About This Practice Area
Compassionate Advocacy for Survivors
Coming forward about sexual abuse takes extraordinary courage. At Babin Law, we believe that courage deserves to be met with attorneys who are not only skilled litigators but also deeply empathetic to the trauma survivors carry. Our entire approach is built on trauma-informed principles — we move at your pace, protect your privacy absolutely, and never pressure you into decisions you're not ready for.
Ohio law provides civil remedies that allow survivors to hold both individual abusers and the institutions that enabled them financially accountable. Recent legislative changes have extended or eliminated statutes of limitations for many abuse claims, opening doors for survivors who were previously barred from seeking justice. Every consultation is 100% confidential.
What Are Sexual Abuse Cases?
Sexual abuse cases involve any form of unwanted sexual contact or behavior towards another person without their consent or against their will. This includes touching, groping, fondling, kissing, as well as more severe forms such as rape, sodomy, or forced penetration. Sexual abuse can occur in the workplace, in schools, at home, in public places, or during social events — and can happen to anyone regardless of gender, age, or background.
Common categories include rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, incest, child sexual abuse, and date rape. Perpetrators often exploit positions of trust and authority. At Babin Law, we pursue civil claims that hold both individual abusers and the institutions that enabled the abuse financially accountable.
The Harm Caused by Sexual Abuse
The effects of sexual abuse are devastating and far-reaching. Physical harm can include injuries, sexually transmitted infections, and unwanted pregnancies. Survivors often experience intense emotional trauma including fear, shame, guilt, anger, and confusion, and may develop depression, anxiety, PTSD, or substance abuse disorders.
The psychological damage can be equally profound — low self-esteem, self-blame, difficulty trusting others, flashbacks, and nightmares. Many survivors face social isolation, stigmatization, and difficulty maintaining healthy relationships. These harms underscore why civil remedies providing financial compensation are essential for helping survivors access the treatment and support they need.
Notable Ohio Sexual Abuse Cases
Ohio courts have held abusers and negligent institutions accountable in significant cases. In 2019, a jury awarded $11 million to a woman sexually abused by a doctor at a Cleveland hospital during childhood. Ohio State University reached a $500 million settlement with over 300 individuals abused by a former team doctor. The Diocese of Columbus paid $1.3 million to a man abused by a priest in the 1970s.
These cases demonstrate that justice is achievable. Ohio juries and courts have consistently held that institutions — whether hospitals, universities, religious organizations, or school districts — bear responsibility when they fail to protect the people in their care.
Ohio Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse
The statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims in Ohio has been significantly expanded in recent years. For civil claims related to childhood sexual abuse, victims generally have until age 28 or 12 years after the abuse occurred, whichever is longer. Ohio law also allows victims of school sexual abuse to bring claims against a school district up to 35 years after the abuse.
If the abuse was not discovered until later in life, victims may have additional time to file. The statute may also be extended when the abuser or institution engaged in fraud or concealment. These evolving legal protections mean that survivors who previously believed the window had closed may still have options.
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