Champaign Sexual Abuse Attorney
Sexual abuse is a deeply traumatic experience and a serious legal matter. If you or a loved one has been the victim of sexual abuse, Illinois law allows survivors to seek compensation for medical costs, emotional distress, lost income, and other damages. Our experienced sex abuse lawyers in Edwardsville, IL, have spent more than 60 years advocating for survivors of sexual abuse, domestic violence, and personal injury—and we are proud of the justice we’ve helped secure for clients across Illinois.
Nearly $1 Billion Recovered for Survivors
A Champaign Sexual Abuse Law Firm that Provides Support
Under Illinois law, survivors of sexual abuse have the right to file civil lawsuits to seek compensation for their suffering. This is true whether the abuse occurred recently or many years ago. In cases involving childhood sexual abuse, Illinois has eliminated the statute of limitations for civil claims, allowing survivors to come forward when they are ready. For adult survivors, time limits may still apply, so it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Our Champaign sexual abuse attorneys will help you understand your rights, evaluate the strength of your case, and develop a strategy tailored to your situation. Whether your abuse occurred in a school, daycare, religious institution, healthcare setting, or elsewhere, we will stand by your side every step of the way. Our law firm proudly serves survivors in Champaign, the University of Illinois, and surrounding areas in Champaign County. Call (800) 509-9747 or get started with your case online – always 100% confidential.
Together, We Can Hold Abusers Accountable…
Types of Sexual Abuse Cases We Handle
Sexual abuse can take many forms, and we represent survivors in a wide range of situations, including:
- Childhood sexual abuse
- Sports coaches and school teacher sex abuse
- Clergy or church-related abuse
- Sexual misconduct in healthcare settings
- Abuse in foster care or group homes and nursing homes
- Human and sex trafficking, rape, and other forms of abuse
- Cases involving grooming, coercion, or threats (such as Roblox)
No matter the setting or the status of the abuser, our sex abuse lawyers are prepared to fight for your right to be heard and for the accountability you deserve.
Signs of Sexual Abuse: What to Look For
Sexual abuse often leaves both visible and invisible wounds. Common behavioral signs include withdrawal from family and friends, sudden changes in behavior, fearfulness around certain individuals, and inappropriate sexual knowledge or behavior. Emotional symptoms may include anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, nightmares, or suicidal thoughts. Recognizing these signs early can help prevent further harm and begin the healing process.
If you suspect abuse, either in yourself or a loved one, it’s important to seek professional help immediately. Our team is trained to handle these cases with the care, sensitivity, and urgency they deserve.
Talk in Confidence. We’ll listen…
Notable Sexual Abuse Cases & Allegations in Champaign-Urbana
- Jay Kesan (2020): A law professor at UIUC, Kesan faced multiple investigations over several years. In 2020, he was found to have violated the university’s sexual misconduct policy after complaints from 15 women, including reports of unwanted touching and inappropriate comments. Despite these findings, Kesan remained on paid administrative leave and was not dismissed
- Gary Gang Xu (2018): A former professor in the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures, Xu was accused of sexually assaulting and emotionally abusing multiple students, particularly targeting Chinese international students. A lawsuit filed in 2019 alleged that Xu raped, beat, and threatened students while the university failed to act on prior complaints. Xu resigned in 2018 with a $10,000 separation agreement that included confidentiality clauses.
Compensation Available to Sex Abuse Survivors
Holding your abuser accountable through a civil claim may allow you to recover compensation for:
Economic Damages
- Medical and therapy bills
- Lost wages and future earning potential
- Out-of-pocket costs related to the abuse (e.g., relocation, childcare)
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship or intimacy (in certain cases)
Other Damages
- Punitive damages to punish egregious conduct
- Legal fees and court costs
- Restitution ordered in conjunction with criminal proceedings
While no amount of money can undo the harm, financial recovery can help ease the burden and support your path to healing.
Will I Have to Go to Court?
Many survivors are understandably concerned about the idea of facing their abuser in court. While some cases do go to trial, many are resolved through private settlements. If your case does proceed to court, we can often request special accommodations to protect your privacy, such as video testimony, sealed courtrooms, or the use of pseudonyms.
Our legal team is committed to creating a trauma-informed experience for every client. You will never be pressured to take a step you’re not comfortable with, and every decision will be made in partnership with you.
Get Help From the Sexual Abuse Attorneys at Kayla’s Survivors
If you or your child has experienced sexual abuse in Champaign-Urbana or surrounding areas in Champaign County, you may be eligible to take legal action and pursue compensation. A sexual abuse attorney can help you understand your rights and fight for the justice and financial recovery you deserve. Get started by calling (800) 509-9747 or sharing your story online with our legal team – 100% confidential. The legal team at Kayla’s Survivors is here to listen and support you.
Kayla’s Survivors has helped recover over $1 billion for survivors of sexual abuse and has a proven track record of holding individuals and institutions accountable across the country.