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A Note on Sensitive Content: This page contains descriptive content of sexual violence that may be triggering or distressing.

Missouri Sexual Assault Victims Lawyers

Coming forward after sexual assault takes real courage, and you get to decide what happens next.

If you’re a survivor in Missouri, you have the right to speak with a sexual assault victim lawyer about a civil claim, no matter what is happening with any criminal case. At Cofman Townsley, we listen first. Then we explain your options clearly and at your pace.

A civil claim is separate from any criminal case, and it belongs to you. It can hold the person who harmed you accountable and pursue money for the harm you have carried. When you are ready, our personal injury lawyers are here to discuss your case during a free, confidential consultation.

What Our Clients Say

“Cofman Townsley and their staff are like family. They met every need, answered every question, called us after hours, etc. They went above and beyond and made sure that we got our settlement to the fullest amount.” Jill C.

“Cofman Townsley was persistent, professional, and did an excellent job at keeping me informed all the time.”

Ashanti M.

“The Cofman Townsley team was awesome through the entire process.”

Darlana J.

“Cofman Townsley was great at helping me. They were always on time and answered any questions I had. They were very nice and patient with everything.”

ReJeane T.

“The attorneys were very responsive to my needs. Every time I called, someone got right back to me right away. I always knew what was going on because I was kept very informed about my case. I would recommend Cofman Townsley to anyone. I feel that Cofman Townsley did a wonderful job with my case. Everything was done in a professional manner. Everyone is really nice. ”

LaDawn H.

“Cofman Townsley are like family to me. They explain things thoroughly, make sure that I understand, and that I am taken care of. David Nissenholtz and Paula were super to me, and helped me through a long and difficult process where I had years of medical treatment and much stress. They care about people and take time to listen. I would refer my friends and family members to them because I trust they will take good care of them.”

William V.

“Cofman Townsley treats you like family and like you are the only client. They answered all of my questions and took time to make sure I understood. I wouldn’t change to another attorney. They have done a good job for me and I trust them, which is very important. The whole office of people is friendly. They make me feel like I am number one, and they will do the same for you.”

Darlene W.

“Cofman Townsley diligently represented me in my personal injury work comp claim and got me a fair settlement in a timely manner.”

Jeff R.

“It was a great experience. Cofman Townsley handled all the leg work for me. I appreciate all the help.”

Chris S.

“I was very pleased with the way in which my case was handled. I was treated with great respect and care. I have never had to have legal services in my life, so for a first time event this has been very easy. I would like to say that the work ethic and determination of this company was the greatest thing that I will be left with. I thank you all very much!”

Johnny M.

“David did an amazing job with my case and communicating with me. His professionalism and concern with my progress meant a lot to me. I really appreciate everything he and his staff did for me. Thank you all.”

Carey G.

“Cofman Townsley are a great team of lawyers who go out of their way to do the BEST for their clients. They stay on you and get you the largest settlement they can.”

Peggy T.

“I really appreciate what they have done for me. I was treated excellently and if something ever happens again, they would be the first people I would call.”

Amber A.

“They have great attention to detail and [provide] a wonderful level of comfort during tough times.”

Matt C.

“Thank you. You guys were very fast, considerate, and friendly. I really appreciate it.”

Michael S.

You Have the Right to Pursue Justice as a Survivor

A civil sexual assault claim asks a court to hold someone financially responsible for the harm they caused. It is different from a criminal case where the state brings charges. In a civil case, you are the person in control. You decide whether to file, and you decide how far to take it.

You don’t need a criminal conviction to move forward. You can bring a civil claim even if the police never made an arrest, even if prosecutors declined to file charges, and even if a jury returned a not-guilty verdict in a criminal trial. The two systems answer different questions and use different standards of proof.

Privacy matters here, and Missouri courts recognize that. Survivors can ask to proceed under a pseudonym such as “Jane Doe” or “John Doe,” or by using their initials, so their name does not have to appear in the public record. We can walk you through how those protections work before you decide anything.

Civil and Criminal Sexual Assault Cases in Missouri

Many survivors assume the criminal case is the only path. It is not. A criminal case and a civil case can move forward at the same time, and they serve different purposes.

A prosecutor brings a criminal case on behalf of the state. If it succeeds, the outcome is a conviction, and possibly prison or fines for the person who committed the crime. You are a witness in that process, not the client, and the prosecutor does not represent you personally.

A civil case is yours. You bring it, you direct it, and the goal is accountability and financial recovery. The burden of proof is also lower than in a criminal case, which is part of why a civil claim can succeed even when a criminal one did not.

Who Can Be Held Responsible

The person who committed the assault is directly responsible for the harm they caused. But they are often not the only party a survivor can hold accountable. When another person or organization created the conditions that allowed the assault to happen, they may share responsibility too.

Responsible parties in a civil claim can include:

  • The Individual Perpetrator: The person who committed the assault can be held directly liable, whether or not they were ever criminally charged or convicted.
  • Negligent Businesses and Property Owners: Hotels, apartment complexes, bars, and other businesses have a duty to keep people reasonably safe. When weak security, poor lighting, or ignored complaints allow an assault to happen, a premises liability claim may follow.
  • Schools, Employers, and Religious Organizations: Institutions that ignored warning signs, failed to screen staff, or covered up misconduct can be held responsible for the harm that followed.
  • Care Facilities: Older adults and people with disabilities are especially vulnerable. When a facility fails to protect a resident, families can pursue a claim, including nursing home abuse cases.

Identifying every responsible party matters. It can widen the path to accountability and help reach the resources a survivor needs to heal.

Sexual Assault in Missouri: What the Numbers Show

Sexual assault and violence are far more common than many people realize, and survivors are rarely alone in what they have been through. The scale of the problem is part of why civil accountability and survivor resources matter.

A few figures help put it in context:

  • Sexual violence is widespread. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that nearly half of women and more than one in six men experience contact sexual violence in their lifetime.
  • Much of it begins in childhood. According to the CDC, almost half of women who are raped are first harmed before the age of 18.
  • It happens here in Missouri. Missouri law enforcement agencies logged 3,262 reports of sexual assault in 2021, according to Missouri State Highway Patrol data published by the state, which notes the true number is likely higher.

Numbers only tell part of the story. Behind each one is a person who deserved safety and deserves support now.

How Sexual Assault Affects Survivors

The harm from sexual assault reaches far beyond any physical injury, and a civil claim is one way to seek acknowledgment of that full picture.

The negative effects survivors describe often include:

  • Physical Injuries: These can require immediate medical care and, in some cases, ongoing treatment.
  • Emotional and Psychological Harm: Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress are common and can last long after physical wounds heal.
  • Disruption to Daily Life: Sleep, relationships, work, and a basic sense of safety can all be affected.

A civil claim cannot undo what happened. It can pursue the resources that support recovery and name the harm for what it was.

Compensation Available in a Civil Claim

Every case is different, and no lawyer can promise a particular outcome. That said, survivors who bring a successful civil claim may be entitled to compensation for losses tied to the assault.

Depending on the facts, recoverable damages may include:

  • Medical Expenses: Emergency care, follow-up treatment, and related costs
  • Therapy and Counseling: Both the care you have already received and the support you may need going forward
  • Lost Income and Earning Capacity: Wages missed during recovery, along with longer-term effects on your ability to work
  • Pain and Suffering: The physical pain, emotional distress, and lasting trauma the assault caused
  • Punitive Damages: In cases involving especially reckless conduct or a negligent institution, a court may award damages meant to punish and deter

It is our goal to pursue the full value of what you have lost. We can review your situation and explain what a claim like yours might involve.

Time Limits for Filing in Missouri

Every state sets a deadline, called the statute of limitations, for filing a civil claim. Missing it can end a case before it starts, so it helps to understand where you stand early.

In Missouri, survivors generally have five years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim, under RSMo Section 516.120. Missouri also recognizes that survivors of childhood sexual abuse often need far longer to come forward. Under RSMo Section 537.046, those survivors may file within 10 years of turning 21, or within three years of the date they discover the harm was caused by the abuse, whichever comes later.

These deadlines turn on the specific facts of your situation, and exceptions can apply. The safest step is to ask about your own timeline before assuming it has passed.

Support for Survivors in Greater St. Louis and Across Missouri

You do not have to carry this alone, and legal action is only one part of healing. The Greater St. Louis area has advocates and crisis services dedicated to survivors, including:

Missouri’s Department of Health and Senior Services also points survivors to a network of community-based rape crisis centers. These centers offer confidential advocacy, accompaniment during medical exams and law enforcement interviews, and referrals. The RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 is a free and confidential line that can connect you with a local center any time.

Cofman Townsley serves survivors across Missouri. Wherever your case belongs, we can help you understand how the process works and what your options are.

Orders of Protection in Missouri

If you are concerned about your safety, an Order of Protection is a separate legal tool from a civil claim. Under Chapter 455 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, a survivor can ask a court to order the other person to stop the abuse and stay away from their home or workplace.

You can seek one even if you had no prior relationship with the person who harmed you. There are no court costs, and you are not required to hire a lawyer. A parent or guardian can also seek one on behalf of a child.

What to Expect When You Work With Us

For many survivors, the hardest part is not knowing what comes next. We keep the process clear and move at a pace you set. You are never pressured, and you stay in control of your own story.

With Cofman Townsley on your side, you can expect:

A Confidential First Conversation

It starts with a free, private consultation. You share only what you are ready to share, and we listen without judgment. We explain your options before you commit to anything.

A Careful Investigation

If you decide to move forward, our team can gather what the case needs. That can include police reports, medical records, and witness statements, along with evidence about any business or institution that failed to keep you safe.

Filing or Resolving Your Claim

Depending on the facts, we can file a civil claim against the person who harmed you and any negligent party that enabled it. Many cases resolve through a settlement. When a fair resolution is not on the table, we can prepare your case for trial.

Frequently Asked Questions

These are the questions survivors ask us most often. If yours is not here, we can answer it in a confidential consultation.

Can I File a Civil Claim if the Criminal Case Was Dropped or Ended in a Not-Guilty Verdict?

Yes. A civil claim is separate from a criminal case and uses a lower burden of proof. You can pursue a civil claim even if prosecutors declined to file charges or a jury found the person not guilty in criminal court.

Will My Name Be Made Public if I File a Sexual Assault Lawsuit in Missouri?

Often, no. Missouri courts can allow survivors to proceed under a pseudonym such as “Jane Doe” or “John Doe,” or by using their initials. We can explain how these privacy protections would apply to your case.

How Long Do I Have to File a Civil Sexual Assault Claim in Missouri?

In Missouri, the general deadline is five years from the date of injury, with a longer window for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Because the deadline depends on your facts, it is best to ask before assuming it has passed.

Can I Sue a School, Church, Employer, or Business for Failing to Protect Me?

Sometimes, yes. When an institution ignored warning signs, failed to screen staff, or provided inadequate security, it may share responsibility. These claims are often brought alongside a claim against the individual who committed the assault.

What Kind of Compensation Can a Survivor Recover in a Civil Case?

A civil claim may pursue compensation for medical care, therapy and counseling, lost income and earning capacity, and pain and suffering. In cases involving especially reckless conduct, a court may also award punitive damages.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Sexual Assault Lawyer?

Cofman Townsley handles these cases on a contingency basis. You don’t pay us anything unless we get money for you, and the initial consultation is always free and confidential.

Do I Have to Go to Trial or Face the Person Who Harmed Me in Court?

Not necessarily. Many civil cases resolve through a settlement without a trial. When a case does proceed, survivors can often testify by video or written deposition rather than in person, and we can discuss those options with you.

What Should I Ask During a Consultation With a Sexual Assault Lawyer?

Helpful questions include how the civil process works, what your filing deadline is, who might be held responsible, and how your privacy is protected. We are glad to answer all of these in a free, confidential consultation.

Talk With a Compassionate Missouri Legal Team Today

What happened to you was not your fault, and you do not have to figure out the next step by yourself. At Cofman Townsley, our personal injury lawyers handle sexual assault claims with care, discretion, and respect for the pace you set.

We can explain your options, protect your privacy, and pursue the accountability you deserve. There is no fee unless we recover money for you. Call us today or contact us for a free, confidential consultation.