Sexual Assault Lawyers in Austin, Texas
Texas has one of the highest rates of sexual assault in the country. Every 2 in 5 Texan women and 1 in 5 Texan men have suffered sexual assault in their lifetimes. These assaults can have lifelong effects on survivors, like emotional turmoil, psychological issues, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs.)
While a lawsuit can’t undo your trauma, it can help you pay for therapy and medical expenses, so you can start your healing journey and reclaim your life.
Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Austin
At Blizzard Greenberg, our attorneys specialize in helping sexual assault victims find justice. We understand the courage it takes to file a lawsuit. We’ll help you understand your rights and feel comfortable and safe as we fight on your behalf.
Types of Sexual Abuse & Sexual Assault
Everyone has the right to say “no” to sexual acts. But sexual abuse or assault violates a victim’s consent, often through force, threats, or manipulation.
While people often use the terms sexual assault and sexual abuse interchangeably, there’s a difference between them legally. In Texas, sexual assault is defined as rape, while sexual abuse may refer to broader forms of non-consensual sex acts, such as the following.
- Unwanted sexual touching
- Sexual trafficking
- Abuse of a minor
- Abuse of a person unable to consent, like someone under the influence
- Non-contact abuse, like flashing or voyeurism
Where Predators May Lurk: Where Sexual Abuse Most Often Occurs
Most sexual assault victims know the perpetrator, with only 20% of assaults committed by strangers. Sexual crimes can take place in any number of private or public locations in Austin. But some of the most common include:
- College campuses. Nationally, around 26% of female undergraduates experience rape or assault on a college campus. Students have reported assaults at several Austin colleges, including The University of Texas at Austin, Southwestern University, and Texas State University.
- Hotels. Hotel assaults are on the rise throughout the country, with predators targeting popular chains like Holiday Inn and Hilton. There are four different Hiltons and over a dozen Holiday Inns in the Austin metro area alone. We once fought for the rights of a victim who experienced assault at a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Austin.
- Churches or religious organizations. Even churches aren’t free from abuse in Austin. Local churches with clergy charged with sex-related crimes include the Austin Stone Community Church, Betania Baptist Church, and Greater Hills Baptist Church.
- Rideshare services. Predators may drive for Austin rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, since it draws potential victims to their cars.
- Massage therapy. Massage parlors, including chains like Massage Envy, are notorious for sexual assaults. The city is home to six different Massage Envy locations, including parlors in north, central, and southern Austin.
Defendants in Sexual Assault Lawsuits
While the person who abused you can be held accountable by the law and face criminal charges, it may also be possible to take action against others who failed to protect you in a civil lawsuit. For example, employers or institutions can be held liable if they knew of an alleged sexual assault by one of their staff members but didn’t take appropriate measures to address or prevent it. We help our clients with civil sexual abuse lawsuits.
Some of the possible defendants that might be named in a sexual assault lawsuit include:
- Teachers or educational administrators
- Property owners or managers
- Hotel staff or management
- Church authorities or volunteers
- Places where the perpetrator worked, such as rideshare companies or massage parlors
Austin Demographics & Sexual Abuse Statistics
- Austin is currently home to over one million people and has slightly more male residents than females.
- Most victims who report sex crimes in Austin are women, with around 578 women reporting incidents in 2024 and 53 men.
- It’s estimated that only 32% of all Texas assaults are reported to the police every year.
- According to the Austin Police Department, the most common age group to report sex crimes are people 21 and 29 years old. But this doesn’t include data on people younger than 16.
- People of all races report sex crimes in Austin. In 2024, the majority of victims were White, followed closely by Hispanic or Latino, then Black, then Asian.
What to Do After Sexual Assault
It’s hard to know how to feel or where to turn after suffering sexual abuse. Many people suffer in silence. But you aren’t alone, and you have options to seek justice, including the following.
- Call the police. Sexual assault is notoriously under-reported in Texas. But contacting the police can bring your case to the attention of the authorities before the statute of limitations expires.
- Get medical help Seeking medical attention after an assault is crucial, even if you don’t have visible injuries. Sexual Assault Forensic Exams (SAFEs) can help you establish evidence for your case. You can find trauma-informed forensic nurses by contacting SAFE Austin.
- Gather evidence. If you can, look for evidence that corroborates your claims, like witness statements, security camera footage, or texts.
- Contact a lawyer. Seek help from lawyers who represent sexual assault victims. Beyond offering much-needed support, they can advise you on the best course of action for your case.
Understand Your Legal Options
After suffering sexual abuse or assault, you can pursue justice by filing a criminal case against the perpetrator or by filing a lawsuit. Regardless of your chosen avenue, you only have a limited amount of time to pursue your case before the statute of limitations expires.
For example, in Texas, the statute of limitations for felony sexual assault claims is 10 years when the victim is an adult. But claims involving children age 17 or younger have no time limit. For civil lawsuits, the statute of limitations is smaller: Adult victims have five years to file their claim, while people who were under 18 at the time have 30 years.
Legal counsel can help you determine which avenues are right for your case. But it’s important to note that only civil lawsuits can help you recover damages.
What Are the Damages You Can Recover in a Sexual Abuse Claim? –
Survivors of sexual abuse can experience long-term mental and physical effects, which may need costly treatment. The damages you can collect in a lawsuit depend on your specific case, but they may include the following.
- Therapy or counseling
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages from time off work
What Our Sexual Abuse Lawyers Can Do for You
No amount of money can take back your pain. But it can offer a sense of justice and make it easier to get the care you need.
The lawyers at Blizzard Greenberg are passionate about helping sexual assault survivors gain the funds they need to rebuild their lives. We’ll help you build your case and aggressively fight for your rights in a courtroom. We’ve won our clients millions of dollars in verdicts and successfully stood up to large companies like Massage Envy, Hilton, Lyft, and more.
By working with us, you won’t have to struggle with the aftermath of sexual abuse alone. You’ll have a dedicated team ready to support and defend you throughout your lawsuit. Contact us today for a 100% free, discrete consultation of your case.
History & Landmarks In Austin
Austin was originally founded in the 1830s as the first permanent Anglo-American settlement in the area. The town was originally named “Waterloo,” but later changed its name to Austin after Stephen F. Austin, the “Father of Texas” and founder of the precursor to the Texas Rangers. The town became the capital of Texas in 1839 and has since grown to one of the largest cities in the state.
Travis County Civil and Family Courts
1700 Guadalupe St
Austin, TX 78701
Austin Police Department
715 East 8th St.
Austin, TX 78701
St. David’s South Austin Medical Center
901 W Ben White Blvd
Austin, TX 78704
Dell Seton Medical Center
1500 Red River St
Austin, TX 78701
