Empathetic & Skilled Illinois Sexual Assault Attorney

At Spiros Law, we understand that coming forward after experiencing sexual assault or abuse takes immense courage. Whether it happens in the workplace, at a business, in a school, or on a university campus, these acts can leave lasting emotional and physical scars. By taking this step, you’ve already shown remarkable strength, and we want you to know you’re not alone on the path to healing and justice.

Sexual assault and abuse can occur anywhere, but no matter the setting, there is hope for recovery and accountability. The person responsible may face criminal charges, including fines and imprisonment. In addition to criminal proceedings, survivors may pursue a civil lawsuit against the offender and, in some cases, institutions that failed to provide a safe environment.

The attorneys at Spiros Law are dedicated to supporting survivors through the legal process with sensitivity, respect, and strong advocacy. We strive to create a safe space where your voice is heard, your experiences are validated, and your rights are protected.

Taking the first step is never easy, but it can also be the beginning of reclaiming your power. When you’re ready, we are here to listen, support, and fight for you with dignity and determination.

Unfortunately, we do not handle family sexual assault cases. The best person for you to reach out to regarding cases involving family would be your local States Attorney.  In Illinois, the Illinois State Bar Association can be reached at 217-525-5297 Monday through Friday between 9:00am and 3:00pm. After collecting some basic information, they will be able to refer you to a lawyer in your area.

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Why Choose Spiros Law to Handle My Case?

Here’s how our compassionate sexual abuse attorneys fight for survivors:

Understanding your story

We listen with empathy and without judgment. Your experience is valid, and we’ll work to make sure you feel heard and understood.

Protecting your rights

Once we understand your story, we’ll carefully explain your legal options, including criminal charges, civil lawsuits, and protective orders if needed.

Building a strong case

To build your case, we’ll gather evidence and consult experts to secure the best possible outcome.

Fighting for maximum compensation

We’ll pursue every form of compensation, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and ongoing therapy.

Advocating with compassion

You need to focus on healing. We’ll handle all legal complexities, shielding you from unnecessary stress.

Our experienced sexual assault lawyers are here to listen to your story and determine the best course of action for you. With offices in Champaign, Danville and Kankakee, Illinois, we are ready to stand up for you, make sure your voice is heard, and ensure that this doesn’t happen to someone else. If you want to see that justice is served, we are ready to represent you. 

School-Based Sexual Misconduct

For children and adolescents, school should be a sanctuary for learning and personal development. Tragically, abuse can shatter this sense of safety. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), in a single school year, there were over 1,000 reported cases of rape and more than 7,000 cases of sexual assault in K-12 public schools, though these numbers are believed to be significantly underreported. The prevalence of this misconduct underscores the serious threat it poses to young people.

Possible indicators of abuse may include abrupt behavioral changes, a sudden fear of attending school, declining academic performance, social withdrawal, or physical injuries that are hard to explain.

Understand that there is help available. Spiros Law is committed to standing with families through this difficult time. We work to ensure that both the perpetrators and the institutions that allowed the abuse to happen are held responsible, empowering survivors and their loved ones to seek a sense of justice and begin to heal.

For legal advice on civil case related to child sexual abuse & assault, explore here for further justice.

Campus Sexual Assault

College campuses are meant to be environments of academic and personal growth, yet many students face the threat of sexual assault from peers, faculty, or others. Too often, universities fail to properly investigate or protect their students, leaving survivors feeling dismissed and vulnerable. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), 13% of all students experience rape or sexual assault, and among undergraduate women, that figure rises to 26.4%.

Potential warning signs of a survivor’s distress can include symptoms of depression or anxiety, difficulty focusing on studies, avoidance of specific campus locations, or changes in social habits.

Spiros Law is here to ensure that survivors’ experiences are validated and their legal rights are protected. We pursue civil claims not only against the assailant but also against any institution that failed to fulfill its duty to maintain a safe environment.

Sexual Abuse in the Workplace

The professional setting should be a place of dignity and mutual respect. Regrettably, sexual assault can occur in offices, job sites, and other professional environments, often at the hands of supervisors, colleagues, or clients. Survivors may fear professional repercussions, like losing their job, if they come forward. A study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that 5.6% of women and 2.5% of men reported experiencing some type of sexual violence by a workplace-related perpetrator.

Common signs of distress might involve a survivor avoiding work, a sharp decline in job performance, significant emotional distress, or unexplained physical injuries.

Our attorneys advocate for employees, shielding them from both the abuser and any employer who disregards their complaints or fails to provide a safe workspace. We are committed to fighting for a survivor’s dignity and securing the civil compensation they are entitled to.

Business Sexual Assault

Sexual assault isn’t limited to academic or professional spaces; it can also happen at public businesses, including hotels, restaurants, fitness centers, retail stores, or even through rideshare services. These incidents often involve staff, security personnel, or other patrons and frequently expose how a business failed to implement adequate security measures.

Possible indicators of trauma can include avoiding certain public places, experiencing sudden anxiety or fear in public, sleep disturbances, or physical harm.

Spiros Law is dedicated to holding both the offender and any negligent business accountable. We assist survivors in their pursuit of civil justice, working to ensure their suffering is acknowledged and their legal rights are defended.

What Are Common Types of Sexual Assault?

According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), a sexual assault happens every 68 seconds in the United States. This type of assault takes many forms, but it usually boils down to sexual contact perpetrated without consent. ‍

To be clear, consent must be given voluntarily, knowingly, and mutually. It can be stated in words or actions so long as it creates explicit consent. It is not enough for a person to simply be silent or not resist. 

Furthermore, there are several situations in which a person cannot legally consent, including when the victim is:

• Incapacitated
• Coerced
• Mentally disabled
• Intoxicated
• Underage

Sexual violence can happen to anyone, regardless of identity, biological sex, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. If you have been sexually assaulted, it was not your fault.

Common types of sexual violence, as defined by law

Sexual Harassment​

Sexual harassment usually refers to sexually offensive remarks or sexual gestures. It can also include coerced sexual acts, but this typically crosses into the definition of sexual assault.

Sexual Misconduct

Sexual misconduct occurs when a person does not obtain consent before engaging in sexual intercourse, oral sexual conduct, or anal sexual conduct.

This type of sexual violence often occurs when a superior or authority figure takes advantage of another person, such as relationships between doctors and patients, teachers and students, employers and employees, and priests and parishioners.

Oral and Anal Sexual Misconduct

Specifically, oral and anal sexual conduct are criminal acts when the perpetrator does not obtain consent. In Illinois, the age of consent is 17. Sexual contact with someone under 17 can be considered criminal.

Rape

Rape occurs when someone engages in sexual intercourse without the other person’s consent, including with a person who cannot consent due to mental incapacity or mental disability. Sexual intercourse with a person younger than 17 years old is also considered rape unless there is no more than a 4-year age gap.

It’s important to remember that there are various exceptions and clarifications under Illinois sexual abuse laws. To ensure you understand the full legal implications of your situation, you should contact an Illinois sexual abuse lawyer immediately.

Why Should I Sue?

If you have been sexually assaulted or abused, you are fully within your rights to sue for compensation. Often, assault victims are shamed for seeking compensation, but this is based on horrible prejudice. Anyone physically, mentally, and financially abused has the right to seek compensation for their losses and anguish in US court. 

You might think that a criminal case is enough to get justice in your situation, but there are a few reasons you should consider pursuing a civil case:

• Financial compensation – As a survivor, you may be entitled to compensation to cover medical costs, therapy, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
• Holding parties accountable – Lawsuits can punish individuals and hold institutions that were legally obligated to protect you from harm accountable.
• Seeking closure – While money cannot undo trauma, many survivors feel that a civil is an empowering tool that helps them reclaim control of their lives.

A reputable sexual abuse attorney can help you pursue these goals and achieve justice in your case.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Defendant / Assailant 

You have the right to seek both criminal and civil accountability from the assailant. While a number cannot be assigned to your suffering, compensation can offer a level of accountability financially and socially. It also allows your voice to be heard and exposes the assailant for what they have done.

Employers

If you were assaulted or abused at work, your employer can be held liable if they have failed to protect employees and take proactive measures.

Institutions or Organizations

Institutions or organizations such as schools or churches are considered negligent when they know of an alleged sexual assault and fail to report it or know of its threat but fail to act accordingly. Your attorney can help identify all culpable parties and pursue legal action against anyone responsible for the crime committed against you.

Property Owners

Property owners or landlords have a duty to maintain safe premises and to prevent foreseeable acts of violence.

It Is Your Legal Right to Seek Compensation If You Choose To

While no amount of money can undo the trauma of a sexual assault, a civil lawsuit can help you claim financial compensation to aid in the costs of healing and rebuilding.

Types of Compensation for a Sexual Abuse & Assault Survivors:

Economic Damages (Financial Losses)

These damages cover the actual costs of your injury—things that have a clear dollar amount, including:

• Medical expenses, such as hospital bills, doctor visits, therapy, and mental health treatment.
• Future medical costs include ongoing treatments, medications, and long-term care.
• Lost wages or income lost due to time away from work.
• Reduced earning ability if your injury affects your ability to work in the future.

Non-Economic Damages (Life Impact)

The impact of an assault or abuse changes your daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. Non-economic damages provide compensation for:

• Pain and suffering like chronic headaches, dizziness, and other long-term symptoms.
• Emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, or mood changes.
• Loss of enjoyment of life, such as struggling to participate in activities you once loved.
• Loss of companionship, like strained relationships with a spouse, family, or friends.
• Disfigurement or physical impairment if your injury leaves visible scars or long-term disabilities.

Statute of Limitations for Sexual Assault Civil Claims in Illinois

There is no statute of limitations on criminal sexual abuse cases against alleged offenders in Illinois. 

Moreover, the time limit for filing a civil lawsuit for sexual abuse in Illinois depends on the circumstances:

• For childhood sexual abuse survivors – There is no statute of limitations to file a civil case, meaning survivors can file a lawsuit at any time, no matter how many years have passed since the abuse occurred. This law recognizes that many survivors need time to process their experiences before seeking justice.
• For adult sexual assault survivors – The statute of limitations to file a civil case is generally two years from the date of the assault. Since this window is much shorter, it is crucial for survivors to seek legal guidance as soon as they feel ready to take action.

In 2019, Illinois became the eighth state to completely remove its statute of limitations for criminally prosecuting sex crimes. This came two years after Illinois abolished the statute of limitations for prosecuting sex crimes against victims under the age of 18. While adults have a shorter window to file a civil lawsuit, they can file a criminal lawsuit at any time.

Before the criminal statute of limitations was removed, victims faced significant barriers to justice. Prosecutors were only permitted to pursue charges against alleged sex crime perpetrators within a 10-year window, and even then, only if the crime had been reported within three years of occurrence. These restrictive timeframes severely limited survivors’ ability to hold their abusers accountable through criminal proceedings.

Illinois law provides certain exceptions that can temporarily pause the statute of limitations under specific circumstances. For example, if the accused leaves Illinois or conceals themselves to evade prosecution, the statute of limitations may be suspended until they return to the state or are located by authorities.

9 out of 10 Rape Allegations are PROVEN to be True

Unfortunately, claims of false rape accusations are quite overexaggerated. The truth is, more often than not, that when an assault victim speaks, they are proven right.

A 2010 US study found that in the preceding 20 years, only 2-10% of rape accusations were proven to be false. Further, the FBI has put the number of “unfounded” rapes—those determined to be false after investigation—at 8%. It’s important to note, however, that that figure does not include any unsubstantiated accusations where an investigation was unable to prove a sexual assault occurred, so the actual total remains unknown. 

You should also know that oftentimes, rape cases are filled in the same category as “false” even if the claim wasn’t investigated or if the victim had evidence yet the police station deemed it insufficient to further investigate. 

Public bias and a frenzy of media coverage around false rape accusations get a lot of attention and often puts a lot more pressure on the assault victim. This belief that the person is lying contributes to victims choosing to stay silent about their abuse in the first place. 

This is why it is important to have a skilled attorney on your side. Sexual assault attorneys are equipped to challenge bias and ensure the client gets a fair trial. We want you to know that you are not alone, and there are far more people ready to stand by your side than those attempting to silence you. 

Sexual Assault & Abuse Statistics

• The FBI reports that 9 out of 10 rape accusations reported are proven true.
• Every 68 seconds, someone in the US is sexually assaulted.
• Every 9 minutes, that victim is a child.
• Since 1998, an estimated 7 million American women have experienced attempted or completed rape.
• Each year, about 463,634 people twelve years of age or older are victims of rape or sexual assault in the US
• People between the ages of 12 and 34 are at the highest risk of being raped or sexually assaulted.
• 94% of women who are raped show symptoms of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) within two weeks.
• 30% of women still experience PTSD symptoms nine months after being raped.
• 1 in 3 women who are raped think about suicide.
• 13% of rape survivors attempt suicide.
• Around 70% of rape and sexual assault survivors experience serious emotional distress—more than with any other violent crime.

Workplace Sexual Assault & Abuse Statistics

• Prevalence of workplace sexual violence
  • An estimated 5.6% of women (about 7 million) and 2.5% of men (nearly 3 million) in the U.S. have reported some type of sexual violence perpetrated by someone at or tied to the workplace according to research.
• Nonfatal workplace violence, including sexual assault
  • According to the Department of Justice, From 2015 to 2019, there were on average 1.3 million nonfatal violent workplace victimizations per year, including approximately 53,000 rapes or sexual assaults annually.

School (K–12) Sexual Violence & Assault Statistics

• According to the CDC’s 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, among U.S. high school students:
  • 1 in 9 experienced sexual violence.
  • 1 in 8 experienced dating violence.

University (College Campus) Sexual Assault Statistics

• Prevalence among college students:
  • Research shows an estimated 20–25% of college women and 6–7% of college men experience sexual victimization during their time at university.
  • The 2019 Association of American Universities (AAU) data indicates:
    • 26% of undergraduate women
    • 7% of undergraduate men
      experienced sexual assault while in college.

These figures highlight the seriousness of the crimes and how they are more frequent than the public assumes, making it even more important to do our part to protect and advocate for those who have survived these incidents and to strive for prevention to shield others from these situations in the future.

Why Choose Spiros?

With our compassionate approach, we’re proud to say that we have helped clients from across the state of Illinois get the compensation and justice they deserve. Here are some of our prominent examples:

• $9,842,900 —the second-largest verdict in the history of Vermilion County, for an innocent baby who suffered immense harm and required an emergency craniotomy.
• $1,450,000 — the largest verdict in Ford County for a driver injured when another car ran a stop sign.
• $1,400,000 — the largest settlement for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) in Champaign County, Illinois., after a 42-year-old woman was given the wrong medication at a hospital, leading to vein necrosis, chronic pain, and nerve damage.

These are just a few examples of the many successful cases we have argued. We have experience dealing with a wide range of personal injury cases, including:

• Catastrophic Injuries
• Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Auto Wrecks
• Burn Injuries
• Paralysis Injuries
• Worker’s Comp Claims
• Wrongful Death Lawsuit
• Mass Tort
• Federal Tort Claims
• View All Practice Areas

At Spiros Law, we also pride ourselves on clear, honest communication with clients and potential clients. From the moment we assess a case, we are upfront about the likely outcomes, good or bad.

We understand that if you are seeking a personal injury attorney, you have already experienced pain and suffering. Because of this, we strive to be compassionate, open, and transparent with every person who calls us for help or advice.

Contact Us 24/7

If you or a loved one has been sexually assaulted or abused in the workplace, at a business, in a school, or on a university campus, know that you are not alone. The compassionate attorneys at Spiros Law are here to listen, guide, and fight for you.

You can reach our dedicated legal team 24/7 to schedule a free case review. We understand that this may be an overwhelming and confusing time, which is why we’re committed to helping you understand your rights and legal options under Illinois law.

No matter where the assault occurred, you can count on Spiros Law to provide the advocacy, protection, and support you deserve as we pursue civil justice on your behalf.

FAQS

What Is Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse is any unwanted or non-consensual sexual act or behavior imposed on another person. It is a violation of an individual’s personal boundaries and bodily autonomy. Such violations can occur in any setting, including intimate relationships or educational institutions.

Is Lack of Consent a Form of Sexual Abuse?

Yes. If there was not clear, voluntary, and enthusiastic consent, the incident is considered sexual abuse. Consent should never be forced, coerced, or assumed.

Can a Power Imbalance Lead to Sexual Abuse?

Yes. Sexual abuse frequently occurs in situations where power imbalances exist, with one person holding authority, control, or influence over another. These dynamics can significantly impact someone’s ability to refuse unwanted advances or report violations. Such power disparities are particularly common in relationships involving employers and employees, teachers and students, religious leaders and congregants, or caregivers and those under their care. 

What Are Some Examples of Sexual Abuse?

There are many forms of sexual abuse, including:

• Unwanted sexual touching or groping
• Forced sexual acts, including intercourse
• Coercion or manipulation into sexual activity
• Sexual harassment, including unwelcome advances or explicit comments
• Sexual exploitation, including non-consensual pornography or human trafficking

What Challenges Do Survivors Face After Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse survivors may experience emotional trauma, psychological distress, and even physical consequences. The aftermath of sexual abuse can cause many issues, including:

• Anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Fear, guilt, or shame
• Strained relationships or new trust issues
• Physical symptoms such as pain and sleep problems 

Counselors, therapists, and support groups can be extremely helpful if you are healing from sexual abuse.

Should I Report a Sexual Assault?

If you feel ready, reporting what happened can be an important step toward accountability and protecting others. It may take days or weeks to feel ready to report your abuse. You can choose to share your experience with law enforcement, victim advocacy groups, or legal professionals who have experience with these cases. Remember that you don’t have to face this journey alone—there are many resources to support and guide survivors through this process with compassion and understanding.

What Is Legally Considered Sexual Assault?

Under Illinois law, sexual assault includes any act of sexual penetration where:

• The perpetrator uses threats or force 
• The victim was impaired or under the age of consent and, therefore, cannot legally consent
• The perpetrator is in a position of authority over the victim

Who Can Be Held Responsible for Sexual Abuse?

In addition to the individual who committed the abuse or assault, the following parties may be legally responsible:

• Schools and universities
• Employers and businesses
• Religious institutions
• Government agencies (child services, public schools, etc.)
• Property owners where the abuse occurred 

Let the attorneys at Spiros Law help determine liability and build a strong case on your behalf.

What Compensation Can Survivors Seek?

Sexual assault survivors may be entitled to financial compensation for:

• Medical expenses 
• Lost wages due to inability to work
• Therapy and rehabilitation costs
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
• Loss of companionship or impact on relationships

While financial compensation cannot erase the trauma you’ve experienced, securing damages can provide practical support and security for your healing journey.

Is There a Time Limit for Reporting Sexual Assault?

No, there is no time limit for reporting sexual assault. In Illinois, there is no statute of limitations for reporting or criminally prosecuting sex crimes. Whether it has been weeks, months, or years since your assault, you can report and prosecute your abuser.

Will Waiting Too Long to File a Claim Hurt My Case?

While delayed reporting can present legal challenges—such as fading evidence or difficulty locating witnesses—it’s completely understandable that many survivors need time before they’re ready to speak about their experiences. Trauma, fear, and numerous other factors can lead to years passing before someone feels like they are able to come forward. 

Our compassionate attorneys understand these complexities and are experienced in navigating such challenges. We’re committed to advocating vigorously for your rights and pursuing justice on your behalf, regardless of when you choose to take this courageous step.

How Long Does a Sexual Abuse Case Take?

Every case is different. Some legal cases can be resolved in months, while others take years. The length a case takes depends on factors like evidence, investigations, and court schedules.

How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help?

An experienced sexual assault lawyer can:

• Gather evidence and build a strong case
• Identify responsible parties
• Calculate the full extent of damages
• Represent you in negotiations or court

At Spiros Law, we are committed to advocating for survivors. Our supportive legal team is available with strong legal representation throughout Illinois, with offices in Kankakee, Danville, and Champaign. If you need legal support, we offer free, confidential consultations to discuss your options and help you seek justice.

Need Legal Advice?

Schedule a free, confidential consultation at Spiros Law today. You deserve to be heard.

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