Answers To Common Questions About Sexual Abuse Cases

You can sue the individual who molested or abused you. In addition, you may be able to sue their employer. Civil law recognizes that an employer is liable for harm caused by an employee’s negligence if the employee was in the course of their work duties. For example, the school may be liable when a teacher grooms and molests one of their students.

There is no specific claim for sexual abuse in Hawai‘i civil law, but common claims related to abuse include assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligent infliction of emotional distress.

The child’s parent or guardian can sue on their behalf. As a caregiver, you might have your own claim for emotional distress and other damages suffered related to your child’s trauma.

Yes. Your attorney can file your claim under an alias like “John Doe” or “Jane Doe.” Whether you reveal your identity publicly is entirely up to you.

Hawai‘i has a statute of limitations on civil sexual abuse claims. A statute of limitations imposes a time limit on how much time can pass before a plaintiff can sue a defendant. In Hawai‘i, you generally have eight years after turning 18 or three years after the victim discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) that a psychological injury or illness occurring after their 18th birthday was caused by sexual abuse.