Childhood Sexual Abuse & Assault Lawyers

When reporting these acts, whether for yourself or to report your knowledge of sexual abuse, reports to Motley Rice of sexual abuse and assault are kept confidential. Survivors may choose whether to pursue justice confidentially, or share their story – that choice is completely your decision. Motley Rice lawyers can help ensure confidentiality when navigating the civil justice system.

By coming forward, you have the power to hold accountable the people who have taken advantage of you.

Contact a Sexual Abuse Lawyer

We know and understand that sexual abuse is a sensitive issue and coming forward is difficult in many ways. Know that if you choose to speak with one of our lawyers, we will do everything in our power to protect your identity. If you have questions or want to discuss a potential case, you may complete this form or call 1.800.768.4026.

Childhood Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

It can take many years, if not decades, for people who were abused as children to process what was done to them and understand that there are actions they can take within the justice system. Several states have taken action to accommodate this reality and are encouraging victims to come forward through new laws that expand the time in which survivors may file civil cases against their abusers and the abuser’s enablers.

States that have already passed “window” laws or otherwise extended the time within which a victim can file include:

• Arizona
• California
• District of Columbia
• Montana
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina

Groups and institutions that have been investigated for alleged sex abuse include:

• Big Brothers and Big Sisters
• Boy Scouts of America (BSA)
• Boys and girls clubs
• Fraternities (including Freemasons and Opus Dei)
• Municipal school districts
• Private schools
• Religious groups and specific denominations
• Sports groups
• Summer camps

Boy Scouts of America Abuse Claims

The Boy Scouts of America filed Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in February 2020 amid thousands of lawsuits that allege cover-up of sexual abuse by scout leaders. We are pursuing and investigating nationwide bankruptcy claims against the Boy Scouts of America from survivors of alleged sexual abuse. Read more.

A Duty to Disclose Sexual Abuse

Sexual predators are to blame for their horrific actions, without question. But in certain circumstances, mandatory reporters and other people affiliated with a group or organization may also have responsibility if they chose to ignore their duty and remain silent or took no action to report child sexual abuse. Depending on your state, schools, churches, athletic clubs, summer camps and other organizations and individuals who are trusted with the care of children may be required by law to report suspected abuse to their state’s children’s services agency or law enforcement. The consequences of someone keeping quiet when they are obligated to report can be severe, and may include civil liability, criminal fines and even imprisonment. Civil litigation is a potential means of recourse for victims who seek to hold organizations accountable for neglecting their duty to protect vulnerable children.

Read more in David Hoyle’s blog post: Silence is not golden

Motley Rice’s Experience Advocating for Sexual Abuse Victims

We currently represent several victims in litigation filed under New York’s Child Victims Act that allege sexual abuse by clergy members that was suppressed by the Catholic Church.

Motley Rice lawyers have recently also represented two other Jane Does in sexual assault cases that resolved through confidential settlements. One case involved alleged abuse at Choate Rosemary Hall.

Our attorneys represented two John Does who were abused as children by former Charleston, S.C., teacher Skip ReVille.

In addition to being a teacher, ReVille was a foster parent, coach and church youth group leader. In June 2012 ReVille pled guilty to the sexual assault of 23 boys, although the number is believed to be much higher.

We believe the reckless oversight and irresponsible silence in failing to report sexual abuse is one of the worst forms of gross negligence. By not reporting ReVille’s actions, certain organizations allowed this man to continue abusing children for nearly a decade.

As part of our efforts to help our clients find justice through civil litigation, Motley Rice attorneys committed themselves to finding out if any school, church, summer camp or other facility that employed ReVille knew about his actions and failed to notify law enforcement.

Through these efforts, we reached a confidential settlement agreement between two of ReVille’s victims and their school—Pinewood Preparatory, where ReVille was employed for a number of years. As part of the settlement, the school adopted a new Child Protection Policy that implements and enforces stricter procedures to protect students and make its employees and volunteers aware of the threats abuse poses to children.

Community Involvement

A passion for helping abused children, our work is not limited to the courtroom. Our attorneys have a long history of working with organizations dedicated to serving abused children. Many Motley Rice lawyers have served on the Board of Directors of the Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center and/or helped raise millions of dollars to help the organization expand its reach throughout the Lowcountry, including Samuel Cothran, Laura Behre, Lance Oliver, Ann E. Rice Ervin and firm co-founder Joe Rice. The Dee Norton Advocacy Center is the Charleston-area’s leading resource to prevent abuse, protect children and heal families and ensures that local children and families have a safe place to turn when children are threatened with abuse.

In 2017, Motley Rice co-founder Joe Rice and his family, including daughter and Motley Rice lawyer Ann E. Rice Ervin donated significant funds to the new MUSC Children’s Hospital which created a space specifically for treatment of abused children, providing privacy and the special care needed to treat these most helpless victims.

The Rice family has also provided support to the University of South Carolina School of Law Children’s Law Center. The Center offers training each year to more than 12,000 social workers, lawyers, judges, first responders, school nurses, and others who work with children.

Sexual Abuse Issues in the News

NBC (Oct. 4, 2019): Almost 1,700 priests and clergy accused of sex abuse are unsupervised

TIME (June 1, 2019): These Men Say the Boy Scouts' Sex Abuse Problem Is Worse Than Anyone Knew

The Atlantic (May 12, 2019): Pope Francis Stops Hiding From the Church’s Sexual-Abuse Epidemic

Vox (May 16, 2018): The sex abuse scandal surrounding USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar, explained

NPR (June 21, 2012): Penn State Abuse Scandal: A Guide And Timeline

NPR (Nov. 15, 2011): Citadel abuse accuser says there are more victims

NPR (Nov. 15, 2011): The Citadel Faces Abuse Scandal Similar To Penn State's

Medical and Therapeutic Resources

National Sexual Violence Resource Center
RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline
Darkness to Light
Dee Norton Lowcountry Children's Center
Dorchester Children's Center
National Crime Victims Center at MUSC

Additional Information

Child Abuse Prevention

Motley Rice LLC, a South Carolina Limited Liability Company, is engaged in the New Jersey practice of law through Motley Rice New Jersey LLC. Esther Berezofsky attorney responsible for New Jersey practice.