Advocating for Survivors of Sexual Abuse in Kentucky
Sexual assault and sexual abuse are among the most devastating harms a person can experience. The impact is not limited to the moment the abuse occurs—it often affects every part of a survivor’s life long afterward. Survivors may struggle with trauma, anxiety, depression, disruptions to their work or education, strained relationships, and a lasting sense that their safety has been taken away.
At Abney Law, we represent survivors of sexual assault and sexual abuse in civil cases throughout Louisville and across Kentucky. Our role is not to judge or pressure you, but to listen, believe you, and use the civil justice system to seek accountability from the individuals and institutions that allowed the abuse to happen.
You did not cause this. And you do not have to go through the aftermath alone.
A Trauma-Informed Civil Practice for Survivors
Reaching out to a lawyer about sexual abuse or sexual assault can feel overwhelming—especially when trust has already been violated. Many survivors worry about being disbelieved, blamed, or forced to relive traumatic experiences before they are ready.
Our firm is intentional about creating a process that prioritizes safety, dignity, and control.
When you contact Abney Law:
- Your consultation is confidential and private.
- You decide how much you want to share and when.
- We explain your legal options clearly and without pressure.
- You are never rushed into making decisions before you are ready.
Abney Law is an experienced Kentucky trial firm. We have spent years standing up to powerful employers, institutions, and insurers. We bring that same preparation, persistence, and willingness to go to trial to sexual assault and sexual abuse cases—whether or not the abuse occurred in a workplace setting.
Types of Sexual Assault & Sexual Abuse Cases We Handle
Sexual assault and sexual abuse can occur in many different environments. We represent adult survivors and, through parents or legal guardians, children who have been harmed in a wide range of circumstances, including:
Abuse by people in positions of trust or authority
This includes sexual abuse or assault committed by teachers, coaches, clergy members, religious leaders, medical providers, therapists, caregivers, or others who used their authority or access to cause harm.
Institutional abuse and systemic failures
We handle cases involving abuse in schools, churches and religious organizations, youth programs, daycares, treatment facilities, group homes, residential programs, and nonprofit organizations that failed to implement or enforce basic safety protections.
Assaults in businesses and public spaces
Sexual assaults that occur in bars, clubs, hotels, parking garages, apartment complexes, or other properties where negligent security, poor lighting, lack of supervision, or ignored prior incidents put people at risk.
Abuse in healthcare and therapeutic settings
This includes sexual misconduct, boundary violations, or assault by doctors, nurses, counselors, psychologists, physical therapists, or other healthcare professionals.
Abuse connected to housing or short-term rentals
Cases involving landlords, property managers, or hosts who failed to protect tenants or guests from known dangers or predatory behavior.
Assaults overlapping with employment
Sexual assault or abuse by supervisors, coworkers, vendors, or customers—whether the conduct happened at work, during work-related events, or in circumstances connected to employment.
Every situation is different. If you are unsure whether what happened to you qualifies as sexual assault or sexual abuse under Kentucky civil law, we encourage you to speak with us privately. You deserve clarity and answers.
Civil Lawsuits vs. Criminal Charges
Many survivors are told that the only path to justice is through the criminal system. While criminal prosecutions can be important, they are not the only option—and they are not controlled by the survivor.
A criminal case is brought by the government. Prosecutors decide whether to file charges, and the case focuses on whether the defendant should be punished through incarceration or probation.
A civil case is brought by you, the survivor, with your own attorney. A civil lawsuit can:
- Seek financial compensation for the harm you have suffered
- Hold institutions and property owners accountable for negligence or cover-ups
- Expose patterns of abuse that might otherwise remain hidden
- Lead to policy changes, training requirements, or safety reforms
You may still have valid civil claims even if:
- No criminal charges were ever filed
- A criminal case was dismissed or resulted in an acquittal
- The abuse happened years ago, particularly if you were a child at the time
Our firm can coordinate with an existing criminal case or help you evaluate your civil options independently.
Who Can Be Held Responsible in a Civil Case?
Civil sexual assault and abuse cases often involve more than just the individual who committed the abuse. We investigate whether other parties share responsibility, including:
- The individual perpetrator
- Employers who ignored complaints, failed to supervise, or protected known abusers
- Schools, churches, nonprofits, or youth organizations that failed to implement safety safeguards
- Property owners, landlords, and security companies that failed to provide reasonable protection
- Healthcare practices or professional entities that enabled misconduct
Holding institutions accountable is often the only way to prevent future harm and create meaningful change.
What Compensation Can Cover
No legal outcome can undo what happened. But civil compensation can provide the resources survivors need to heal, rebuild, and regain control over their lives.
Depending on the facts of your case, compensation may include:
- Therapy and mental health treatment, including long-term trauma care
- Medical expenses related to the abuse
- Lost income, diminished earning capacity, or career disruption
- Costs related to relocation, security measures, or changes in housing or schooling
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Punitive damages in cases involving particularly egregious misconduct
We provide honest guidance about potential damages, the strengths of your claims, and what to realistically expect.
Our Approach to Representing Survivors
Sexual assault and abuse cases demand more than legal skill—they require care, preparation, and respect for boundaries.
When you work with Abney Law, we:
- Begin by listening carefully and privately
- Minimize unnecessary retelling of traumatic events
- Conduct thorough investigations using records, witnesses, and expert analysis
- Prepare every case as if it may go to trial
- Communicate clearly at every stage of the process
In most cases, we represent survivors on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Time Limits for Sexual Assault & Abuse Lawsuits in Kentucky
Kentucky law imposes deadlines on civil claims, known as statutes of limitations. These deadlines can be complex in sexual abuse cases and often depend on:
- Whether the survivor was a minor or adult at the time of the abuse
- When the survivor discovered the connection between the abuse and their injuries
- Whether recent changes in Kentucky law apply to older claims
Because missing a deadline can permanently bar your case, speaking with an attorney sooner rather than later is critical—even if the abuse occurred many years ago.
How Our Employment-Law Experience Helps Sexual Assault Survivors
Abney Law is widely known for representing Kentucky workers in cases involving:
- Sexual harassment and hostile work environments
- Retaliation for reporting misconduct
- Discrimination and wrongful termination
That experience directly strengthens many sexual assault and abuse cases—particularly when institutions failed to act, ignored warning signs, or retaliated against survivors who spoke up.
We know how to uncover patterns, expose systemic failures, and hold organizations accountable.
Talk with a Louisville Sexual Assault Attorney in Confidence
If you are considering a civil case for sexual assault or sexual abuse—whether the harm occurred recently or years ago—we are here to listen.
You may contact us by phone, email, or through our secure online form. Share as much or as little as you feel comfortable sharing. Your information will be treated with respect and kept confidential.
You have carried this burden long enough. When you are ready, Abney Law is ready to stand with you.