Boca Raton Sexual Abuse Attorney

Not all injuries are visible, but that doesn't make them any less real. If you or someone you care about has experienced sexual abuse, the journey toward healing often involves seeking justice. 

Osborne, Francis & Pettis is here to support you every step of the way.

Our attorneys recognize the profoundly personal nature of these cases. We prioritize listening, moving at your pace, and protecting your privacy to minimize any further trauma as we build your case.

No matter when the abuse occurred, recently or in the past, you deserve to have your voice heard and to have a dedicated Boca Raton sexual abuse lawyer fighting for you.

When you're ready, contact us at (561) 293-2600 for a free consultation. Everything discussed during your consultation will be kept strictly confidential, and there is no obligation to move forward with our firm.

Hear from Our Attorneys About How We Support Sexual Abuse Survivors

If you've experienced sexual abuse, we invite you to watch our attorneys discuss how we can support you. In this video, Osborne, Francis & Pettis lawyers explain their compassionate approach, focusing on protecting your privacy and making sure the legal process is as supportive as possible.

Why Choose Osborne, Francis & Pettis for Boca Raton Sexual Abuse Cases?

You shouldn't have to navigate the legal system alone, especially after what you've been through. When you work with our team, a dedicated Boca Raton sexual abuse attorney will guide you through every step, from investigating what happened to building the strongest possible case.

Many survivors we work with were harmed by someone they knew, in a place where they should have been safe. This is far more common than abuse by strangers. We've helped survivors in Boca Raton and across Palm Beach County pursue civil cases against:

Assisted Living Facilities and Nursing Homes

Residents in care facilities are physically vulnerable and dependent on staff for daily needs, which can create opportunities for abuse. Misconduct may include sexual assault, inappropriate contact, or exploitation by employees or other residents. When facilities fail to screen staff or ignore warning signs properly, they share responsibility for the resulting damage.

Public or Private Schools and College Campuses

Students trust teachers, coaches, and administrators to provide a safe learning environment. When that trust is violated through inappropriate relationships, unwanted sexual contact, or assault, the effects can follow a young person for years. Schools that fail to enforce proper safeguards or ignore complaints can be held accountable alongside individual abusers.

Childcare Centers

Young children are especially at risk because they may not have the language or awareness to report abuse. Violations in these settings can go undetected for months or even years, causing lasting psychological trauma. Parents trust these facilities with their children's safety, and when that trust is broken, both caregivers and institutions may bear legal liability.

Foster Care and Group Homes

Children in foster care or group home settings have frequently already experienced trauma, making them particularly susceptible to further abuse. Abuse can come from foster parents, staff members, or other residents in the home. Agencies tasked with placing children and monitoring their care face liability when they fail to protect those in their charge.

Churches and Religious Organizations

Abuse by clergy, youth ministers, or volunteers represents a profound betrayal of faith and community trust. Many religious institutions have histories of concealing wrongdoing and transferring abusers rather than reporting them. Survivors deserve justice not only from their abusers but from the organizations that enabled or covered up the abuse.

Youth Programs and Extracurriculars

Sports teams, scouting groups, music programs, and mentoring organizations give adults regular access to children in settings with limited oversight. Predatory individuals frequently seek out these roles specifically to gain trust and access.

When organizations fail to implement proper background checks, supervision policies, or reporting procedures, they can face serious legal consequences.

Hospitals, Treatment Centers, and Recovery Facilities

Patients in medical and treatment settings occupy positions of dependence, whether due to illness, sedation, or the power imbalance inherent in healthcare relationships. Abuse can occur during examinations, procedures, or residential treatment stays.

Facilities have a duty to protect patients, and those that fail to do so through inadequate hiring practices or lax oversight can face civil liability.

Workplaces

Sexual harassment and assault in the workplace can come from supervisors, colleagues, or clients. Victims commonly fear retaliation, job loss, or disbelief if they come forward. Employers who ignore complaints, fail to investigate, or allow a hostile environment to persist are legally answerable for the harm their employees suffer.

If the place where you were harmed isn't listed here, that doesn't mean you don't have a case. Contact a sexual abuse lawyer in Boca Raton to discuss your situation.

"Osborne, Francis & Pettis are top-tier attorneys and legal reps. The communication is very clear, expedient, and very detailed. My case worker stayed on top of all necessary documents and forms that needed to be completed. Very organized and thorough process. Highly recommend Osborne, Francis & Pettis."

— Matiya W. | Client

Understanding Sexual Abuse Under Florida Law

Sexual abuse is fundamentally defined by the absence of consent and the violation of trust, boundaries, or power. It encompasses a range of behaviors, from physical acts like assault to non-physical forms, such as coercion or exposure to harmful material.

Under Florida law, sexual abuse includes acts such as molestation, sex trafficking, and the exploitation of minors. The law is designed to protect individuals in all settings, ensuring that abusers are held accountable for their actions.

Why a Civil Case Matters

While a criminal conviction can remove an abuser from society, it does not compensate survivors for the harm they've endured, such as lost wages, therapy costs, and emotional distress.

A civil lawsuit, on the other hand, can provide financial compensation and hold institutions accountable for enabling or ignoring the abuse. Many survivors find that pursuing a civil case helps them reclaim a sense of control and closure.

Your relationship with the abuser, whether close or distant, does not diminish your right to seek justice.

What if Nobody Believes Me?

It's natural to feel apprehensive about sharing your experience, especially when you worry that others might not believe you. At Osborne, Francis & Pettis, we want you to know that your voice is important and that we believe you. We're here to listen without judgment and support you every step of the way, so you never have to face this journey by yourself.

You are not alone, and it's okay to reach out for help. Our team is dedicated to providing a compassionate and understanding environment where your feelings and experiences are respected.

"We understand the courage it takes to come forward. Our commitment is to stand by survivors and advocate for justice."

— Greg Francis | Osborne, Francis & Pettis

Who Can Be Held Responsible?

Many survivors don't realize they can pursue legal action against more than just the person who abused them. When an institution fails to protect you, ignores warning signs, or conceals abuse, that organization may share legal liability.

Responsible parties may include:

• A school that ignored complaints about a teacher or coach,
• A hospital or care facility that failed to remove a known abuser from its staff,
• A church that concealed allegations or transferred an offender rather than reporting them,
• An employer that dismissed harassment complaints or allowed a hostile environment to persist,
• A landlord who neglected security measures that could have prevented an assault, or
• A foster agency that placed a child in an unsafe home.
  

Holding institutions accountable not only strengthens your case for compensation but also pressures organizations to change policies and protect others in the future.

Every situation is different. Our Boca Raton sexual assault law firm will investigate thoroughly to uncover every responsible party and ensure all legal options are explored.

Coming forward takes courage, and you deserve a legal team that treats you with patience and respect. At Osborne, Francis & Pettis, we're here to listen, answer your questions, and help you understand your options.

Call (561) 293-2600 to speak with a Boca Raton sexual abuse lawyer, or send a secure message to schedule a confidential consultation.

Compensation Sexual Abuse Victims May Be Able to Claim

We recognize the profound impact of abuse and the importance of securing compensation that reflects the real costs survivors face. Legal claims can address the wide range of expenses and losses connected to the aftermath of abuse, including:

Medical Expenses

Survivors may need emergency care, follow-up appointments, diagnostic testing, or treatment for physical injuries. Compensation can cover these medical bills, so survivors are not left to handle treatment costs on their own.

Mental Health Support

Therapy, trauma-focused counseling, psychiatric evaluations, and long-term treatment plans can involve significant expenses. Compensation may account for ongoing sessions needed to manage trauma, anxiety, depression, or sleep disturbances.

Medication

Many survivors require prescriptions to support their mental health, such as medications for anxiety, depression, or PTSD symptoms. These costs can increase over time, especially when treatment continues for an extended period.

Emotional Distress

Sexual abuse can leave survivors coping with fear, anxiety, nightmares, difficulty trusting others, or a constant sense of unease in certain situations. Compensation can account for the ways these symptoms affect daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.

Lost Wages and Opportunities

Abuse can impact a survivor's ability to work. Some need time away from their jobs for medical appointments, therapy, or recovery. Others may face difficulties with concentration, emotional stability, or workplace triggers that affect performance or advancement. Compensation can address missed income and the impact on future earning potential.

In some instances, Florida courts may also award punitive damages. These damages are designed to hold perpetrators accountable and help prevent future harm. While not guaranteed in every case, they play a crucial role in seeking justice.

Additionally, a national Martindale-Nolo survey found that survivors who partner with a personal injury lawyer typically recover significantly more compensation compared to those who pursue claims alone.

What is the Deadline for Filing a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in Boca Raton?

Florida law sets time limits for filing lawsuits related to sexual abuse. These deadlines depend on several factors, including how old you were when the abuse happened. Missing the deadline can mean losing your right to seek compensation.

The good news is that Florida has made significant changes in recent years to give survivors more time and more options.

If You Were Under 16 When the Abuse Occurred

In 2010, Florida eliminated the time limit for filing civil lawsuits and criminal charges for sexual offenses against victims who were under 16. This means if you were abused before the age of 16, you may be able to file a lawsuit no matter how long ago it happened.

Lawmakers made this change because they recognized that it can take survivors years, sometimes decades, to be ready to come forward. This applies to any case that wasn't already past its deadline by July 1, 2010.

If You Were Under 18 When the Abuse Occurred

In 2020, Florida passed "Donna's Law," which removed the time limit for criminal charges in sexual battery cases involving anyone who was under 18 at the time of the offense.

This closed a gap in the earlier law and ensures that all survivors of childhood sexual abuse have the opportunity to see their abusers face criminal prosecution. Donna's Law applies to crimes that occurred on or after July 1, 2020.

New Laws Protecting Children and Survivors (2024–2025)

Florida continues to strengthen protections for abuse survivors:

• House Bill 777 (2025): Makes it easier to prosecute adults who attempt to lure or entice children, with stronger penalties than before.
• House Bill 305 (2024): Allows testimony from child victims up to age 17 (previously 16) to be used as evidence, and requires harsher consequences for those convicted of trafficking minors.
• Brooke's Law (2025): Protects victims of digitally manipulated abuse images (sometimes called "deepfakes") by requiring websites to remove this content within 48 hours of a victim's request.

What Determines Your Deadline?

Several factors affect how much time you have to file:

• Your age when the abuse occurred,
• When you first understood that the abuse caused you harm,
• Whether the abuser has a history of similar behavior, and
• Whether an institution, such as a school or church, covered up what happened.
  

Many survivors need time before they're ready to come forward. Florida law has increasingly recognized that reality, and options may exist today that weren't available in the past. A Boca Raton sexual abuse attorney can help clarify which deadlines apply and whether any exceptions may be relevant.

Resources for Sexual Abuse Survivors in Boca Raton

Whether you're ready to pursue legal action or simply need someone to talk to, the following resources offer confidential support.

National Support

• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), available 24/7.
• RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): Offers free, confidential support via phone, chat, and text around the clock.

Florida Resources

• Florida Council Against Sexual Violence (FCASV): Crisis counselors can connect you with your local certified sexual assault program. Visit fcasv.org or call for assistance.
• Florida Abuse Hotline: If you suspect a child is being abused, call 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873).

Palm Beach County Resources

• Palm Beach County Victim Services & Certified Rape Crisis Center: Five locations throughout the county, including the West Palm Beach office at 4210 N Australian Avenue. Advocates are available 24/7 and can assist with:

• Accompanying you to medical exams or investigative procedures
• Emergency restraining orders
• Referrals for therapy, medical care, and social services
• Support groups for adult survivors of sexual assault and incest

Local Assistance

• Dial 211 or 311: These services connect you with local counseling, support groups, and community resources.
• Local Law Enforcement: Police departments can provide referrals to victim services in your area.
• Your Medical Provider: A doctor or nurse can help you access support services and document injuries if needed.
  

If you're unsure where to start or need help navigating these resources, Osborne, Francis & Pettis can help point you in the right direction. You don't need to be ready for legal action to reach out.

Proudly Representing Boca Raton Residents