Survivors of sexual assault have the right to pursue accountability outside of the criminal justice system by filing a claim through the Texas civil court system. While these cases may be related, they proceed independently and have some important differences, one of which is the standard of evidence required. So, what evidence is needed for…
After a sexual assault, survivors may not know what to do or where to turn. Even if their assailant faces criminal charges, those do little to help the person affected by their crimes. What can sexual assault survivors do to help with their own recovery? Survivors of sexual abuse and assault may be entitled to…
Understanding Your Civil Rights After Sexual Assault in Houston Yes, you can sue your attacker for sexual assault damages in Houston through a civil lawsuit, completely separate from any criminal prosecution. Many survivors don’t realize they have powerful civil remedies available beyond the criminal justice system. While the Harris County District Attorney’s Office handles criminal…
Finding Support After Sexual Assault: Your Path to Compensation If you’ve experienced sexual assault in Texas, you deserve justice and support during recovery. The emotional, physical, and financial toll can feel overwhelming, but resources are available to help. Texas has established the Crime Victims’ Compensation (CVC) Program to provide financial assistance for expenses related to…
Every Minute Counts After Sexual Assault in Houston If you’ve experienced sexual assault in Houston, you face a critical 120-hour window for evidence collection that could impact your case. The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences prioritizes sexual assault evidence, but navigating the system during this vulnerable time can feel overwhelming. Understanding your rights and…
When Justice Matters: Your Rights After Sexual Assault If you’ve survived sexual assault, you may feel overwhelmed by the criminal justice process and uncertain about your rights as a victim. While perpetrators in Texas face severe penalties for sexual assault crimes — standard sexual assault is a second-degree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years…
The Devastating Reality of Aggravated Sexual Assault in Texas When you or a loved one becomes a victim of aggravated sexual assault, understanding the severity of potential criminal charges against your attacker can provide crucial insight into your path toward justice. Texas law treats aggravated sexual assault as one of the most serious violent crimes,…
When Justice Feels Out of Reach: Your Path Forward You’re not alone if you’re questioning whether pursuing justice is worth it. With 97 out of every 100 rapists never spending a single day in prison for their crimes, the path to justice can feel overwhelming. The statistics are staggering—less than 10% of all sexual assaults…
The Silent Crisis: When Fear Keeps Survivors from Speaking Up Less than 10% of sexual assaults are reported to law enforcement in Harris County, leaving thousands of survivors without justice and perpetrators free to harm others. If you’re reading this, you may be one of the many survivors struggling with whether to come forward. The…
The Shocking Reality: Nearly 4,000 Sexual Assaults Reported in Harris County In 2021 alone, 3,779 sexual assaults were reported to law enforcement in Harris County, according to Texas Department of Public Safety data. Yet this staggering number represents less than 10% of actual cases – meaning the true figure likely exceeds 37,000 incidents annually in…
