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There’s a long history of women being treated as second-class citizens. In ancient legal codes such as the Code of Hammurabi or Roman law, women were often seen as property, instead of as individuals. And as you can imagine, protection from sexual or domestic violence was virtually nonexistent.
The Middle Ages and the Early Modern period were no better, and little was done to improve the status of women as individuals. Just think about it – witch trials, marital rape exemptions, institutionalized misogyny.
The 19th and 20th centuries finally saw progress. But it was slow. The marital rape laws began to improve (even though minor changes only), and survivors of abuse – mostly women – still struggled to get justice.
It was the 21st century that brought changes that mattered. Women’s trauma was finally recognized, there were landmark cases paving the foundation for future justice, and the #MeToo movement.
Regardless. Systemic failures still exist and persist. Institutions (e.g., schools, juvenile centers, healthcare facilities, etc.) are continuously facing lawsuits for failing to protect women and children.
So the goal is to provide some guidance for survivors who are still fighting against abuse in their everyday lives, and to help them get support along the way.
Every woman deserves justice, deserves to be safe and feel safe, and deserves healing.
Types of Abuse Women Still Face
While every story of women who fell victim to abuse is unique, below we’ll list some of the most common forms of abuse that women continue to face to this day:
- Institutional abuse (e.g., schools, juvenile centers, hospitals, nursing homes, etc.)
- Domestic violence
- Workplace harassment
- Sexual abuse
The type of abuse and the state in which it happened will need a professional who is well-versed in the laws of the state in question and is familiar with the kinds of remuneration entitlements that have been awarded there.
Why ‘The Right’ Legal Guidance Matters
Getting justice isn’t only about financial compensation.
Victims want acknowledgment, they want accountability, and they ultimately wish to heal. But the outcome of the whole case will heavily depend on the ability of the attorney to represent you, their skill level, and their knowledge of legal frameworks that are specific to these types of cases.
If the attorney who’s representing you isn’t familiar (or is inexperienced) with all the nuances of a juvenile center sexual abuse lawsuit (e.g., institutional liability, minor-specific protection laws, trauma-informed testimony, statutes of limitations, federal oversight, civil vs. criminal overlap, etc.), you may find yourself with inadequate representation, which is ultimately hurting your case.
A successful case with a high remuneration seems like money is being thrown at a problem. So often you hear, ‘Oh, she won millions in her court case, that should make her happy!’.
The base point is to remember there is a person in recovery here.
And the truth is, the ONLY real way to help heal and make the institutions admit what has been happening in their facilities is the only way to feel any justice is being done.
Settlements aren’t mere payoffs; they are one of the few (effective) ways to hold institutions accountable, to force a change.
The big hope at the end of the day is that the institutions cannot afford the damage these cases do to their bottom line.
They cannot erase the damage that has been done, so legal empowerment becomes a holistic recovery for survivors.
Best Lawyers for Your Situation
Finding help, no matter what your situation, a woman who is in a catfish situation, a foreigner in an abuse situation, or even those who have been victims of ‘honor killings.
The best thing for your recovery journey is to find experienced professionals to help you through every step and provide you with a team of support for each situation.
For example, lawyers who specialize in Domestic Abuse Intimate Partner Violence handle restraining orders, child custody, divorce, civil claims against abusers (e.g., assault/battery) – things like that.
Workplace Harassment & Discrimination (Gender-Based) lawyers will handle EEOC complaints, federal discrimination, workplace sexual harassment, and retaliation (e.g., if fired/demoted after reporting abuse).
Sexual Abuse & Assault (Individual Perpetrators) lawyers specialize in monetary damages (therapy, pain, suffering), cases where criminal charges weren’t filed, etc.
Then you have Institutional Abuse (Schools, Juvenile Centers, Foster Care) lawyers, who focus on government entities, institutional cover-ups, and systemic negligence.
And finally, there are Clergy Abuse (Church, Religious Institutions) lawyers. These types of attorneys are knowledgeable when it comes to religious institutions and statute of limitation deadlines, which are extended for clergy abuse in many states in the U.S.
Conclusion
Every woman who’s suffered mistreatment deserves justice. And legal action is only part of the journey.
To fully heal, victims need compassion, patience, understanding, and a supportive community. Lawsuits can’t erase trauma, the horrible memories, but they can help. It can provide you with the fact that accountability exists and that other women will be protected because of you and your bravery.
Remember – you are NOT just a case file. You are a person. An individual, a woman who deserves safety and dignity. And justice.
With support, when you step forward, not only does that strengthen your own healing process; it also helps society learn. And change.
