Child Sexual Abuse
Sexual Abuse Cases and Claims: We Believe Survivors. We Pursue Justice Relentlessly.
Sexual abuse is one of the most devastating violations a person can endure. When it happens to a child or vulnerable adult—especially at the hands of someone in a position of trust—the impact can last a lifetime. At Connell Michael, LLP, we stand with survivors of sexual abuse and assault. Whether the abuse occurred in a school, religious institution, youth organization, healthcare facility, or private setting, our mission is clear: to help you reclaim power, expose the truth, and hold every responsible party accountable under the law.
We understand that coming forward can feel overwhelming. You may be filled with fear, shame, grief, or even self-doubt. But please hear this: what happened to you was not your fault, and you are not alone. You have rights. You have strength. And we are here to help.
What Is Considered Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse can take many forms, and it does not always involve physical violence. In fact, most abuse is about manipulation, grooming, coercion, and exploitation. Legally, sexual abuse includes:
- Sexual contact or penetration without consent
- Abuse of a child, teen, or person unable to give legal consent
- Inappropriate touching or exposure
- Sexual conversations, requests, or messaging involving minors
- Sexual abuse by someone in a position of trust or authority (teacher, coach, priest, doctor, employer, etc.)
- Online exploitation, including sextortion and digital harassment
- Sex trafficking or forced sexual activity in exchange for housing, drugs, or other services
Whether the abuse happened one time or over the course of years, whether the perpetrator was prosecuted or not, you may have a valid civil claim—and a right to seek justice and compensation.
Institutions Can—and Should—Be Held Liable
Many sexual abuse cases don’t happen in isolation. They occur in environments where predators are protected, warning signs are ignored, and victims are silenced. These institutions must be held accountable when they allow abuse to occur under their watch. We have successfully pursued claims against:
- Schools, school districts, and after-school programs
- Churches, dioceses, and faith-based organizations
- Youth sports leagues, gyms, and athletic clubs
- Summer camps and residential programs
- Daycares, foster care providers, and group homes
- Hospitals, mental health providers, and addiction recovery centers
- Employers or supervisors who enabled workplace assault
These cases often involve institutional negligence: hiring dangerous individuals, failing to report abuse, ignoring complaints, or actively covering up misconduct. We dig deep to uncover the facts and expose those who allowed harm to continue unchecked.
How We Help Survivors
At Connell Michael, LLP, we provide legal representation that is both aggressive and trauma-informed. We tailor every case to the survivor’s goals and comfort level. Whether you are ready to go to court or are simply exploring your options, our team will support you every step of the way.
We help survivors by:
- Investigating abuse claims thoroughly and privately
- Securing evidence, including internal records, witness accounts, and patterns of misconduct
- Identifying all responsible parties, including organizations and individuals
- Filing civil lawsuits against perpetrators, institutions, or insurers
- Negotiating settlements that reflect the full extent of your harm and loss
- Preparing for trial, when necessary, to demand accountability in open court
- Protecting your identity, especially for survivors who wish to proceed anonymously
Your story is yours to tell—on your terms. We will never pressure you, and everything you share with us is confidential.
What Compensation Can Survivors Seek?
No amount of money can undo the pain of sexual abuse. But financial compensation can provide a foundation for healing, therapy, education, and the restoration of safety. In a civil sexual abuse claim, survivors may be entitled to:
- Medical and mental health treatment costs
- Therapy and long-term counseling
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of earning capacity or job opportunities
- Costs associated with relocation or personal protection
- Punitive damages — to punish institutions or individuals for egregious misconduct
Some cases also result in non-monetary terms as part of a resolution, such as public apologies, policy changes, personnel terminations, or survivor-led reforms.
We Believe You. We Will Fight for You.
Survivors of sexual abuse often feel unheard, dismissed, or betrayed by the very systems that should have protected them. We are here to change that. At Connell Michael, LLP, we don’t just handle cases—we listen, we believe, and we act.
Our attorneys have represented survivors across Indiana and beyond in some of the most difficult and high-profile abuse cases. We’ve gone up against churches, school districts, and other institutions—and we don’t back down. We understand the trauma and the courage it takes to come forward. We are proud to be part of your journey toward justice and healing.
You Are Not Alone. Take the First Step Today.
If you or someone you love has survived sexual abuse, we encourage you to reach out for a free, private consultation. We will listen, explain your options, and help you decide what’s right for you—at your pace, on your terms.
You are not broken. You are not to blame. You are not alone.
Call us today or use our secure online contact form to speak with a compassionate attorney who understands what you’re going through. You’ve carried this long enough. Let us help you carry the rest.