Sexual abuse survivor in Phoenix? You decide what happens next.

Updated October 2026. General information, not legal advice about your case.

Sexual abuse cases in Phoenix: what to know

If you are in danger now, call 911. You can reach the National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) 24/7 at 800-656-4673.

You control the pace. You decide what to share and when. Our conversation is confidential, and in many cases a claim can be brought without the survivor's name in public court records.

A civil case is separate from any criminal case. It does not depend on an arrest or a conviction. It asks who should have protected you, and whether they did.

When an institution is responsible

A civil case often focuses on the organization that had a duty to keep people safe. That can include:

• Churches and religious organizations
• Public and private schools, colleges and youth programs
• Sports clubs, camps and youth organizations
• Employers, when a supervisor or coworker caused the harm
• Nursing homes, group homes and other care facilities
• Rideshare companies and other businesses that send workers to the public

The key questions: What did the organization know? Did it check backgrounds before hiring? Did it supervise staff and volunteers? Did it act on complaints, and did it report abuse as required?

Arizona rules that shape your case

• More time for childhood abuse. Many states, including Arizona, have changed their laws in recent years to give survivors of childhood sexual abuse much more time to bring a claim (ARS 12-514). Arizona's rule still has an end point, so do not wait.
• Public schools and agencies. Before you can sue a public school, a city or another public entity in Arizona, you must file a notice of claim (ARS 12-821.01). The time to file it is short.
• Deadlines vary. How long you have depends on the type of case and who is responsible. Claims against a government agency can have deadlines measured in months. Call early.
• Where cases are heard. Phoenix civil cases are usually filed in Maricopa County Superior Court.

What to do now

1. Get to a safe place, and get medical care or counseling if you need it.
2. When you are ready, write down what you remember: dates, places, and who was in charge.
3. Keep messages, emails, photos and any records you have. Do not delete accounts.
4. Do not sign anything from the organization or its insurer before you get advice.
5. Call us when you are ready. The call is confidential, and there is no fee or cost unless we recover money for you.

How we work with Phoenix clients

Our Phoenix office is a satellite office, open by appointment. Your case team works at our headquarters in Irvine. We meet you in Phoenix, in a private place you choose, or by phone or video. A real person answers 24/7, in English or Spanish.