Chicago Child Sexual Abuse Attorneys
Nearly $1 Billion Recovered For Survivors | Free Case Evaluation | 100% Confidential
Childhood sexual abuse can leave lasting emotional, physical, and psychological harm that follows survivors well into adulthood. In Chicago and across Illinois, survivors have the legal right to file civil claims against both the individuals responsible and any institutions that failed to protect them. Unlike criminal charges, civil claims allow survivors to seek an additional level of accountability and pursue compensation for damages associated with the abuse.
Kayla’s Survivors is a nationally recognized and woman-led sexual abuse law firm representing survivors in Chicago and throughout the state of Illinois. Our child sexual abuse attorneys are dedicated to holding perpetrators and negligent organizations accountable, while providing a safe, supportive path forward for survivors and their families. If you’re ready to take the next step, contact our Chicago law office for a free and completely confidential case evaluation by calling (312) 248-4800 or requesting a free case evaluation online.
Together, We Can Hold Abusers Accountable…
What is Considered Child Sexual Abuse by the State of Illinois
Under Illinois law (735 ILCS 5/13-202.2), childhood sexual abuse generally involves any form of sexual exploitation or misconduct directed at a person under the age of 18. This includes situations where force, coercion, manipulation, or authority is used, as well as cases where a minor is legally incapable of understanding the nature of the act or providing informed consent.
Illinois sets the age of consent at 17. This means any sexual activity involving a child under 17, or any non-consensual act involving a 17-year-old may constitute a criminal offense. The law applies broadly to many forms of sexual misconduct, not just intercourse, and recognizes that minors cannot legally consent in many of these situations.
Who May Be Responsible for Child Sexual Abuse in Chicago?
At Kayla’s Survivors, we’ve helped survivors recover over $1 billion as a result of settlements and verdicts, including claims settling in Chicago and surrounding suburbs. When it comes to civil claims, institutional organizations are often liable or negligent, which may include failures to properly screen or supervise employees, negligent hiring or retention, ignoring or mishandling reports of abuse, failing to investigate complaints, inadequate training or safeguarding policies, and a broader failure to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm to children.
In Chicago, and throughout the state of Illinois, the following organizations may be held liable for child sexual abuse:
Common Types of Child Sexual Abuse
Child sexual abuse in Chicago can take many forms, and it is often part of a pattern of ongoing behavior rather than a single incident. Examples include:
- Inappropriate touching or fondling of a child’s intimate areas
- Sexual assault or rape, including any form of penetration
- Grooming behaviors, where an adult builds trust to exploit a child sexually
- Exposure to sexual acts or materials, including forcing a child to watch or participate
- Sexual exploitation, such as creating or distributing explicit images (CSAM)
- Coercion or manipulation, including threats, gifts, or abuse of authority
- Human trafficking and child sex trafficking
- Online grooming and exploitation through apps or platforms: Increasingly, predators use digital platforms like Roblox, Discord, and Snapchat to target minors. Recent lawsuits allege these platforms enabled predators to contact, groom, and exploit children, which can escalate from online conversations to real-world abuse or coercion.
A conviction for child sexual abuse in Illinois can carry severe penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. In addition to criminal consequences, survivors may also pursue civil claims to hold perpetrators accountable, along with any institutions that enabled or failed to prevent the abuse. It’s important to note that a criminal conviction is not required to file a civil lawsuit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Our Chicago child sexual abuse attorney are here to help answer questions and inform you about your legal options at any time. Just (312) 248-4800 or share your story online with our legal team – 100% confidential.
Who can file a civil child sexual abuse claim in Chicago?
Survivors of childhood sexual abuse, as well as parents or legal guardians on behalf of a minor, may file a civil lawsuit. In many cases, adults can also come forward years later due to Illinois laws that extend or pause the Illinois statute of limitations, which governs filing deadlines. As of January 1, 2014, there is no time limit for filing civil claim.
What compensation is available in a child sexual abuse case?
Survivors may be entitled to compensation for therapy and counseling, medical expenses, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and other long-term impacts of the abuse. In some cases, additional damages may be available if an institution acted with negligence or misconduct. An attorney can help you better understand what compensation you may be eligible to recover based on the unique circumstances of your case.
What are common signs of child sexual abuse?
Common warning signs of child sexual abuse may include sudden behavioral changes, withdrawal, fear of certain individuals or places, regression (such as bedwetting), unexplained injuries, or age-inappropriate sexual knowledge. Recognizing these signs early can help protect children and prevent further harm.