ChildUSA's Survivor Tool Kit

August 14, 2019

I am sharing this essential toolkit from Child USA for all survivors who are considering legal action under the Child Victims' Act.

If you are considering filing under a window or revival law please consider the following:

Know that you are not alone
See a therapist before consulting a lawyer, and continue seeing that therapist during the pendency of the lawsuit
Understand that the legal system is a lot of “hurry up and wait” - It is normal to be asked to produce information quickly, and then not hear from your lawyer for a while
An attorney cannot be your attorney without your authorization
Your attorney works for YOU and cannot settle your case prior to your approval of the monetary amount
Don ’t assume that the court system understands your needs; some officials will have received trauma-informed training, some will not (see 1 & 2)
Understand that this can be a confusing time not only for you but everyone around you (see 2 and encourage loved ones to do the same)
You have been empowered to file a legal action, but it will take the whole culture to end child sex abuse
The settlement funds you receive are not blood money or dirty money, this is American justice. You deserve to be compensated for your harm.
Talk to a finance professional about how to protect your settlement