Pursuing Justice Through Civil Lawsuits For Victims Of Sexual Assault

Last updated on April 7, 2026

An abuse survivor who has suffered from a sexual assault is healing from more than broken bones and physical damage; they are trying to heal their soul on a spiritual level. I am the founder of Kircher Law, LLC, in Cincinnati. I am attorney Konrad Kircher, and I help clients throughout Ohio pursue civil lawsuits to hold assailants accountable for their actions and the damage they caused.

If you or someone you love is an abuse survivor, I offer free consultations. To schedule a free appointment, you can call me at 888-725-0811.

Sexual Assault As An Abuse Of Power

Ohio state laws provide for civil actions for damages when a person in a position of power abuses that authority in a sexual way. As a civil sexual assault attorney, I help victims who have been sexually abused or assaulted in the following situations:

• Medical professional sexual assaults, including sexual assaults perpetrated by a medical doctor or a mental health professional
• Sexual assaults in the workplace, including assaults by employees and direct report victims who have been abused by persons in positions of authority, like managers or bosses
• Sexual assaults involving intoxication, including college campus assaults
• Sexual assaults in intimate partner relationships, including domestic abuse situations
• Survivors of human trafficking who have experienced sexual assault
• Sexual assaults in nursing homes, including elder sexual abuse perpetrated by caregivers or staff members
• Military sexual trauma (MST), that occurred while you were serving in the military
• Cyber sexual abuse and online exploitation, including the non-consensual distribution of intimate images (revenge porn) and assaults that occur through digital platforms or social media
• Sexual abuse or assault in group homes by staff, doctors, other residents, visitors or family members.

In my decades of experience representing abuse survivors, I have a deep understanding that healing from an act of sexual violence takes a team. I take my position on that team very seriously by holding assailants accountable through the civil court system. In doing so, I help victims pursue financial compensation to assist in their recovery as provided for in Ohio negligence laws.

How An Attorney Can Help After A Sexual Assault

It is the prosecutor’s job to charge the person who assaulted you with a crime, build a case for trial, work toward a conviction or guilty plea, and secure the maximum punishment appropriate under the law. Aside from reporting the assault and cooperating with the authorities, you might have little control over the criminal justice process. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that the prosecutor will decide to pursue charges.

Civil litigation is another form of justice that puts the control in your hands. I can help you pursue financial damages for the physical, emotional and psychological effects your perpetrator’s sexual assault has caused. Because the standard of proof in civil litigation is lower than in a criminal case, a reasonable settlement or court verdict is often easier to reach. Besides securing compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more, a lawsuit can help expose your perpetrator to the public and help you feel heard.

This form of justice is only possible with an experienced and passionate attorney on your side. I have extensive experience representing Ohio survivors of sexual assault. My understanding of the law and passion for justice will improve your chances of reaching the most favorable outcome for your case. My compassionate guidance and advice can make an often painful process easier.

How Does Ohio Law Define Sexual Assault And Abuse Crimes?

Ohio laws define sexual assault as nonconsensual sexual conduct or contact with another person. Sexual assault may involve adults but can also involve minors under 18 years of age.

Sexual assault and abuse crimes in Ohio include:

• Rape: Under ORC 2907.02, rape is defined as forced sexual conduct. It also includes sexual conduct when the victim’s judgment is impaired by a substance or when the victim is younger than 13 years old.
• Sexual battery: Sexual battery is defined under ORC 2907.03 and includes coerced sexual conduct with a vulnerable victim, like a student or a patient. It also includes victims who are mentally or physically impaired.
• Gross sexual imposition: Under ORC 2907.05, nonconsensual, forced sexual contact is a crime.
• Unlawful sexual conduct with a minor: Under ORC 2907.04, consensual sexual acts between an adult and a minor between the ages of 13 and 16 years old or by someone in a position of authority are crimes.
• Childhood sexual abuse: There are several Ohio statutes that make sexual conduct and activity a crime when a victim is under the age of 18, or under the age of 21 if the person has developmental disabilities.

 

The severity of Ohio sex crimes is focused on whether the victim consented or was old enough to consent. Laws also distinguish between sexual conduct, which includes penetration, and sexual contact, which includes touching. In addition, the law also considers whether the assailant was in a position of authority that allows them to coerce or intimidate the victim into a vulnerable position.

Filing Deadlines For Adult Survivors Of Sexual Assault

In the state of Ohio, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit to hold an assailant accountable in a civil action is usually two years from the date the incident took place. This is significantly less than the deadline allowed for child victims of sexual abuse. An experienced Ohio sexual assault attorney can help you understand the filing deadlines for your specific situation. I am committed to helping my clients understand the legal requirements for their case so that they can make informed decisions about how they would like to proceed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sexual Assault In Ohio

Seeking justice for sexual assault is a complicated process. You may have a lot of questions about how you can hold your assailant accountable for their actions. I can help you get the answers you seek. Here is a collection of frequently asked questions about sexual assault:

What evidence is needed for a sexual assault lawsuit?

Having proof that the defendant sexually assaulted their victim is important to win a sexual assault lawsuit. Some evidence that could be used includes:

• Victim testimony
• Witness testimony
• Medical records
• Video or pictures
• Police reports

If a case lacks evidence, the victim may not receive justice. I can help you collect evidence to support your case.

What compensation can be pursued in a civil sexual assault case?

With a successful sexual assault case, you may be able to recover compensation for medical care, lost wages, and emotional pain and suffering. While money can not heal the trauma you suffered, I can help you explore possible damages so that you can recover financially.

After a sexual assault, victims often suffer extensive emotional damage. The immediate aftermath of a sexual attack can bring ongoing anxiety. Victims often find themselves feeling afraid of situations that they never used to fear. In addition, PTSD is a common long-term challenge. While the long-term emotional challenges of a sexual assault can be difficult to predict, I will advocate on your behalf to make sure you get the resources you need. I will also fight to make sure the damages you recover include compensation for your emotional pain and suffering, and long-term therapy and counseling costs.

Can I remain anonymous during the legal process?

Your sexual assault case may remain anonymous by taking the right steps. Together, we can explore your legal options to help secure your identity and protect your case.