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SCHEDULE A CALLIf you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse in Scranton, Pennsylvania, you may be facing a difficult decision about how to proceed. One of the most common questions survivors ask is whether they must report the abuse to police before seeking legal representation. The short answer is no—you are not required to report to police first to hire a sexual abuse lawyer. However, understanding your options and the relationship between criminal reporting and civil legal action is crucial for protecting your rights and pursuing justice.
This comprehensive guide explores the distinction between criminal reporting and civil legal action, your rights as a survivor in Scranton, and how working with an experienced sexual abuse attorney can help you navigate this complex process. Whether you choose to report to law enforcement or pursue a civil lawsuit through a qualified lawyer, understanding your options empowers you to make informed decisions about your recovery and justice.
Pennsylvania law provides significant protections and legal remedies for survivors of sexual abuse. Unlike criminal proceedings, which are initiated and prosecuted by the state, civil lawsuits are filed by survivors themselves to seek compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial harm they have suffered. This distinction is fundamental to understanding whether police reporting is a prerequisite for hiring a lawyer.
As defined in Pennsylvania criminal code, sexual abuse encompasses non-consensual acts such as rape, molestation, sexual assault, and harassment. These acts violate not only criminal law but also civil law, meaning survivors have the right to pursue legal action independent of whether criminal charges are filed. This dual pathway—criminal and civil—gives you flexibility in determining how you want to address the abuse and seek justice.
In Scranton, which sits in Lackawanna County, survivors benefit from access to experienced legal professionals who specialize in sexual abuse cases. The city's location in northeastern Pennsylvania provides residents with resources and support systems designed specifically for abuse survivors. Understanding that you have choices in how to proceed is the first step toward reclaiming your power and seeking the justice you deserve.
Criminal reporting and civil legal action serve different purposes and follow different procedures. Understanding these differences helps clarify why police reporting is not a prerequisite for hiring a sexual abuse lawyer.
Criminal Reporting: When you report sexual abuse to police, you are initiating a criminal investigation. Law enforcement investigates the allegations, and if sufficient evidence exists, the district attorney may file criminal charges against the alleged perpetrator. Criminal cases are prosecuted by the state, and the goal is to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the perpetrator may face imprisonment, fines, and other criminal penalties. However, you do not control whether charges are filed or how aggressively the case is prosecuted.
Civil Legal Action: When you hire a sexual abuse lawyer and file a civil lawsuit, you are seeking compensation for the harm you have suffered. Civil cases are controlled by you and your attorney, and the standard of proof is lower than in criminal cases—preponderance of the evidence rather than beyond a reasonable doubt. In civil cases, the goal is to recover damages for medical expenses, therapy costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other harms. You maintain control over the litigation process and can settle the case if you choose.
The key point is that these are separate legal processes. You can pursue one, the other, or both simultaneously. Many survivors choose to hire a lawyer without reporting to police, while others report to police and then hire a lawyer to pursue additional civil remedies. The choice is yours, and it depends on your individual circumstances, comfort level, and goals.
There is no legal requirement in Pennsylvania that you must report sexual abuse to police before hiring a lawyer. This is an important right that many survivors are unaware of. You can contact a sexual abuse attorney at any time—whether immediately after the abuse occurs, years later, or at any point in between—without having first reported the incident to law enforcement.
Several reasons explain why this flexibility exists. First, criminal reporting can feel overwhelming and re-traumatizing for survivors. The criminal process is lengthy, uncertain, and often requires survivors to testify in court about deeply personal and painful experiences. Not all survivors feel ready or willing to go through this process. By allowing survivors to hire lawyers without first reporting to police, the law recognizes that survivors have the right to pursue justice on their own terms.
Second, police investigations and criminal prosecutions are not always successful. Lack of physical evidence, witness availability issues, or limitations in the statute of limitations can prevent criminal charges from being filed or prosecuted. If you wait to hire a lawyer until after a criminal case concludes unsuccessfully, you may have lost valuable time and evidence. By hiring a lawyer immediately, you can preserve evidence and pursue civil remedies regardless of what happens in any criminal case.
Third, the civil legal process offers survivors control and agency that the criminal process does not. When you hire a lawyer and file a civil lawsuit, you and your attorney make the decisions about how to proceed. You decide whether to settle, go to trial, or pursue other remedies. This control is empowering for survivors who have experienced a violation of their bodily autonomy and personal agency.
Working with an experienced sexual abuse lawyer offers numerous benefits, independent of whether you have reported the abuse to police. Understanding these advantages can help you make an informed decision about seeking legal representation.
Immediate Evidence Preservation: Sexual abuse cases often depend on evidence that can deteriorate or disappear over time. Medical records, photographs, communications with the perpetrator, and witness statements can all be crucial to establishing your case. When you hire a lawyer early, your attorney can take immediate steps to preserve this evidence, even if police have not yet been involved. This proactive approach strengthens your case and increases the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Confidential Guidance: Many survivors fear judgment or stigma associated with reporting sexual abuse. Working with a lawyer provides you with confidential legal guidance in a safe, non-judgmental environment. At Survivors of Abuse PA, Pennsylvania's trusted sexual abuse advocacy resource, survivors can discuss their experiences and options with complete confidentiality. Our 24/7 availability ensures that Scranton survivors can reach out at any time without judgment or pressure.
Understanding Your Options: A knowledgeable sexual abuse lawyer can explain your legal options comprehensively. Your attorney can discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of reporting to police, filing a civil lawsuit, or pursuing both avenues simultaneously. This information empowers you to make decisions that align with your values, comfort level, and goals for recovery and justice.
Institutional Accountability: Many sexual abuse cases involve institutions such as schools, churches, daycare centers, hospitals, or other organizations. If you have endured institutional sexual abuse in Scranton, PA, justice is within reach. A lawyer can help you hold these institutions accountable by filing lawsuits against them for negligence, failure to protect, and other legal theories. Institutional accountability often requires civil legal action rather than criminal reporting, as it focuses on systemic failures and organizational responsibility.
Compensation for Damages: Civil lawsuits can result in substantial compensation for survivors. This compensation can cover medical and mental health expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Criminal cases, by contrast, do not provide direct compensation to survivors. If financial recovery is important to you, hiring a lawyer to pursue a civil case is essential.
Understanding Pennsylvania's statute of limitations is critical when deciding whether to hire a lawyer. The statute of limitations sets a deadline for filing a lawsuit, and missing this deadline can permanently bar your claim. Pennsylvania has recently reformed its statute of limitations laws to provide survivors with more time to pursue justice.
In Pennsylvania, survivors of sexual abuse now have significantly expanded time to file civil lawsuits. Recent changes to the law have extended the statute of limitations and created a "look-back window" that allows survivors to file cases that would otherwise be barred by time limits. These reforms recognize that many survivors do not come forward immediately due to trauma, fear, shame, or other psychological factors.
However, statutes of limitations can be complex, and different rules may apply depending on the circumstances of your case, your age at the time of the abuse, and other factors. This is why consulting with an experienced sexual abuse lawyer as soon as possible is so important. Your attorney can explain the specific statute of limitations that applies to your situation and ensure that you do not miss any critical deadlines.
For a comprehensive guide to Pennsylvania's current statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases, Scranton PA Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations Guide 2026 provides detailed, up-to-date information about these critical legal timeframes and how they may affect your case.
If you have decided to hire a lawyer without reporting to police first, the process is straightforward and designed to be accessible and confidential. Here are the steps you can take:
Step 1: Reach Out Confidentially: Contact a sexual abuse law firm that specializes in representing survivors. Many firms, including those serving Scranton, offer confidential initial consultations. You can call, fill out an online form, or reach out through other communication methods. During this initial contact, you can discuss your situation without committing to anything or revealing your identity if you prefer.
Step 2: Schedule a Free Consultation: Most sexual abuse lawyers offer free consultations to discuss your case. During this consultation, you can explain what happened, ask questions about your legal options, and learn more about how the attorney can help you. This is an opportunity to assess whether you feel comfortable working with this lawyer and whether they have the expertise and experience you need.
Step 3: Discuss Your Options: During your consultation, your attorney will discuss whether pursuing a civil case, reporting to police, or both makes sense for your situation. Your lawyer can explain the potential outcomes, timelines, and challenges associated with each option. This discussion helps you make an informed decision about how to proceed.
Step 4: Retain Legal Representation: If you decide to move forward, you and your attorney will enter into a representation agreement. This agreement outlines the scope of representation, fee arrangements, and other important terms. Many sexual abuse lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you recover compensation through a settlement or judgment. This arrangement removes financial barriers to pursuing justice.
Step 5: Begin Case Investigation: Once retained, your attorney will begin investigating your case. This may involve gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, obtaining medical records, and building a strong case on your behalf. Your lawyer will keep you informed throughout this process and work with you to develop a strategy for pursuing your claim.
One of the primary concerns survivors have when considering legal action is whether their privacy will be protected. Fortunately, Pennsylvania law and legal ethics rules provide strong confidentiality protections for attorney-client communications and for survivors pursuing legal claims.
When you communicate with a lawyer about your case, those communications are protected by attorney-client privilege. This means your lawyer cannot disclose what you tell them without your permission. This protection applies whether or not you have reported the abuse to police. Your attorney's obligation to maintain your confidentiality is absolute and enforceable by law.
Additionally, lawyers can help survivors pursue claims while protecting their privacy. Anonymous reporting forms and other mechanisms ensure that evidence can be preserved and presented without unnecessary public exposure. While some cases may eventually require public proceedings, your attorney can work to minimize unnecessary publicity and protect your privacy throughout the process.
Pennsylvania lawyers offer confidential screenings without identity disclosure. Call lines like those provided by specialized firms ensure that survivors can discuss their situations confidentially without any commitment or pressure. This approach recognizes that many survivors need to explore their options in a safe, private setting before making decisions about moving forward.
While police reporting is not required before hiring a lawyer, there are circumstances where reporting to police may be beneficial. Understanding these situations can help you make a comprehensive decision about your approach.
Ongoing Threat of Harm: If the person who abused you poses an ongoing threat to you or others, reporting to police may be important for safety reasons. Police can investigate ongoing abuse, issue protective orders, and take other steps to prevent future harm. If you or others are in immediate danger, contacting law enforcement should be a priority.
Pattern of Abuse: If the perpetrator has abused multiple people, reporting to police may help prevent future abuse and may contribute to criminal prosecution. Law enforcement can investigate whether a pattern of abuse exists and whether criminal charges are appropriate. Your report may corroborate reports from other victims, strengthening the case against the perpetrator.
Institutional Accountability: If the abuse occurred within an institution, reporting to police may prompt an institutional investigation and policy changes. While civil lawsuits are often more effective at holding institutions accountable, criminal reporting can complement civil action by creating additional pressure on the institution to address systemic problems.
Preserving Evidence: In some cases, police investigations can help preserve evidence that might otherwise be lost. Police have authority to subpoena records, interview witnesses, and take other investigative steps that may not be available to private attorneys. If you believe evidence preservation is critical, consulting with both police and a lawyer about the best approach makes sense.
Many survivors choose to pursue both criminal reporting and civil legal action simultaneously. This approach offers the benefits of both pathways: potential criminal accountability through police investigation and prosecution, combined with civil compensation through a lawsuit. If you decide to pursue both avenues, working with an experienced lawyer is especially important.
Your attorney can coordinate with law enforcement to ensure that civil and criminal proceedings support each other rather than interfering with one another. Your lawyer can also protect your interests in the criminal process by advising you about your rights, helping you prepare for police interviews and testimony, and ensuring that evidence gathered in the criminal case is also available for your civil lawsuit.
Additionally, your lawyer can help you understand how criminal proceedings might affect your civil case. For example, if the perpetrator is convicted in criminal court, that conviction can be used as evidence in your civil case. Conversely, if a criminal case is unsuccessful, that does not prevent you from pursuing a civil case, which has a lower standard of proof.
Sexual abuse lawyers in Scranton, PA, such as those at Survivors of Abuse PA, handle a wide array of cases. Understanding the types of cases that lawyers can help with may help you determine whether pursuing legal action is appropriate for your situation.
Child Sexual Abuse and Molestation: Lawyers represent survivors of childhood sexual abuse, including cases involving family members, authority figures, and other perpetrators. These cases often involve institutional defendants such as schools, churches, or youth organizations that failed to protect children.
Clergy Abuse: Religious institutions have been sites of significant sexual abuse. Lawyers help survivors of clergy abuse pursue claims against churches, dioceses, and other religious organizations for failing to protect vulnerable individuals.
Institutional Abuse: Sexual abuse occurring within institutions such as private schools, boarding schools, hospitals, daycare centers, and other organizations can be addressed through civil lawsuits. These cases focus on institutional negligence and failure to protect.
Adult Sexual Assault: Lawyers also represent adult survivors of sexual assault, rape, and sexual harassment. These cases may involve perpetrators in positions of authority, such as employers, healthcare providers, or other professionals.
Hazing and Bullying: Hazing and bullying that includes sexual components can be addressed through legal action. Lawyers help survivors of hazing in schools, fraternities, sororities, military settings, and other contexts.
Professional Misconduct: Sexual abuse by healthcare providers, therapists, massage therapists, and other professionals can be addressed through civil lawsuits. These cases often involve violations of professional ethics and standards of care.
At Survivors of Abuse PA, our team of dedicated sexual abuse attorneys in Scranton provides comprehensive representation for a wide array of sexual assault cases. We specialize in delivering experienced and compassionate legal representation to those who have endured sexual abuse. Renowned as a leading sexual abuse law firm in Scranton, PA, we have earned a distinguished reputation for our vigorous advocacy on behalf of our clients, ensuring that their voices are prominently represented throughout the legal journey.
Scranton, located in Lackawanna County in northeastern Pennsylvania, offers survivors access to numerous resources and support systems. Understanding these resources can complement your legal action and support your overall recovery and healing.
The Scranton area, which includes neighborhoods such as the North Scranton and South Scranton districts, has a strong community presence of support organizations. Many of these organizations work in partnership with legal advocates to ensure survivors have comprehensive support. Whether you are seeking counseling, support groups, medical care, or other resources, the Scranton community offers multiple avenues for support.
Rape crisis centers provide confidential support and can be reached through established hotlines. These centers offer counseling, advocacy, and information about legal options. Contact rape crisis centers via 1-888-772-7227 for confidential support. These services are available to all survivors, regardless of whether they have reported to police or hired a lawyer.
Additionally, the Scranton area's proximity to other communities in northeastern Pennsylvania means that survivors may have access to additional resources beyond those available locally. Your lawyer can help connect you with appropriate support services as you navigate both the legal process and your personal recovery.
Hiring a sexual abuse lawyer is about more than just pursuing compensation. Your attorney plays a crucial role in your recovery and your pursuit of justice. A good lawyer understands the trauma that sexual abuse survivors have experienced and approaches representation with compassion, respect, and a deep commitment to your wellbeing.
Your attorney will listen to your story without judgment and work tirelessly to ensure that your voice is heard. Throughout the legal process, your lawyer will keep you informed, answer your questions, and support you through difficult moments. Your attorney recognizes that pursuing legal action can be re-traumatizing and will work to minimize unnecessary stress while maximizing your chances of a successful outcome.
For comprehensive legal representation and compassionate advocacy, Sexual Abuse Lawyers in Scranton, PA - Protecting Victims of Sexual Abuse offers experienced professionals dedicated to helping survivors pursue justice and healing. If you have endured sexual abuse, our legal team stands ready to advocate for your rights and help you navigate the path forward.
If you are considering hiring a sexual abuse lawyer, taking the first step is often the most difficult. You may feel fear, shame, uncertainty, or other emotions that make reaching out challenging. It is important to remember that you are not alone, and that seeking legal representation is a sign of strength, not weakness.
The first step is simply to contact a lawyer and schedule a free consultation. During this conversation, you do not need to share more than you are comfortable sharing. You can ask questions, learn about your options, and take time to decide whether pursuing legal action is right for you. There is no pressure, no judgment, and no obligation.
Many survivors find that simply speaking with a lawyer helps them feel more empowered and informed. Learning about your legal rights and options can be healing in itself, as it helps you understand that the abuse was not your fault and that you have legal remedies available to you.
For a free consultation with devoted PA sexual abuse attorneys, Survivors of Abuse PA - Sexual Abuse Lawyers Pennsylvania is available 24/7 to discuss your case confidentially and help you start your path to recovery. You can reach out via phone or online form at your convenience. Because we believe you, we are ready to listen and help.
No, you do not have to report sexual abuse to police before hiring a lawyer. This is a common misconception that prevents many survivors from seeking legal representation. You have the right to hire a sexual abuse attorney at any time, regardless of whether you have reported the abuse to law enforcement. In fact, hiring a lawyer immediately can help preserve evidence and protect your rights. Your attorney can advise you about whether police reporting is appropriate for your situation, but the decision is entirely yours. Many survivors choose to work with a lawyer without involving police, while others pursue both civil and criminal remedies simultaneously. The choice depends on your individual circumstances, comfort level, and goals for recovery and justice.
Criminal cases and civil lawsuits serve different purposes and follow different procedures. In a criminal case, the government prosecutes the alleged perpetrator to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the perpetrator may face imprisonment and other criminal penalties. However, the victim does not control the criminal process. In a civil lawsuit, the survivor files the case and seeks compensation for damages such as medical expenses, therapy costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The standard of proof in civil cases is lower—preponderance of the evidence rather than beyond a reasonable doubt. Most importantly, the survivor controls the civil process and can decide whether to settle, go to trial, or pursue other remedies. You can pursue a criminal case, a civil case, or both simultaneously. Many survivors find that civil cases offer more control and direct compensation, while criminal cases may provide accountability and deter future abuse.
Yes, Pennsylvania lawyers offer confidential screenings and initial consultations without requiring you to reveal your identity. Many law firms that specialize in sexual abuse cases understand that survivors need to explore their options in a safe, private setting before making decisions about moving forward. You can contact a lawyer through phone calls, online forms, or other communication methods while maintaining your privacy. Attorney-client communications are protected by attorney-client privilege, meaning your lawyer cannot disclose what you tell them without your permission. This confidentiality protection applies regardless of whether you have reported the abuse to police. Many survivors find that this confidential initial consultation helps them feel more comfortable and informed about their legal options.
Pennsylvania has recently reformed its statute of limitations laws to provide survivors with significantly more time to file civil lawsuits for sexual abuse. Recent changes have extended the statute of limitations and created a "look-back window" that allows survivors to file cases that would otherwise be barred by time limits. These reforms recognize that many survivors do not come forward immediately due to trauma, fear, shame, or other psychological factors. However, the specific statute of limitations that applies to your case depends on various factors, including your age at the time of the abuse, the type of abuse, and the identity of the perpetrator. This is why consulting with an experienced sexual abuse lawyer as soon as possible is so important. Your attorney can explain the statute of limitations that applies to your situation and ensure that you do not miss any critical deadlines. For detailed information about current statute of limitations rules, consult with a Scranton sexual abuse lawyer who stays current with Pennsylvania law changes.
Yes, many survivors pursue both criminal reporting and civil legal action simultaneously. This approach offers the benefits of both pathways: potential criminal accountability through police investigation and prosecution, combined with civil compensation through a lawsuit. If you decide to pursue both avenues, working with an experienced lawyer is especially important. Your attorney can coordinate with law enforcement to ensure that civil and criminal proceedings support each other rather than interfering with one another. Your lawyer can also protect your interests in the criminal process by advising you about your rights, helping you prepare for police interviews and testimony, and ensuring that evidence gathered in the criminal case is also available for your civil lawsuit. Additionally, if the perpetrator is convicted in criminal court, that conviction can be used as evidence in your civil case, potentially strengthening your civil claim.
In a civil sexual abuse lawsuit, you can seek compensation for various types of damages that result from the abuse. Economic damages include medical and mental health expenses, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket costs directly related to the abuse. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other intangible harms. In some cases, punitive damages may be available if the perpetrator's conduct was particularly egregious or if the defendant is an institution that failed to protect you despite knowing of the abuse. The specific damages available depend on the circumstances of your case, the applicable law, and the evidence presented. Your attorney can explain what damages may be available in your situation and work to maximize your recovery. Many survivors find that receiving compensation helps validate their experience and provides resources for their ongoing recovery and healing.
Fear and shame are common emotions experienced by sexual abuse survivors, and these feelings often prevent people from seeking help or pursuing legal action. It is important to understand that these emotions are normal responses to trauma, and they do not reflect any fault or weakness on your part. The abuse was not your fault, and you deserve support and justice. One way to address these feelings is to reach out to a sexual abuse lawyer who specializes in working with survivors. Lawyers understand trauma and approach survivors with compassion and without judgment. During a confidential consultation, you can discuss your feelings and concerns with a professional who is trained to help. You may also benefit from working with a mental health professional or support group alongside your legal representation. These resources can help you process your trauma and build the strength and courage needed to pursue justice. Remember that many other survivors have felt the same fears and shame, and they have successfully moved forward with legal action. You are not alone, and help is available.
Yes, you can file a civil lawsuit against an institution for sexual abuse that occurred within that institution. If you have endured institutional sexual abuse in Scranton, PA, justice is within reach. Institutions such as schools, churches, daycare centers, hospitals, and other organizations can be held accountable for sexual abuse that occurs within their facilities or programs. These lawsuits typically focus on the institution's negligence, failure to protect, failure to investigate, and other legal theories. You can seek compensation not only from the individual perpetrator but also from the institution for its role in allowing the abuse to occur. Many institutional sexual abuse cases result in significant settlements or judgments that provide compensation to survivors and create incentives for institutions to implement better safety measures and protections. An experienced sexual abuse lawyer can evaluate whether you have a claim against an institution and can pursue that claim on your behalf.
The timeline for a civil sexual abuse lawsuit varies depending on many factors, including the complexity of the case, the number of defendants, the amount of evidence that needs to be gathered, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Some cases settle relatively quickly, within months to a year or two. Other cases may take several years to resolve, particularly if they involve multiple defendants, complex institutional issues, or proceed to trial. During the litigation process, there are various stages including discovery (where both sides exchange evidence), motion practice, settlement negotiations, and potentially trial. Your attorney will keep you informed about the progress of your case and discuss realistic timelines based on the specific circumstances. While the process can be lengthy, many survivors find that having an experienced attorney handling their case allows them to focus on their recovery and healing while the legal process moves forward. Your lawyer will work to resolve your case as efficiently as possible while maximizing your recovery.
The evidence needed to prove a sexual abuse claim varies depending on the specific circumstances of your case, the type of abuse, and the defendants involved. However, several types of evidence can be important in sexual abuse cases. Medical evidence such as examination reports, photographs of injuries, and medical records can document physical evidence of abuse. Psychological evidence such as therapy records, diagnoses of trauma-related conditions, and expert testimony about the impact of sexual abuse can establish the harm you have suffered. Witness testimony from people who saw the abuse, heard disclosures about the abuse, or observed changes in your behavior following the abuse can corroborate your account. Communications such as emails, text messages, or other records involving the perpetrator or the institution can provide evidence of the abuse or of the defendant's knowledge of the abuse. Documentary evidence such as institutional policies, training records, and complaint records can establish whether the defendant knew about risks or prior incidents of abuse. Your attorney will work to gather and preserve all available evidence and will explain what evidence is most important for your case. In many cases, your own testimony and credible account of what happened is also powerful evidence. Lawyers secure anonymous reporting forms and ensure that evidence storage matches statutes of limitations and legal requirements.
If you want to hire a sexual abuse lawyer in Scranton, the first step is to contact a law firm that specializes in representing sexual abuse survivors. You can reach out via phone, online form, or other communication methods. During your initial contact, you can ask questions about the firm's experience, approach, and how they can help you. Most firms offer free initial consultations, so there is no financial commitment to learning more about your options. During your consultation, you can discuss what happened, ask questions about the legal process, and learn about your rights and options. Be prepared to share basic information about your situation, but remember that you do not need to share more than you are comfortable sharing during an initial consultation. After your consultation, you can take time to think about whether you want to move forward with representation. If you decide to hire the attorney, you will typically sign a representation agreement that outlines the terms of representation, including fee arrangements. Many sexual abuse lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you recover compensation. This removes financial barriers to pursuing justice. Remember that reaching out to a lawyer is a sign of strength, and that help and justice are available to you.
The question of whether you need to report sexual abuse to police before hiring a lawyer has a clear answer: you do not. This is your choice, and it is a choice that belongs entirely to you. You have the right to pursue justice through civil legal action without involving police, or you can pursue both criminal reporting and civil litigation simultaneously. The path you choose depends on your individual circumstances, your comfort level, your goals, and your vision for recovery and justice.
What is most important is that you know you have options and that you do not have to navigate this alone. An experienced sexual abuse lawyer can help you understand your rights, explore your options, and pursue the justice and compensation you deserve. Whether you are ready to move forward immediately or you need time to think about your options, help is available to you.
If you have experienced sexual abuse in Scranton or anywhere in Pennsylvania, reaching out to a qualified attorney is a powerful step toward reclaiming your power and pursuing justice. The compassionate professionals at Survivors of Abuse PA are available 24/7 to discuss your case confidentially and help you understand your legal options. Because we believe you, we are committed to supporting and advocating for your rights. Your journey toward healing and justice can begin today with a single call or message. You deserve to be heard, believed, and supported as you pursue the justice you deserve.
Ashley DiLiberto, Esq. - The Abuse Lawyer PA
123 S 22nd St.,
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(267) 502-9090
Hours Of Operation
Monday: 24 Hours
Tuesday: 24 Hours
Wednesday: 24 Hours
Thursday: 24 Hours
Friday: 24 Hours
Saturday: 24 Hours
Sunday: 24 Hours
Cases We Handle
Sexual abuse lawyer
Child abuse lawyer
Clergy abuse lawyer
Private boarding school abuse lawyer
Doctor abuse lawyer
Daycare abuse lawyer
Hazing and Bullying abuse lawyer
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