Jacksonville sexual abuse

Jacksonville Sexual Abuse & Assault Attorneys

If you or a loved one experienced sexual abuse, assault, or misconduct in Jacksonville or surrounding areas, the attorneys at Kayla’s Survivors are here to help you seek justice. Get a free and confidential case evaluation to better understand your legal options. Our sex abuse lawyers have helped survivors recover over $1 billion in compensation.

Jacksonville Sexual Abuse Lawyers Supporting Survivors’ Rights

A Jacksonville sexual abuse lawyer can help navigate the complexities of a civil lawsuit to recover compensation for damages and hold abusers and negligent institutions accountable for their actions.

If you or a loved one has suffered sexual abuse, assault, or misconduct in Jacksonville or surrounding areas in Duval County, you may be eligible to pursue compensation. Our legal team can help you explore your legal options. Get started with your claim by calling us at (904) 906-8070 or tell us what happened online. All communications are 100% confidential. Our Jacksonville law office is located at 12724 Gran Bay Pkwy #440, Jacksonville, FL 32258.

Kayla Onder, lead sexual abuse attorney at Kayla's Survivors

How Jacksonville Sexual Abuse Lawyer Can Help You Build A Strong Case

Building a strong Florida sexual abuse lawsuit requires gathering evidence, understanding state laws, and presenting the facts of the case to ensure that they abuse and their organization is held accountable. A Jacksonville sexual assault and abuse lawyer individuals throughout each step of the legal process to build a strong case to ensure justice is served and compensation is recovered for damages.

1. Investigating & Collecting Evidence: An attorney will work to gather medical records, police reports, witness statements, digital communications, and institutional documents that can prove abuse occurred. They may also collaborate with investigators or expert witnesses to strengthen the case.

2. Navigating Florida Law: Florida has specific statutes of limitations and legal procedures for sexual abuse claims. A lawyer ensures that deadlines are met, claims are filed properly, and the survivor’s case complies with all state requirements.

3. Holding Institutions and Individuals Accountable: Many sexual abuse cases involve schools, churches, nursing homes, rideshare companies, or other institutions that failed to protect survivors. An attorney can pursue claims not only against the abuser but also against negligent organizations that enabled the abuse.

4. Advocating for Compensation & Justice: A legal team fights to recover damages for medical care, therapy, lost income, emotional suffering, and other damages that are related to the assault, abuse, and/or misconduct. An attorney can also provide a voice for survivors in court or settlement negotiations, pushing for accountability and systemic change.

5. Providing Confidential Support and Protection: A sexual assault lawyer can also ensure survivors are treated with compassion, maintain confidentiality, and shields them from retaliation or further trauma during the legal process.

At Kayla’s Survivors, our sexual abuse attorneys attorneys have recovered over $1 billion as a result of settlements and verdicts.

Jacksonville sexual abuse lawyers

Local Jacksonville Resources for Survivors

The Women’s Center of Jacksonville (WCJ): The designated rape crisis center for Duval, Baker, and Nassau counties. WCJ offers a 24-hour hotline, forensic medical exams, legal advocacy, trauma counseling, and support groups. Their Rape Recovery Team serves survivors of all genders ages 12 and older.


Jacksonville Victim Services Center: Operated by the city’s Social Services Division, this center offers crisis intervention, court accompaniment, legal advocacy, and referrals for crime victims, including survivors of sexual abuse.


Jacksonville Area Legal Aid (JALA): JALA provides free legal services for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. Their Victims’ Rights Unit assists with restraining orders, housing issues, custody disputes, and other civil matters related to abuse.


First Coast Child Protection Team & Children’s Advocacy Center: This multidisciplinary medical team offers forensic interviews, exams, and trauma therapy to children who have experienced abuse. They work with law enforcement and social services to support young survivors and their families.


Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (Victim Services Unit): This team of trained advocates supports survivors throughout the legal process, offering help with safety planning, referrals, court accompaniment, and victim compensation applications.

Kayla's Survivors symbol logo

Notable Sexual Abuse Settlements in Jacksonville

  • Duval County Public Schools ($1.8M settlement): In 2024 and 2025, the school district paid out approximately $1.8 million in civil settlements to former students who were abused by a longtime teacher at Douglas Anderson. The lawsuits claimed the district failed to take action despite knowledge of the teacher’s inappropriate conduct.
  • Catholic Diocese of St. Augustine – $1.5M settlement: In 2005, the Diocese of St. Augustine, based in Jacksonville, was part of a $1.5 million settlement related to priest sexual abuse dating back to the 1960s and 70s. Multiple altar boys reported molestation by clergy, and the settlement acknowledged institutional failures to protect children.

Ongoing Sexual Abuse Investigations in Jacksonville

  • Douglas Anderson School of the Arts: Investigations remain ongoing into additional allegations of misconduct by staff at this high school. As of 2025, several individuals were placed on leave pending outcomes. The school district has implemented new safety protocols in response to these developments, and the Florida Legislature passed new accountability measures in April 2025 aimed at protecting students statewide.
  • Jacksonville Rape Kit Backlog Resolution: Jacksonville participated in a national initiative to test all previously untested rape kits. As of 2024, all known backlogged kits in Duval County had been tested. Law enforcement continues to open investigations tied to these cases, offering hope to survivors of past assaults.
  • Institutional Policy Reform: City agencies, including the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and Victim Services Center, are engaged in continuous reform efforts to improve how sexual abuse reports are handled. While not criminal investigations, these reforms aim to ensure better protections, faster case handling, and more comprehensive survivor support.
Kayla Onder, lead sexual abuse attorney at Kayla's Survivors

Get Help From The Jacksonville Sexual Abuse Attorneys at Kayla’s Survivors

If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse in Jacksonville or surrounding areas, you are not alone. A dedicated Jacksonville sexual abuse lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and pursue justice in both civil and criminal courts. With the support of local resources and professionals who care, survivors can take powerful steps toward healing and accountability. Take the first step by calling (904) 906-8070 or tell us what happened online. Our legal team is here to listen and provide support.

The lawyers at Kayla’s Survivors law firm have helped recover over $1 billion for survivors of sexual abuse, and have held countless abusers and organizations accountable for their actions.