Civil and Criminal Sexual Abuse Cases: 5 Key Differences

Collage of a dictionary page with the word "justice" overlaid on a closeup of a woman's face looking into the camera.

After sexual abuse or assault, legal action can feel overwhelming, especially when you are focused on recovery and rebuilding. In many situations, survivors and families may have two separate legal paths to consider: a criminal case and a civil lawsuit. Criminal cases are designed to hold an offender accountable through punishment, including possible incarceration. Civil lawsuits serve a different purpose: they allow survivors to pursue financial compensation and seek accountability from institutions and individuals whose negligence allowed harm. Civil cases can also provide survivors more control over the legal process. Because these two paths have different rules and goals, understanding the differences is crucial when evaluating your legal options. This resource is intended to support survivors and their loved ones as they move forward.

Table explaining key differences between criminal and civil sexual asbuse cases. Row 1: Type of Lawsuit: Criminal, Civil. Row 2: Purpose: punish offenders and protect public safety, compensate survivors and hold wrongdoers financially accountable. Row 3: Controlled by: government prosecutors, survivor and their legal team. Row 4: Proof required: beyond a reasonable doubt (highest level of proof), by a preponderance of the evidence (mid-level of proof). Row 5: Outcomes: incarceration, probation, or criminal penalties; financial compensation and accountability. Row 6: Survivor involvement: witness, key decision maker.

 

Need Help? We’re Here For You.

Civil sexual abuse lawsuits are not only about compensation. They are also about accountability, survivor safety, and preventing future harm. Schlesinger Law Offices represents survivors with trauma-informed support and steady guidance throughout the legal process. Our attorneys have helped clients pursue claims against parties whose negligence allowed the abuse to occur. We are ready to help you take the next step.

We provide:

  • Confidential case evaluations
  • Survivor-centered legal strategy
  • Careful handling of sensitive evidence
  • Strong representation against institutions that ignored warning signs

For survivors seeking answers, understanding civil legal options is a meaningful first step. Contact us today for a free, confidential, no-obligation case evaluation.