Understanding the Problem: Sexual Abuse in Florida
Every year, thousands of Floridians report sexual abuse — but we know those numbers only scratch the surface. According to state crime data, Florida had a reported rape rate of 10.1 per 100,000 people in 2023. But again, many cases are never reported to the police or authorities.
The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey shows just how widespread this problem really is in Florida:
For women in Florida:
- About 1,266,000 women, or 1 in 6, have been raped in their lifetime.
- Over 3.1 million women (that’s 41.8%) have faced sexual violence other than rape.
- Of those raped, nearly 80% experienced their first rape before turning 25, and over 42% were under 18.
For men in Florida:
- More than 1.4 million men (about 20.4%) have been victims of some form of sexual violence.
- Shockingly, 27.8% of male victims who experienced rape say it first happened before they turned 10 years old.
Sexual abuse isn’t always the act of a single person. In many cases, it happens or continues because of institutional failure.
For instance, in 2022, Florida's child protective services (CPS) screened in 138,711 referrals for child abuse and neglect. Of the confirmed child victims that year, 11.8% were victims of sexual abuse.
Where Sexual Abuse Can Occur
Sexual abuse can happen anywhere, not just in private homes, but in public spaces and trusted institutions throughout Florida. What makes it especially troubling is that many abusers use their positions of authority or trust to take advantage of others, whether it’s a child in daycare, a college student in a classroom, or a patient in a hospital.
Sadly, many survivors experience sexual abuse in environments where they should feel protected. These include:
- Schools and universities.
- Preschools and daycares.
- Churches and religious institutions.
- Hospitals, clinics, and rehab facilities.
- Foster homes and group homes.
- Sports programs and extracurricular activities.
- Workplaces and professional settings.
A common myth is that sexual abuse mostly comes from strangers. But in reality, the vast majority of abuse is committed by someone the victim knows — someone they trust.
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) reports that only 7% of abused children are harmed by a stranger. The rest are abused by people close to them, like teachers, coaches, caregivers, religious leaders, or even family friends. And the same is often true for adult survivors, especially in workplace or institutional settings.
Abuse on Florida College Campuses
Sexual abuse is also a serious issue in Florida’s colleges and universities. A 2019 study from the University of Florida (UF), part of a national survey on sexual assault and misconduct, revealed just how widespread the problem is on campuses:
- 30.1% of undergraduate women and 7.7% of undergraduate men at UF said they had experienced nonconsensual sexual contact by force or when they were unable to give consent.
- Among graduate students, 19% of women and 3.9% of men reported the same experience.
- 14.8% of transgender, nonbinary, or genderqueer students were victims of sexual contact involving force or lack of consent.
- Nearly half of all UF students (45%) said they experienced at least one form of harassment.
- Students with disabilities or who identify as LGBTQ+ were nearly twice as likely to be victims.
If you believe your abuse was part of a larger pattern or that an institution failed to act, we can help investigate. Your case may reveal similar signs of negligence. Contact Osborne & Francis today online or by calling (561) 293-2600 to find out what legal options may be available to you.
Signs that Sexual Abuse May Be Taking Place
Sexual abuse does not always leave physical marks. In many cases, the signs are emotional, behavioral, or psychological. Whether the victim is a child, teenager, or adult, the effects of abuse can appear in different ways. Because survivors often feel scared, ashamed, or confused, they may not speak up right away.
This is why it is important to recognize the warning signs.
Children and teenagers may not have the words to describe what has happened to them. Their behavior may be the first clue that something is wrong. Common signs include:
- Fear of being left alone with a certain person.
- Avoiding specific places like school, daycare, church, or sports practice.
- Trouble sleeping or frequent nightmares.
- Sudden bedwetting after being toilet trained.
- Acting out sexually or using language that is not age appropriate.
- Unexplained bruises or injuries, especially in private areas.
- Changes in school performance or social behavior.
- Mood swings, anger, or withdrawal from family and friends.
Sexual abuse and assault are also common among adults. Survivors may struggle with the effects in many different ways, especially if the abuse is ongoing or happened in the past and was never addressed. Warning signs in adults may include:
- Avoiding certain people, places, or situations.
- Anxiety, depression, or panic attacks.
- Trouble sleeping or frequent nightmares.
- Physical pain with no clear medical cause.
- Sudden changes in behavior or mood.
- Withdrawal from relationships or social situations.
- Substance use or risky behavior.
- Difficulty with trust or intimacy.
- Flashbacks or symptoms of post-traumatic stress.
Who Can a Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Florida Hold Liable
Sexual abuse and assault are serious criminal acts, but criminal charges are not always the path that leads to justice. Many survivors wait years or even decades to come forward, often because of fear, trauma, or stigma. Unfortunately, by the time they are ready to speak out, the statute of limitations for criminal prosecution may have already passed.
In these cases, a civil lawsuit may be the only way for survivors to seek accountability and compensation for the harm they have suffered. Civil cases not only hold individuals responsible but can also expose and challenge the institutions that allowed abuse to happen in the first place.
If an organization knew or should have known that abuse was occurring and failed to stop it, that organization may be found negligent and held legally responsible. At Osborne & Francis, we help survivors take civil action to pursue justice, closure, and meaningful change.
A Florida sexual abuse attorney may be able to hold the following individuals or institutions liable:
- Religious institutions, such as churches, dioceses, and religious schools.
- Public and private schools, including teachers, coaches, and administrators.
- Colleges and universities, including campus housing and Greek organizations.
- Healthcare providers and medical facilities, including doctors, therapists, and hospitals.
- Nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
- Employers and supervisors, especially if abuse occurred in the workplace.
- Daycares, foster homes, and group homes.
- Youth sports organizations, including coaches, staff, and affiliated entities.
- Correctional facilities, including staff responsible for inmate safety.
- Transportation companies, such as rideshare providers or public transit operators, when abuse is connected to a driver or employee.
- Hotels, clubs, and businesses, especially if security was lacking or staff failed to intervene.
- Property owners or managers who failed to provide adequate safety measures.
These parties may be held accountable for failing to properly screen employees, ignoring complaints, covering up incidents, or failing to implement policies that could have prevented abuse.
The Life-Long Effects Of Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse can have long-lasting effects, some of which can significantly erode the quality of your life. Some of the long-term effects include:
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Body image issues
- Dissociative disorders
- Anxiety
- Sexual problems
- Relationship problems
If you have a history of sexual abuse and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek treatment. Seeking justice through a civil suit may eventually be an important step in healing from sexual abuse, but addressing any ongoing effects that are harming you today is the first step.
Once you are ready, contact Osborne & Francis online or by calling (561) 293-2600 to learn what to expect when you initiate a sexual abuse civil law suit. We’ll explain the process carefully, address any concerns, and be with you through the entire process.
What Can a Florida Sexual Abuse Lawyer Do For You?
Taking legal action after sexual abuse is never easy. Our role is to step in and support you through the process, so you are not facing it alone. At Osborne & Francis, a sexual abuse attorney in Florida will handle the legal work, protect your rights, and fight to hold the right people or institutions accountable. That way, you can focus on your well-being and begin to move forward.
Here are some of the critical ways we help survivors:
- We Listen and Believe: First and foremost, we provide a confidential, safe, and judgment-free space for you to tell your story. We approach every case with compassion and a trauma-informed perspective.
- We Investigate and Build Your Case: We will thoroughly investigate the facts, which include identifying not only the abuser but also any negligent institutions (schools, churches, nursing homes, youth organizations) that enabled the abuse. This often involves reviewing internal records, hiring files, security logs, and previous complaint reports.
- We Protect Your Privacy and Shield You: We take every measure to shield you from the painful parts of litigation. We manage all communication with the defense and the courts, ensuring your dignity and confidentiality are maintained throughout the process. Our goal is to make the process as supportive as possible.
- We Fight for Maximum Compensation: We aggressively negotiate for a fair settlement or take your case to trial if necessary to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Compensation Available in a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in Florida
No amount of money can undo what happened, but pursuing a civil lawsuit can help you reclaim control and gain access to resources that support your healing and future. A successful case can provide financial compensation for the harm you have suffered and hold the responsible parties accountable.
At Osborne & Francis, we work to recover damages that reflect the full impact of what you have been through. This may include:
- Medical and mental health expenses, including therapy, counseling, hospital visits, and medications.
- Ongoing treatment or support services that may be needed in the future.
- Lost income if the abuse affected your ability to work, either short-term or long-term.
- Emotional distress, including pain, suffering, anxiety, and trauma.
- Loss of enjoyment of life or the ability to participate in activities and relationships.
- The lasting effects of fear, shame, or isolation caused by the abuse.
- Any lifestyle changes or adjustments you have had to make because of what happened.
In some cases, Florida courts may also award punitive damages. These are meant to punish the abuser or the institution that allowed the abuse and to prevent similar conduct in the future. While not awarded in every case, they can be a powerful part of seeking justice.
Survivors of sexual abuse who choose to work with experienced attorneys often receive significantly more compensation than those who try to handle their cases alone, according to a Martindale-Nolo study. On average, survivors with legal representation recover around $77,600, while those without a lawyer receive about $17,600.
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