law only receives a fee after a monetary recovery has been made.  However, in some legal battles with abusers, having an experienced attorney can make all the difference. Having an attorney as your advocate and legal representative can better protect your time, money, mental health and safety.  Sarah has over 10 years of experience fighting for survivors of sexual and domestic violence and she understands the real dangers of some abusers and knows the complicated legal system.

Donelan Law understands that abusers can wreak havoc on all areas of your life, and you may need support with several issues.  We are here to help you navigate whatever legal issues you are facing or make sure you find the right help. This might include defamation claims, criminal charges, and housing issues. 

Please note: Donelan Law does not generally represent clients in family law cases (i.e., divorce and custody cases).

The most important step is speaking with an attorney who understands these cases. You do not need to have everything figured out before calling. We’re here to listen, explain your options, and help you decide what feels right for you.

In addition to the person who committed the assault, institutions such as schools, employers, religious organizations, property owners, or other entities may be held accountable if they failed to protect you or ignored warning signs. We investigate thoroughly to identify all responsible parties.

Most cases resolve without a trial, and many without even filing a case.  If your case moves forward in court, we will prepare you carefully and stand by your side every step of the way. You will never face the process alone.

Your privacy matters deeply to us. Conversations with our firm are confidential, and in many cases, survivors can file claims using privacy protections. We will discuss every option with you so you can make informed decisions about how to proceed.

Yes! Donelan Law takes the utmost precautions to ensure your information stays private and it is always the individual’s decision whether or not to move forward with legal action.

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