If you were a victim of sexual assault, you may feel confused and overwhelmed trying to decide what your next steps should be. At Peterson Law Firm, our compassionate Kansas City sexual assault attorneys understand the courage it takes to come forward. We provide empathetic legal support for survivors seeking justice through the civil court system. Our team works to hold not only the assailant accountable but also any negligent third parties who may have enabled the assault.
At Personal Law Firm, we can provide clear guidance and caring support as you consider how to move forward. We can help protect your rights while seeking justice. Here, our attorneys discuss critical steps to take if you choose to pursue compensation from the assailant and how we can help while protecting your privacy and dignity.
Seek Medical Care Right Away
When you’re a victim of sexual assault, your physical well-being deserves immediate attention, even if you don't have visible injuries. Kansas City hospitals are equipped with staff trained to provide compassionate care for sexual assault survivors. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) are registered nurses with specialized training in forensic evidence collection and trauma-informed care. These professionals work at several Kansas City hospitals where they can conduct thorough examinations while prioritizing your comfort and dignity.
Many survivors worry about medical costs during this already difficult time. The Missouri Crime Victims' Compensation Program can help cover expenses related to sexual assault, including medical bills. Additionally, organizations like the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA) in Kansas City can provide advocates who support you throughout the medical examination process.
Remember that seeking medical attention is about caring for your health first and foremost. The decisions about evidence collection and reporting remain entirely yours to make.
Report the Assault to the Police
It can be a scary decision about whether or not to report sexual assault to law enforcement. It’s also deeply personal. In Kansas City, there are several options for how and when to make a report, and understanding these choices can help you make the decision that's right for you.
- The Kansas City Police Department has specially trained officers who handle sexual assault cases. You can file a report by calling their non-emergency number, visiting any police station, or asking for an officer to meet you at a location where you feel comfortable.
- When making a report, you have the right to request a female officer if that makes you more comfortable. You can also ask to have a victim advocate present during your interview.
- The investigation process usually involves detailed interviews about the assault, collection of any available evidence, and possible interviews with witnesses or the accused person. This process can feel intrusive, but detectives are trained to conduct these investigations respectfully and thoroughly.
- Remember that making a report doesn't automatically mean your case will go to court. The decision to file criminal charges rests with the prosecutor's office after reviewing the evidence gathered during the investigation. Our Kansas City attorneys can help you understand this process and advocate for your interests throughout.
Connect With Support Services
Even if you recover physically from a sexual assault, emotional recovery can take more time and be more challenging. Connecting with professional support services in Kansas City can provide crucial assistance during this difficult time.
- Crisis intervention offers immediate emotional support during the first hours and days following an assault. MOCSA operates a 24-hour crisis line where trained advocates can provide guidance, emotional support, and referrals to local resources. Their services extend to all genders and are available regardless of when the assault occurred.
- Advocacy services provide help to survivors. These advocates can accompany you to hospital visits, police interviews, and court proceedings. They explain your options in clear terms and support whatever choices you make.
- Counseling resources address the longer-term emotional effects of sexual trauma. Individual therapy with trauma-informed counselors provides a safe space to process your experience and develop coping strategies. Many Kansas City counseling centers offer sliding scale fees based on income, making these services accessible regardless of financial situation.
Understand Your Legal Options
Beyond criminal proceedings, sexual assault survivors in Kansas City have additional legal avenues to consider. A Kansas City attorney can explain these options and help determine which might be appropriate for your situation, including the following:
- Civil lawsuits allow survivors to seek monetary damages from perpetrators or, in some cases, from third parties whose negligence contributed to the assault. Unlike criminal cases, which must be proven "beyond a reasonable doubt," civil cases require only a "preponderance of evidence"—meaning it's more likely than not that the events occurred as claimed.
- Protective orders (sometimes called restraining orders) legally prohibit the assailant from contacting or approaching you. Legal advocates from organizations like Legal Aid of Western Missouri can help with this process at no cost to qualifying individuals.
- Title IX protections apply if the assault occurred in an educational setting. These federal regulations require schools to address sexual violence and provide accommodations such as class schedule changes, housing reassignments, or academic support. All Kansas City schools and universities have a Title IX coordinator who can explain your rights under these regulations.
After Your Sexual Assault: How Peterson Law Firm Can Help
Our Kansas City sexual assault attorneys can serve as both your legal advocate and support system if you choose to file a civil case against the assailant. We will work to create a safe, confidential environment where you can share your experience without judgment. Your initial consultation with us will help us understand your situation and outline potential legal paths forward. You can expect any or all of the following at your consultation:
- We’ll explain Missouri's laws regarding sexual assault cases, including the statute of limitations for filing a civil lawsuit. In Missouri, adult survivors typically have five years from the date of the assault to file a civil claim, but this timeline can vary based on specific circumstances, particularly for childhood abuse survivors.
- We will help maintain your privacy throughout your case. Our Kansas City attorneys can take steps to shield your identity in court documents, potentially using a pseudonym like "Jane Doe" or "John Doe" to maintain your anonymity.
- Our Kansas City sexual assault attorneys can coordinate with victim advocates, therapists, and other support services to ensure you have access to comprehensive care during the legal process.
We’ll Help You Understand Civil Sexual Assault Cases in Kansas City
Civil sexual assault cases differ significantly from criminal proceedings, and they offer survivors additional pathways to justice beyond what the criminal system provides. Understanding these differences helps you make informed decisions about your legal options. Here is some information our attorneys can explain to you:
- Civil lawsuits allow you to seek financial compensation for various damages, including medical expenses, therapy costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Unlike criminal cases, which focus primarily on punishing the perpetrator, civil cases center on making you whole through financial support.
- Civil cases can proceed even when criminal charges aren't filed or result in acquittal. This provides an alternative route to accountability when the criminal justice system doesn't deliver the outcome you hoped for.
- The scope of potential defendants also differs in civil cases. While criminal cases target only the perpetrator, civil lawsuits can include third parties whose negligence contributed to your assault. This might include property owners who failed to provide adequate security, employers who ignored previous complaints, or institutions that enabled the abuse.
We Can Help You Pursue Compensation
Seeking financial compensation after sexual assault isn't about putting a price tag on your suffering; rather, it's about securing the resources you need for recovery and holding responsible parties accountable for the harm they've caused.
Our knowledgeable Kansas City sexual assault attorneys can help you identify all possible damages in your case, both economic and non-economic. Economic damages cover tangible losses like medical bills, therapy expenses, medication costs, and lost wages from missed work.
Non-economic damages address the invisible but profound impacts of assault, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and relationship difficulties. Though harder to quantify, these damages often form a substantial part of sexual assault claims, acknowledging the deep personal toll of such violations.
Our Kansas City attorney will work to gather compelling evidence to support your claim, working with medical experts, mental health professionals, and economic specialists who can testify about the full extent of your damages. Their testimony helps establish the connection between the assault and your ongoing challenges, strengthening your case for compensation.
Settlement negotiations often provide a path to compensation without the stress of a trial. Our Kansas City sexual assault attorneys can skillfully negotiate with defense attorneys and insurance companies, fighting for a fair settlement that acknowledges the full scope of your suffering.