Supportive & Skilled Champaign Sexual Assault Attorney

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If you have been the victim of sexual assault in the workplace or on a school campus, the experienced and compassionate attorneys at Spiros Law, P.C. are here to stand up for you. We know that fighting back against those who harmed you can be emotionally challenging, but we also know how getting a measure of justice can empower victims of assault. That’s why we fight for sexual assault victims in Champaign, and we’re here to put our experience and skill to work for you.

Sexual assault is a criminal offense, but perpetrators and others like employers or school administrators could be held liable through civil action as well. At Spiros Law, P.C., our compassionate team of Champaign sexual assault attorneys is dedicated to getting justice for sexual assault victims. You may feel alone, but you are not, because we’re on your side. We promise to listen to you, and we promise to give you the best options to move forward with a claim against your attacker. We don’t stop until you get the compensation you deserve and we are with you to help you from the beginning of your claim through the settlement.

If you have suffered a sexual assault, call Spiros Law, P.C. today at (217) 328-2828 for a free, and completely confidential consultation about your case.

Sexual Abuse Cases We Handle

• School/university sexual assault
• Workplace sexual assault
• Hotels/cruise sexual assault
• Military sexual assault
• Prison sexual assault
• Sports sexual assault
• Church sexual assault
• Clergy sexual assault
• Public transportation (bus, train, etc.)
• Airplane sexual assault
• Camp sexual assault
• Foster care sexual assault
• Spa sexual assault
• Public restroom/ bathroom sexual assault
• Marital sexual assault
• Girlfriend/boyfriend sexual assault
• Relative/family sexual assault

If you or a loved one have endured nonconsensual physical touch or verbal advances, we’re here to help. Schedule a free consultation, and we’ll determine the best course of action under Illinois law.

What Are Common Types of Sexual Assault?

According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), a sexual assault happens every 68 seconds in the United States. This type of assault takes many forms, but it usually boils down to sexual contact perpetrated without consent. ‍

To be clear, consent must be given voluntarily, knowingly, and mutually. It can be stated in words or actions so long as it creates explicit consent. It is not enough for a person to simply be silent or not resist.

Furthermore, there are several situations in which a person cannot legally consent, including when the victim is:

• Incapacitated
• Coerced
• Mentally disabled
• Intoxicated
• Underage

Finally, it’s important to remember that anyone in your life could potentially commit abuse, including a family member, friend, teacher, minister, or stranger. Sexual violence can also happen to anyone, regardless of gender identity, biological sex, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. If you have been sexually assaulted, it was not your fault.

Common types of sexual violence, as defined by law

Sexual Harassment​

Sexual harassment usually refers to sexually offensive remarks or sexual gestures. It can also include coerced sexual acts, but this typically crosses into the definition of sexual assault.

Sexual Misconduct

Sexual misconduct occurs when a person does not obtain consent before engaging in sexual intercourse, oral sexual conduct, or anal sexual conduct.

This type of sexual violence often occurs when a superior or authority figure takes advantage of another person, such as relationships between doctors and patients, teachers and students, employers and employees, and priests and parishioners.

Oral and Anal Sexual Misconduct

Specifically, oral and anal sexual conduct are criminal acts when the perpetrator does not obtain consent. In Illinois, the age of consent is 17. Sexual contact with someone under 17 can be considered criminal.

Rape

Rape occurs when someone engages in sexual intercourse without the other person’s consent, including with a person who cannot consent due to mental incapacity or mental disability. Sexual intercourse with a person younger than 17 years old is also considered rape unless there is no more than a 4-year age gap.

It’s important to remember that there are various exceptions and clarifications under Illinois sexual abuse laws. To ensure you understand the full legal implications of your situation, you should contact an Danville sexual abuse lawyer immediately.

Why Should I Sue?

If you have been sexually assaulted or abused, you are fully within your rights to sue for compensation. Often, assault victims are shamed for seeking compensation, but this is based on horrible prejudice. Anyone physically, mentally, and financially abused has the right to seek compensation for their losses and anguish in US court.

You might think that a criminal case is enough to get justice in your situation, but there are a few reasons you should consider pursuing a civil case:

• Financial compensation – As a survivor, you may be entitled to compensation to cover medical costs, therapy, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
• Holding parties accountable – Lawsuits can punish individuals and hold institutions that were legally obligated to protect you from harm accountable.
• Seeking closure – While money cannot undo trauma, many survivors feel that a civil is an empowering tool that helps them reclaim control of their lives.

A reputable sexual abuse attorney can help you pursue these goals and achieve justice in your case.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Defendant / Assailant

You have the right to seek both criminal and civil accountability from the assailant. While a number cannot be assigned to your suffering, compensation can offer a level of accountability financially and socially. It also allows your voice to be heard and exposes the assailant for what they have done.

Employers

If you were assaulted or abused at work, your employer can be held liable if they have failed to protect employees and take proactive measures.

Institutions or Organizations

Institutions or organizations such as schools or churches are considered negligent when they know of an alleged sexual assault and fail to report it or know of its threat but fail to act accordingly. Your attorney can help identify all culpable parties and pursue legal action against anyone responsible for the crime committed against you.

Property Owners

Property owners or landlords have a duty to maintain safe premises and to prevent foreseeable acts of violence.

It Is Your Legal Right to Seek Compensation If You Choose To

While no amount of money can undo the trauma of a sexual assault, a civil lawsuit can help you claim financial compensation to aid in the costs of healing and rebuilding.

Types of Compensation for a Sexual Abuse & Assault Survivors:

Economic Damages (Financial Losses)

These damages cover the actual costs of your injury—things that have a clear dollar amount, including:

• Medical expenses, such as hospital bills, doctor visits, therapy, and mental health treatment.
• Future medical costs include ongoing treatments, medications, and long-term care..
• Lost wages or income lost due to time away from work.
• Reduced earning ability if your injury affects your ability to work in the future.

Non-Economic Damages (Life Impact)

The impact of an assault or abuse changes your daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. Non-economic damages provide compensation for:

• Pain and suffering like chronic headaches, dizziness, and other long-term symptoms.
• Emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, or mood changes.
• Loss of enjoyment of life, such as struggling to participate in activities you once loved.
• Loss of companionship, like strained relationships with a spouse, family, or friends.
• Disfigurement or physical impairment if your injury leaves visible scars or long-term disabilities.

Statute of Limitations for Sexual Assault Civil Claims in Illinois

There is no statute of limitations on criminal sexual abuse cases against alleged offenders in Illinois.

Moreover, the time limit for filing a civil lawsuit for sexual abuse in Illinois depends on the circumstances:

• For childhood sexual abuse survivors – There is no statute of limitations to file a civil case, meaning survivors can file a lawsuit at any time, no matter how many years have passed since the abuse occurred. This law recognizes that many survivors need time to process their experiences before seeking justice.
• For adult sexual assault survivors – The statute of limitations to file a civil case is generally two years from the date of the assault. Since this window is much shorter, it is crucial for survivors to seek legal guidance as soon as they feel ready to take action.

In 2019, Illinois became the eighth state to completely remove its statute of limitations for criminally prosecuting sex crimes. This came two years after Illinois abolished the statute of limitations for prosecuting sex crimes against victims under the age of 18. While adults have a shorter window to file a civil lawsuit, they can file a criminal lawsuit at any time.

Before the criminal statute of limitations was removed, victims faced significant barriers to justice. Prosecutors were only permitted to pursue charges against alleged sex crime perpetrators within a 10-year window, and even then, only if the crime had been reported within three years of occurrence. These restrictive timeframes severely limited survivors’ ability to hold their abusers accountable through criminal proceedings.

Illinois law provides certain exceptions that can temporarily pause the statute of limitations under specific circumstances. For example, if the accused leaves Illinois or conceals themselves to evade prosecution, the statute of limitations may be suspended until they return to the state or are located by authorities.

9 out of 10 Rape Allegations are PROVEN to be True

Unfortunately, claims of false rape accusations are quite overexaggerated. The truth is, more often than not, that when an assault victim speaks, they are proven right.

A 2010 US study found that in the preceding 20 years, only 2-10% of rape accusations were proven to be false. Further, the FBI has put the number of “unfounded” rapes—those determined to be false after investigation—at 8%. It’s important to note, however, that that figure does not include any unsubstantiated accusations where an investigation was unable to prove a sexual assault occurred, so the actual total remains unknown.

You should also know that oftentimes, rape cases are filled in the same category as “false” even if the claim wasn’t investigated or if the victim had evidence yet the police station deemed it insufficient to further investigate.

Public bias and a frenzy of media coverage around false rape accusations get a lot of attention and often puts a lot more pressure on the assault victim. This belief that the person is lying contributes to victims choosing to stay silent about their abuse in the first place.

This is why it is important to have a skilled attorney on your side. Sexual assault attorneys are equipped to challenge bias and ensure the client gets a fair trial. We want you to know that you are not alone, and there are far more people ready to stand by your side than those attempting to silence you.

Sexual Assault & Abuse Statistics

• The FBI reports that 9 out of 10 rape accusations reported are proven true.
• Every 68 seconds, someone in the US is sexually assaulted.
• Every 9 minutes, that victim is a child.
• Since 1998, an estimated 17.7 million American women have experienced attempted or completed rape.
• Each year, about 463,634 people twelve years of age or older are victims of rape or sexual assault in the US
• People between the ages of 12 and 34 are at the highest risk of being raped or sexually assaulted.
• 94% of women who are raped show symptoms of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) within two weeks.
• 30% of women still experience PTSD symptoms nine months after being raped.
• 1 in 3 women who are raped think about suicide.
• 13% of rape survivors attempt suicide.
• Around 70% of rape and sexual assault survivors experience serious emotional distress—more than with any other violent crime.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer to Handle My Sexual Assault Case?

When taking legal action, it is critical to have an experienced attorney on your side. Victims of assault often do not know their rights or all of the legal options that are available to them, so the first step is to consult someone who can help you figure out the best course of action for your claim. Your attorney will be by your side through the entire process and will make sure that your interests are represented in negotiations and in court.

Additionally, whether the sexual assault occurred at work or on campus means that different aspects of the law are applicable and an experienced sexual assault case lawyer will know how the law will be applied in your case. Finally, whether your sexual assault happened on campus or happened on the job, employers and colleges will likely spend a lot of money to try to put a stop to the litigation or settle for as little money as possible. Your attorney will work to make sure that your voice is heard and that justice is served.

Not every attorney has the experience and knowledge to represent you in your sexual assault case successfully, so be sure to choose a team with the right experience and resources to handle your case.

Why Choose Spiros Law, P.C.?

Spiros Law, P.C. has a team of attorneys who are prepared to help victims of sexual assault in Champaign and across Southern Illinois.

Our lawyers have a comprehensive legal knowledge and verifiable experience in successfully representing sexual assault victims with toughness and persistence, and they are extremely qualified to handle every aspect of your sexual assault case.

Spiros Law, P.C. is known for our compassion for our clients and our aggressive pursuit of justice on their behalf. In sexual assault cases, that is exactly the combination you should look for when hiring a law firm to represent you. We are here to listen to you and learn about what is most important to you and your family. We will explain your legal options and will work with you to develop a plan of action. It is our goal to empower victims of sexual assault and get them the justice and sense of security that they seek.

You may feel helpless and hopeless because of the trauma you have suffered as a result of your sexual assault, but our compassionate and sympathetic lawyers at Spiros Law, P.C. are ready to stand with you and will fight for you. We know that you have contacted us after an incredibly traumatic event in your life. We also know that you deserve to be heard. You deserve respect. And you deserve caring counsel and straightforward communication about your case. We commit that and more to every one of our clients.

We’re here to assist in making things right for you so you can move forward with your life

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does sexual assault happen in the U.S.?
Someone in the United States is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds, highlighting how widespread this issue is.

How many women have experienced rape in the U.S.?
Since 1998, an estimated 17.7 million American women have experienced either attempted or completed rape.

How many people are affected by rape or sexual assault each year?
About 463,634 people aged 12 or older are victims of rape or sexual assault annually in the U.S.

Who is at the highest risk of sexual assault?
Individuals between the ages of 12 and 34 are at the highest risk of being raped or sexually assaulted.

Are false rape accusations common?
No. The FBI reports that 9 out of 10 rape accusations are proven to be true, dispelling the myth of frequent false reports.

Are college women more likely to be victims of sexual assault?
Yes. Statistics show that college women are disproportionately affected by sexual assaults compared to other groups.

What is Title IX and how does it relate to campus sexual assault?
Title IX is a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational institutions. It requires colleges and universities to take reports of sexual harassment and sexual violence seriously and to investigate them promptly and fairly.

What if my college ignored my report of sexual assault?
If your college failed to investigate your report, tried to discredit you, or pressured you to stay silent or withdraw your complaint, they may be legally responsible. You may be able to include the institution in a legal claim along with the individual perpetrator.

Can a college be held accountable for mishandling a sexual assault case?
Yes. If the college failed to act appropriately or attempted to cover up the assault, they can be named in a legal claim for their role in allowing the misconduct to continue or go unpunished.

Contact a Champaign Sexual Harassment Lawyer

If you are the victim of a sexual assault, have gotten nowhere doing what you were supposed to do with campus administrators or company human resources departments, and, in fact, have suffered even more after reporting your sexual assault, you may think you have to live with it alone. You don’t.

Our lawyers at Spiros Law, P.C. know how devastating sexual assaults are and how much more devastating the aftermath can be.

We are here to help you get through this and get fair compensation for the damages you have suffered. Please call our experienced legal team at Spiros Law, P.C. today to schedule a free consultation. We will take care of everything on the legal side to build your case so you can focus on beginning the healing process for yourself. Don’t hesitate. Call us now for help.