Types of Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is a devastating violation of trust, safety, and autonomy. It leaves deep emotional, physical, and psychological scars that can affect survivors for a lifetime. As leading national sexual abuse attorneys, we are dedicated to standing beside survivors, uncovering the truth, and holding institutions accountable. We believe survivors deserve justice, healing, and the chance to reclaim their power.

Understanding Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse happens when one person exerts power over another through unwanted or non-consensual sexual contact, coercion, or exploitation. Sexual abuse can take many forms, including molestation, rape, harassment, or exploitation, and often involves a power imbalance where the abuser uses authority, trust, or manipulation to harm the victim.

Sexual abuse often happens in circumstances where perpetrators can take advantage of others without being caught or held accountable. These include places of worship, medical facilities, schools, and other trusted institutions.

Survivors often carry the burden of silence for years, sometimes decades, fearing shame, disbelief, or retaliation. While no settlement can ever fully heal the pain or undo the trauma, seeking justice can be an important step toward healing and reclaiming your power. Our sexual abuse attorneys are deeply committed to helping our clients achieve justice, secure deserved compensation, and, most importantly, regain a sense of control in their lives.

Why Take Action?

When you decide to take a stand, it matters—not only for you, but for others. Taking action doesn’t have to look one way. It can be legal, it can be personal, or it can be both. Below are reasons many survivors find meaning, power, and hope in coming forward.

  • For Healing & Acknowledgment
  • To Hold Perpetrators & Institutions Accountable
  • To Seek Justice & Compensation
  • To Prevent Harm to Others
  • Because There’s No Shame in Seeking Justice
Why Take Action Against Abusers
Why Take Action

Types of Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse can happen anywhere, and most often takes place between people who already know each other. Below is a list of some of the most common types of sexual abuse.

Child Sexual Abuse

Children are especially vulnerable to sexual abuse, particularly in environments where adults have unchecked power. Child sexual abuse often involves grooming, manipulative behavior that builds trust with the child and their caretakers to enable abuse. The lifelong impact of child sexual abuse can include PTSD, anxiety, depression, and difficulty with relationships. Child sexual abuse legal claims can be complicated by time limits and evidence challenges, but pursuing justice is crucial for healing and accountability. Read full information on filing a claim for Child Sexual Abuse.

When institutions ignore sexual abuse dynamics, they do more than allow abuse to happen—they create a culture of silence and fear. They implicitly (or explicitly) send a message: you will not be believed, and even if you are, nothing will change. Breaking that silence is often the first act of courage a survivor takes, and it is one we are proud to support through skilled, compassionate legal representation.

Clergy Sexual Abuse

Places of worship are supposed to be safest havens, but sadly, some clergy members and religious leaders have betrayed that trust. Survivors from Catholic churches, Jehovah's Witnesses, and other faith communities have courageously come forward to expose abuse and demand change. Learn about filing a claim if you have been a victim of Clergy Sexual Abuse.

Medical & Psychiatric Facility Sexual Abuse

Patients in hospitals, psychiatric centers, or clinics depend on caregivers for safety and healing. When a medical professional exploits their position and sexually abuses a client, they break a fundamental form of trust. Get complete details on your legal rights for Sexual Abuse in Medical Facilities and Sexual Abuse in Psychiatric Facilities.

Foster Care & Daycare Sexual Abuse

Children placed in foster care or daycare depend on adults for protection and nurturing. When those entrusted with their care commit abuse—or when oversight fails—the damage can be severe. These settings require accountability at every level. Learn more about how to file a claim for Foster Care Sexual Abuse and Daycare Sexual Abuse.

Juvenile Facilities, Women's Prisons, and Residential Care Sexual Abuse

People in detention centers or residential care homes often have limited ability to speak out. Abuse in these environments is frequently overlooked or dismissed. Whether you're a sexual abuse survivor from a juvenile facility, a women's prison, or another institution, our legal team is committed to helping you take back your power and hold institutions accountable. Read full information on filing a claim for Sexual Abuse in Juvenile Facilities, Sexual Abuse Women's Prisons, and Sexual Abuse in Residential Programs.

Troubled Teen Industry (TTI)

The Troubled Teen Industry (TTI) refers to a network of programs like residential treatment centers, boot camps, therapeutic boarding schools, and wilderness programs that are marketed as solutions for "troubled" or "at-risk" teens. While they often promise structure, discipline, or therapy, many have been exposed for harmful practices, including emotional, physical, and even sexual abuse. Survivors often report neglect, isolation, and trauma instead of healing. Get complete details on Troubled Teen Industry Sexual Abuse.

OnderLaw
We fight for justice when you can't fight alone.

Finding an experienced legal team that earns your trust is essential. Our attorneys are not only experienced litigators—they are advocates trained to support survivors with empathy and integrity. We understand the sensitive nature of sexual abuse cases and offer trauma-informed representation every step of the way. With decades of experience and a team of expert sexual abuse attorneys, we have the resources and resolve to take on powerful institutions and win. Whether you’re ready to file a lawsuit or are just exploring your options, we are here to listen and help.

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School Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse in school settings can be devastating, especially when it involves trusted figures like teachers, coaches, or school staff. Children and teens are particularly vulnerable, and when schools fail to create a safe environment or ignore warning signs, they can be held legally responsible. Click here to read full information about School Sexual Abuse.

Sexual Abuse at Universities and Colleges

College campuses should be places of growth and safety, but unfortunately, sexual abuse can and does happen in dorms, classrooms, athletic programs, and during school-sponsored events. Whether the perpetrator is a peer, professor, or staff member, universities have a duty to protect their students. When they fail, sexual abuse survivors can take legal action. Click here to read full information about University Sexual Abuse.

Daycares and Early Childhood Sexual Abuse

Young children in daycares rely entirely on caregivers for safety. Sexual abuse in these environments, whether by staff or others, is a serious violation of trust. If a daycare failed to vet employees or ignored signs of sexual abuse, the institutional may be held accountable. Click here to read full information about Sexual Abuse in Daycares or Early Childhood Programs.

Athletic Program Sexual Abuse

Coaches and trainers often have great influence over young athletes, who are sometimes abused in the name of discipline or training. High-profile cases, like those involving USA Gymnastics, have revealed a troubling pattern of sexual abuse and cover-up. Read full information on Athletic Program Sexual Abuse.

Entertainment Industry Sexual Abuse

Actors and entertainers face unique pressures to stay silent about abuse due to fears of losing roles or even damaging their careers. The culture of silence is increasingly breaking as more survivors come forward. Get full information on Sexual Abuse in the Entertainment Industry.

Boy Scouts of America Sexual Abuse

Thousands of former scouts have revealed sexual abuse by troop leaders and volunteers. The organization has faced lawsuits for decades over concealed allegations. Boyscout sexual abuse survivors now have an opportunity to pursue legal action with attorneys who understand the unique history and legal challenges involved. Get complete information on Boy Scouts Sexual Abuse.

Law Enforcement & Police Abuse

Sexual abuse by police officers or law enforcement is a serious betrayal of public trust. Victims may feel powerless or fearful to report abuse when their abuser is in a position of authority. Learn more about Law Enforcement Sexual Abuse.

Massage Parlor & Spa Sexual Abuse

These are places people visit for care and relaxation. Unfortunately, massage parlors and spas can be sites of sexual abuse. Victims may blame themselves for not recognizing what was happening and speaking up. It's important to know your experience is valid and the institution is to blame. Read full details on Massage Parlors or Spa Sexual Abuse.

Sexual Trafficking

Sexual trafficking is a horrific form of abuse involving coercion, manipulation, and exploitation. Survivors deserve not only emotional care but also strong legal protections and advocacy. Lawyers with experience in trafficking cases can help survivors pursue justice and rebuild their lives. Learn more about Sexual Trafficking.


Sexual Abuse Attorneys Empower Survivors

Filing a sexual abuse claim is more than a legal process — it's a powerful act of reclaiming control and demanding accountability. Understanding your options and knowing where to turn for support can make a meaningful difference in your healing journey. When you're ready, our compassionate legal guidance can help you navigate the process and advocate for your rights. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.

Kayla's Survivors - A Different Kind of Law Firm

At Kayla’s Survivors, we stand with survivors—those who have endured sexual abuse, assault, misconduct, or institutional neglect. As a survivor-led, woman-led law firm, we have first-hand experience that grounds our firm and puts survivors’ healing at the center of our work. From guaranteeing confidentiality and an empathetic approach, to our specialized expertise and fierce advocacy, we promise to put your needs first. As nationally-recognized sexual abuse attorneys, our purpose is to help you reclaim your voice, pursue justice, and hold both perpetrators and institutions accountable for the harm caused by sexual violence.

Our founder, Kayla Onder, is herself a survivor of sexual violence. Her personal journey from silence to strength guides the heart of this firm. Because she has walked this path, she understands both the pain and the courage it takes to come forward. What began as her personal commitment to stand with survivors has grown into a national practice dedicated to compassion, justice, and institutional change.

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Who Can File an Abuse Lawsuit?

Survivors of sexual abuse have the right to pursue justice through a civil lawsuit, even if the abuse occurred many years ago or during childhood. In institutional abuse cases, accountability goes beyond the individual perpetrator. It also extends to the organization that allowed the abuse to happen—whether through negligence, lack of oversight, or deliberate cover-up. Click here to learn more.

How Can We Help You?

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