Danbury Sexual Abuse & Assault Lawyer

The decision to explore your legal options after experiencing sexual abuse or assault is an act of immense courage. We understand that you are not just seeking compensation; you are seeking justice, accountability, and a way to reclaim your future. 

For over 65 years, Ventura Law has provided a safe and confidential space for survivors to understand their rights. Our Danbury sexual abuse & assault lawyers are dedicated to empowering you, protecting your privacy, and fighting to hold abusers and the institutions that enabled them accountable. 

Your conversation with us is always 100% confidential, and you owe us nothing unless we win your case. Call our Danbury personal injury lawyers today.

A Message to Survivors: It Is Not Your Fault

Before we discuss the law, we want to be clear: What happened to you was not your fault. Feelings of shame, guilt, or fear are common and valid responses to trauma, but the responsibility for abuse lies solely with the abuser. 

You have a right to be heard, a right to be believed, and a right to seek justice. Our firm is a space where your story will be treated with the dignity and respect it deserves.

The Two Paths to Justice: Understanding Civil vs. Criminal Cases

It is critical to understand that two separate legal paths can be pursued after an assault or abuse.

• The Criminal Case: This is brought by the state to punish the abuser with penalties like jail time. The goal is societal retribution. A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case.
• The Civil Case (Your Path to Financial Justice): This is a lawsuit brought by you, the survivor, to hold the abuser and/or responsible institutions financially accountable for the harm you have suffered. The goal is to empower you by securing the resources needed for therapy, lost opportunities, and to help you rebuild your life on your own terms.

You can file a civil lawsuit for compensation even if the prosecutor decides not to file criminal charges, or even if the abuser is found “not guilty” in a criminal trial. The burden of proof is lower in a civil case, providing a powerful path to justice. Learn more about the differences in our guide to civil vs. criminal sexual assault cases.

Holding Institutions Accountable for Enabling Abuse

Often, an abuser is not the only responsible party. Many times, the abuse was allowed to happen—or was covered up—by an institution that failed in its duty to protect the vulnerable. Our sexual assault & abuse lawyers in Danbury have the experience and resources to pursue claims against powerful organizations, including:

• Schools, Universities, and Daycares
• Churches and Religious Organizations
• Youth Groups and Sports Organizations (e.g., Boy Scouts, summer camps)
• Hospitals and Medical Facilities
• Foster Care Systems and Group Homes

These institutions can be held liable for negligent hiring, inadequate supervision, or actively concealing acts of abuse. We have a detailed guide on the process of suing institutions for abuse.

How Our Danbury Sexual Abuse & Assualt Lawyers Prove Your Case: The Evidence We Gather

Many survivors fear it is just their word against an abuser’s. That is not the case. We build a powerful claim by conducting a discreet, trauma-informed investigation to gather corroborating evidence, which can include:

• Internal Records: Obtaining documents from institutions like schools or churches that show they were aware of prior complaints or “red flag” behaviors.
• Witness Testimony: Confidentially interviewing former employees, other victims, or individuals who witnessed suspicious behavior.
• Digital Footprints: Uncovering emails, text messages, or social media posts from the abuser that can be used as evidence.
• Expert Reports: Working with psychologists and therapists to create reports that document the extent of your emotional trauma and the need for future care.

Understanding Your Legal Window to File a Claim in Danbury

The time limits for filing a sexual abuse claim are complex, but recent changes in Connecticut law have opened a path to justice for many survivors who were previously barred from coming forward.

• The Civil Statute of Limitations: The general deadline to file a claim can be complex and depends on the survivor’s age when the abuse occurred.
• “Lookback Windows”: Connecticut has periodically opened “lookback windows” that temporarily remove the statute of limitations, allowing adult survivors of child sexual abuse to file claims regardless of when the abuse happened.
• The Importance of Acting Now: Because these laws can change, it is vital to speak with a Danbury sexual abuse & assault attorney who deeply understands the current Connecticut sexual abuse statute of limitations to protect your right to file a claim.

Your Legal Journey: A Confidential and Empowering Process

We understand that the thought of a legal case can be intimidating. We want to demystify the process so you always feel in control.

1. The Confidential Consultation: Your first conversation with us is free, completely private, and focused on listening to your story and explaining your options.
2. Our Investigation: If you choose to move forward, we will conduct a discreet and thorough investigation, gathering evidence to build your case while shielding you from unnecessary stress.
3. Filing the Claim: We handle all legal paperwork. In many cases, we can file the lawsuit in a way that protects your identity, using “Jane Doe” or “John Doe” to maintain your privacy.
4. Resolution: Our Danbury sexual abuse lawyers are skilled negotiators who can often resolve cases through a confidential settlement. However, we are always prepared to go to trial to demand the justice you deserve.

Fighting for Compensation That Acknowledges the True Cost of Abuse

No amount of money can undo the harm you have endured. But a successful legal claim can provide the resources you need to heal and rebuild your life. We fight for compensation that covers:

• Psychological Counseling & Therapy: For PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other long-term emotional trauma.
• Lost Wages & Diminished Earning Capacity: For the career and educational opportunities that were taken from you.
• Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Distress: Compensation for the profound human cost of the abuse.
• Punitive Damages: In some cases, we can seek additional damages designed to punish the abuser and the institution that enabled them.

Answers to Your Questions About Sexual Abuse Claims

Will my name be made public if I file a lawsuit?

Not necessarily. We understand that privacy is paramount. In many cases, we can file the lawsuit using a “Jane Doe” or “John Doe” pseudonym to protect your identity throughout the legal process. Our primary goal is to ensure you feel safe and in control.

What if the abuse happened a very long time ago? Is it too late? 

It may not be too late. Connecticut’s laws regarding the statute of limitations for sexual abuse have changed over time, and special “lookback windows” have been created specifically for adult survivors of child abuse. The rules are complex, and the only way to know for sure if you can still file a claim is to speak with an attorney who is experienced in this specific area of law.

What if I don’t remember every detail of the abuse? 

This is very common. Trauma affects memory, and it is not expected that you will remember every single detail. Our experienced team knows how to work with survivors to piece together a timeline and build a strong case based on the facts you do remember, supported by our own independent investigation.

What if the abuser has passed away or has no money?

You may still have a strong case. Often, the claim is not just against the individual abuser but against a larger institution—like a school, church, or organization—that had a duty to protect you. These institutions have insurance policies and assets that can be used to compensate survivors, even if the individual abuser is no longer a factor.

Survivor Resources & Support in Connecticut

Your healing journey is important. While we handle the legal fight, these trusted, non-profit organizations can provide immediate, local support and resources.

• The Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence – Connecticut’s leading coalition, providing local resources and advocacy across the state.
• RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) – The nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, offering a 24/7 national hotline.
• 1in6 – A trusted resource for male survivors of sexual abuse and assault.
• Stop It Now! – A vital resource for preventing the sexual abuse of children and helping families.
• Helping Survivors – Information and resources for survivors of abuse by trusted professionals like doctors or clergy.
• Local Rape Crisis Centers:
  • Serving the Danbury Area: The Center for Empowerment and Education
  • Serving the Bridgeport Area: The Center for Family Justice
  • Serving the Norwalk Area: The Rowan Center
  • Serving the Hartford Area: YWCA Hartford Region

Your Story Deserves to Be Heard. The Conversation is Confidential.

Taking the first step is the hardest part. We are here to make it safe for you. Join the thousands of Connecticut residents who have trusted Ventura Law for over 65 years with their most sensitive and serious legal matters. 

Contact us now for a free, completely confidential conversation with an experienced Danbury sexual abuse attorney. We are here to listen, and we are here to help.

“Written By: Augie J. Ribeiro, Esq. Position: Senior Partner, Ventura Law Reviewed By: Valerie B. Calistro, Esq. Expertise: Connecticut Personal Injury & Car Accident Litigation Last Updated: July 23, 2025″ at the end of every practice area page.