Washington DC Sexual Assault Lawyer

Serious injuries deserve experienced attorneys

At Cohen & Cohen, we’ve been helping survivors of sexual assault in the Washington, D.C. area for decades. We know how overwhelming this experience can be—physically, emotionally, and legally. Survivors often feel powerless or unsure of how to move forward, especially when facing a complex legal process. Our team is committed to standing with our clients, providing legal support, and fighting for justice with care and determination.

Sexual Assault Lawyer Washington DC

Sexual assault cases involve more than physical harm—they involve the violation of personal rights, trust, and safety. In legal terms, sexual assault includes any unwanted sexual contact or behavior that occurs without consent. This can range from inappropriate touching to rape. Survivors may face significant trauma that affects every part of their lives, from relationships and careers to mental health and confidence.

Our Washington DC sexual assault lawyer plays a key role in helping survivors take legal action against their abusers. The law provides both criminal and civil options. Criminal charges are brought by the state, but survivors can also pursue civil lawsuits to seek financial damages and hold the perpetrator directly accountable. These cases can involve schools, workplaces, healthcare institutions, or other organizations if they failed to prevent or respond properly to misconduct.

Legal support goes beyond paperwork—it helps survivors regain a sense of power and voice in a process that often feels impersonal. Our goal is not only to pursue compensation, but to push for real accountability and closure. Survivors deserve to be heard, believed, and represented by a legal team that understands both the law and the weight of these cases.

Some legal claims may also involve:

• Institutional negligence or failure to protect
• Workplace harassment tied to assault or misconduct

Others may include:

• Civil suits after criminal proceedings
• Cases involving minors or vulnerable individuals

Each case is unique, and timelines vary. But what remains constant is the need for clear, strategic legal guidance.

Choosing A Legal Team That Puts Clients First

When it comes to legal representation, experience and results matter. At Cohen & Cohen, we’ve represented numerous survivors in both high-profile and private cases. Our team knows how to build strong claims, work with investigators, and handle sensitive matters with discretion. We’re known for being responsive and thorough, keeping our clients informed at every stage.

One recent case involved a civil suit against a private employer, where our client was awarded significant damages after years of workplace abuse were ignored by supervisors. In another, we supported a student in a claim against a university that failed to act on repeated complaints—resulting in not only a settlement but changes to campus policies.

We believe in transparency, honest communication, and tailored representation. Survivors often come to us feeling unheard. Our job is to listen, act, and fight for the justice they deserve.

Talk To A Legal Team That Listens

If you or someone you care about is considering legal action following sexual assault, we’re here to help. At Cohen & Cohen, we understand the emotional and legal challenges survivors face, and we’re committed to offering strong legal support with compassion and discretion. Don’t wait to take the next step. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.

Types of Sexual Assault Cases We Handle

At Cohen & Cohen, we know that sexual assault takes many forms, and no two cases are exactly alike. Survivors often feel overwhelmed or unsure of where to begin when seeking legal action. That’s why our team is dedicated to helping clients understand their legal options and supporting them through each step of the process. If you or someone you love has been harmed, it’s important to know that you’re not alone—and legal help is available.

Cases Involving Workplace Misconduct

Sexual assault in the workplace can involve physical assault, coerced acts, or unwanted contact that goes unreported or ignored by management. These situations often include power imbalances, such as between supervisors and employees. Many survivors hesitate to speak up due to fear of retaliation or job loss. We help clients build strong cases when employers fail to act or create unsafe environments.

Legal claims in these cases often focus on:

• Employer liability for failing to respond appropriately
• Hostile work environments tied to assault or ongoing harassment

Survivors in these situations may be entitled to damages for emotional distress, lost income, or other related harms.

Institutional and School-Related Assault

Assault cases involving schools, colleges, or other institutions often deal with failures to protect students or participants. These cases can involve peer assault, staff misconduct, or even repeated negligence in preventing known risks. Our firm has worked with clients in both private and public school settings, including higher education institutions.

We examine whether school officials failed to act on complaints or covered up incidents. In many cases, these failures lead to further harm and long-term trauma. Institutions have a duty to create safe environments, and when they fall short, they may be held accountable through civil litigation.

Assault by Healthcare Providers or Caretakers

Sexual assault by a medical professional or caretaker involves a serious breach of trust. These cases require sensitivity, strong documentation, and clear legal strategy. Survivors may feel shame, disbelief, or confusion, especially when the abuse happens in settings where trust should be automatic—such as hospitals, nursing homes, or clinics.

These situations often require:

• Review of institutional policies and prior complaints
• Coordination with medical or psychological professionals to support the claim

Our firm is committed to standing with clients in these difficult and often highly personal situations.

Assault Involving Minors or Vulnerable Adults

When minors or individuals with cognitive or physical limitations are harmed, the legal process can be more complex due to mandatory reporting laws and additional protections. Our team takes a focused approach to these cases, helping families pursue legal claims while protecting the well-being of those impacted.

Claims may involve schools, churches, foster care systems, or youth programs. We take these cases seriously and work to uncover whether those in authority knew—or should have known—about the abuse and failed to intervene.

Contact a Legal Team That Can Help

If you’re looking for our Washington DC sexual assault lawyer, it’s important to choose someone with real experience in these types of cases. At Cohen & Cohen, we’re committed to helping survivors take legal action in a way that prioritizes their voice, their rights, and their future. Reach out to us today for a confidential consultation and learn how we can help you move forward.

7 Steps to Take After a Sexual Assault

After experiencing sexual assault, it can be difficult to think clearly about what to do next. Many survivors feel a mix of confusion, fear, and uncertainty in the immediate aftermath. While there’s no single right way to respond, taking certain steps early can support your well-being and help protect your rights. At Cohen & Cohen, we help survivors understand their legal options and provide guidance throughout the process. Here are seven actions to consider if you or someone you care about has experienced sexual assault.

Get to a Safe Location

Your immediate safety is the top priority. If you are in danger, try to leave the area as soon as possible and get to a secure place. This may be a trusted friend’s home, a police station, or a public location where you feel protected. Safety doesn’t only mean physical location—it also means being around people who support and believe you.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if there are no visible injuries, it’s important to get medical care. Medical professionals can treat any physical trauma, test for sexually transmitted infections, and provide emergency contraception if needed. Many hospitals have specially trained staff who can perform sexual assault forensic exams (often referred to as rape kits), which can be crucial if you later choose to pursue legal action.

Avoid Changing Clothes or Bathing

Although it might be your instinct to clean up immediately, it’s best to avoid showering, changing clothes, or discarding anything you were wearing. These items may contain evidence that could support your case if you decide to report the assault. If you have already changed clothes, place the items in a clean paper bag and bring them to your medical provider.

Report the Incident to Law Enforcement

Filing a police report is entirely your choice. If you do wish to report the assault, doing so sooner can help preserve evidence and support an investigation. When you’re ready, you can contact law enforcement directly or ask a hospital staff member to help connect you. You do not need to make a final decision about pressing charges right away—reporting is one step in the process.

Contact a Sexual Assault Advocate or Support Organization

Support organizations can provide emotional support, legal referrals, and help with basic needs like transportation or temporary housing. Advocates can accompany you to the hospital or police station and explain your rights in a way that feels accessible. These resources are free and confidential, offering a critical layer of support when you need it most.

Document Your Experience

As soon as you are able, write down or record everything you remember about the incident. Include details such as time, location, physical description of the person involved, and anything said or done. This can serve as valuable documentation if you choose to pursue a legal case later.

Speak With a Legal Representative

If you’re considering legal action, it’s helpful to consult with a sexual assault attorney who has experience handling similar cases. Our Washington DC sexual assault lawyer can explain your rights, discuss potential civil or criminal paths, and help you decide how to move forward. At Cohen & Cohen, we’ve worked with many survivors in these situations and take the time to listen, provide clear information, and advocate effectively on their behalf.

If you or someone close to you has been affected by sexual assault, we’re here to help. Contact us at Cohen & Cohen for a confidential consultation. You don’t have to go through this alone—we’re ready to stand by your side.