Resources for Survivors of Sexual Abuse

Published on March 31, 2026, by Forbes Law | Sexual Abuse Cases

Sexual abuse does not discriminate. Anyone of any gender, race, or age can become the victim of sexual abuse. It can take the form of harassment in the workplace, non-consensual touching, indecent exposure, and violent sexual assault. One thing that all survivors of sexual assault have in common is lingering trauma.

Fortunately, there are many sources available to help the survivors of sexual assault find a way back to normalcy.

In legal terms, there are two paths open for survivors of sexual assault. If the perpetrator of the assault can be arrested and charged, they will be prosecuted by the local authorities.

In Charleston, the Kanawha County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is supported by the Charleston Police Department and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office in the pursuit of bringing the perpetrator to justice.

The other path would be to file a civil complaint with the support of an experienced Charleston sexual abuse lawyer. In some instances of sexual assault, it’s not just the perpetrator who can be held accountable. An institution that doesn’t protect minors or a business that doesn’t protect its employees could be held liable.

Before you consider any legal next steps, it’s crucial to prioritize healing. The following resources are available for the survivors of sexual abuse.

Immediate Crisis Support and Hotlines for Survivors

Support for survivors of sexual abuse begins nationally with U.S. Department of Justice hotlines, which provide immediate counsel and direct survivors to local resources.

Locally, you can reach out to the following:

These hotlines are usually available 24/7 and are completely confidential.

Mental Health Services and Trauma-Informed Counseling

A common response from survivors of sexual abuse is to try to forget what happened by not talking about the incident. Sadly, that has the opposite effect of processing what happened.

If you or someone you care about has suffered any form of sexual abuse, it is helpful to engage with special counselors. You want to seek out a counselor who is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Both of these therapies have proven to be extremely effective treatments for PTSD and trauma.

You can get confidential support and local referrals from RAINN at 1-800-656-HOPE.

Navigating Legal Protections and Civil Justice Systems

Survivors of sexual abuse can seek civil justice to hold assailants and institutions accountable.

First, a survivor may file a criminal complaint with the police, which starts a criminal investigation. Separately, the survivor may pursue a civil complaint. The civil claim process begins with consulting a lawyer, filing a lawsuit, and preparing evidence.

Criminal and civil cases may share evidence, but they are managed in different courts with different standards of proof.

In criminal sexual assault cases, the defendant must be found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. In civil lawsuits, a defendant needs only to be found liable by a preponderance of the evidence. Notably, a survivor does not need the assailant to be found guilty to pursue a criminal complaint.

Forbes Law Offices believes every allegation of sexual abuse must be taken seriously.

We want every survivor to be heard. We understand that filing a civil lawsuit can be triggering, as it means reliving the incident. Our caring approach helps survivors find comfort in holding responsible parties accountable for their negligence.

We can seek compensation that provides reimbursement for any current and ongoing counseling. We can also ask for compensation for pain and suffering and punitive damages.

We know that no amount of money can make up for what a sexual abuse survivor has endured, but it can help bring closure.

When you’re ready to talk, we’re here to listen with confidential, free consultations. Get answers about your options today.