A+F Logo
FREE CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION
(866) 311-8640
FREE CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION
(866) 311-8640

ANDREOZZI + FOOTE

Frequently asked questions

Survivors of sexual abuse who are considering legal action often enter the process with more questions than answers. You may be wondering what your rights are, how to report what happened, or whether speaking up will remain confidential. These are genuine and pressing concerns, and getting answers is often the first step toward healing and achieving justice. 

At Andreozzi + Foote, our attorneys have decades of combined experience representing survivors across the nation in complex sexual abuse practice areas. We’ve helped clients navigate the legal system with care, confidentiality, and determination, holding powerful institutions accountable and creating pathways for change. 

The following are clear, compassionate answers to many of the questions we receive from those considering legal action. They address common topics, including reporting abuse, confidentiality protections, the process of filing lawsuits, and the rights survivors have under state and federal law.

Sexual Abuse FAQs

1. What Is Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse involves any action that forces, coerces, or manipulates someone into unwanted sexual activity. It can happen in families, schools, religious institutions, workplaces, or any setting where a person abuses power or trust.

The most common types of sexual abuse include sexual assault, rape, exploitation, sexual misconduct by authority figures, and child molestation. Each situation is unique, but all involve a violation of personal safety and consent. 

The primary difference between a criminal case and a civil case is that criminal cases seek to punish offenders with criminal penalties, such as jail time, while civil lawsuits focus on helping survivors recover financial compensation for their harm. Prosecutors must file criminal charges, while survivors file lawsuits. Both can be pursued in many cases.

The compensation recoverable in a sexual abuse lawsuit may include damages for emotional suffering, medical care, therapy costs, and lost income. In some cases, punitive damages are also available to hold institutions accountable for their role in enabling the abuse. 

Human trafficking involves the recruiting, transporting, transferring, harboring, or receipt of persons through force, fraud, or coercion for exploitation. This exploitation can include forced labor, sexual exploitation, forced begging, or involuntary servitude. Trafficking often involves organized systems that target vulnerable people and profit from control and manipulation. 

Common signs of human sex trafficking include isolation, fear of authority, restricted movement, signs of physical abuse, or inconsistent stories about where someone lives or works. Recognizing these red flags can help protect victims and prompt early intervention. 

Survivors can sue a university in a sexual abuse case if the institution failed to protect students or failed to properly address reports of abuse. These cases often aim to hold schools accountable for negligence in supervision or reporting. 

You can file a sexual abuse lawsuit anonymously to protect your identity throughout the legal process.

Institutional sexual abuse occurs when an organization fails to prevent or respond appropriately to sexual misconduct. Institutions like schools, churches, or care facilities can be held legally responsible for their role in allowing the abuse to happen. 

The difference between rape and sexual assault often depends on how each is defined by state law. Generally, rape involves forced sexual intercourse, while sexual assault covers a broader range of unwanted sexual acts.

The difference between sexual assault and sexual violence lies in scope. Sexual assault refers to specific criminal acts, while sexual violence describes a wider pattern of behavior meant to degrade, harm, or control someone sexually.

The grooming process is when an abuser slowly builds trust with a victim or their family to gain access and control. It often involves manipulation, flattery, gifts, or attention that disguise abusive intentions.

Those liable in a sexual abuse case may include both the abuser and the institutions that allowed or ignored the misconduct, such as schools, churches, employers, or youth organizations.

Andreozzi + Foote Firm FAQs

On your first call with Andreozzi + Foote, you’ll speak confidentially with someone who understands the sensitivity of your situation. Our team listens without judgment, answers your questions clearly, and explains the next steps at your own pace without any pressure or obligation.

Our exclusive focus on sexual abuse cases and trauma-informed approach sets Andreozzi + Foote apart. With over 50 years of combined experience, we provide personalized advocacy backed by deep legal knowledge and a reputation for holding powerful institutions accountable. 

Our firm chooses to exclusively represent survivors of sexual abuse and their families because we believe in empowering survivors and using the law to create positive change. Over the years, we’ve seen how accountability and justice can help survivors reclaim their voices and begin healing on their own terms. 

Andreozzi + Foote is committed to representing survivors with compassion, integrity, and determination. We are responsive to every client’s needs, committed to transparent communication, and tireless in our pursuit of justice and accountability.

Once you decide to move forward, our attorneys handle every detail, from gathering evidence to managing communication with institutions and opposing counsel. You can expect professionalism, empathy, confidentiality, and regular updates throughout your case.

We work hard to create a safe, trauma-informed environment where survivors feel supported, respected, and in control of their story. Our team collaborates with trusted mental health professionals and takes every step to ensure you feel comfortable throughout the process.

We charge nothing up front to work with us. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Our approach combines national experience with individualized attention. Unlike many general practice firms, we exclusively handle sexual abuse cases, giving us insight into survivor needs, trauma-informed advocacy, and institutional accountability that few other firms can match.

From the very first conversation, we make sure every survivor feels heard and informed. We prioritize consistent and compassionate communication, ensuring every client has direct access to our attorneys throughout their case. 

CONTACT US TODAY

Contact Andreozzi +
Foote For A Free Consultation

If you still have questions or want to learn more about your options, our firm is here to help. Every consultation is confidential, and you’ll speak directly with attorneys who are ready to listen to your story, explain your rights, and help you decide the best course of action.

Contact us online or call (866) 311-8640 today for a free consultation.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.