If you’ve experienced sexual misconduct or abuse by a school employee, you may have legal rights under civil law, criminal law, and federal protections like Title IX. These laws can help you seek justice, hold institutions accountable, and access support for healing.

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How can criminal law help victims of sexual misconduct and abuse?

 

Criminal law enables the state to prosecute school employees who commit sexual offenses, which can lead to penalties such as imprisonment, probation, and sex offender registration. Survivors may serve as witnesses, but the case is controlled by the government and focuses on punishing the offender—not compensating the victim.

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To learn more about the laws in your state, click here.

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How Does Civil Law Apply?

Civil law allows survivors to file lawsuits against individuals and institutions responsible for sexual misconduct, seeking financial compensation for damages such as emotional harm, therapy costs, and lost educational opportunities. It also provides a pathway to expose negligence or cover-ups and hold schools accountable in ways that promote systemic change.​

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To learn more about civil justice for survivors, click here.

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How does Title IX help survivors?

Title IX is a federal civil rights law that requires schools to prevent, investigate, and respond to sexual harassment and assault in educational settings.

 

It gives student survivors the right to a safe learning environment and may result in school-level consequences for employees who violate those rights.

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To learn more about survivors' rights under Title IX, click here.

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Am I protected if I speak out?

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To learn more about your rights when you speak out and whistleblower protections, The National Women's Law Center has compiled a Survivors Speaking Out Toolkit that addresses some of the most common questions and concerns. You can read it here.

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