Law Schools: JusticePASH is developing collaborative relationships with local law schools to utilize law student assistance while training a new generation of attorneys in advocacy against sexual assault and exploitation.
Social Service Providers: JusticePASH conducts trainings with rape crisis centers regarding civil rights and civil litigation against sexual abuse and exploitation and we provide free legal consultations to rape crisis center staff.
Individual Survivors: JusticePASH provides free legal consultations to individual survivors of sexual assault. Survivors can then hire us at no or low cost to represent them in whatever venue meets their needs.
Survivors have several civil legal options available to pursue under the following IL statutes:
The Illinois Gender Violence Act: Enacted in 2004, the Gender Violence Act defines sexual assault as sex discrimination, and allows survivors to seek relief in state civil court -- whether or not the criminal justice system ever took action against the perpetrators. The GVA has a 7-year statute of limitations (meaning, the survivor has 7 years in which to file a complaint), and under the law, a perpetrator can be forced to pay punitive damages and attorney's fees to the victim, in addition to being held liable for all the other costs of their wrongdoing;
The Civil No Contact Order: This law allows victims of sexual assault to seek a stay-away order against the perpetrator. The process for obtaining a "CNCO" is similar to obtaining a domestic violence order of protection, except that it does not require the petitioner to have a previous relationship with the perpetrator. While monetary remedies are not available under the CNCO, survivors can use this law to make a perpetrator stand trial. Additionally, while a civil finding of guilt can not only vindicate a survivor's rights, it can be used against a perpetrator in other venues.
The Predator Accountability Act: Enacted in 2006, under this law, survivors of sexual exploitation can hold pimps, johns, and other profiteers (such as strip clubs, massage parlors, escort services) and abusers liable for the harms they cause through prostitution and other forms of sex trafficking. In most cases, the Predator Accountability Act has a 10-year statute of limitations.
Depending on our clients needs, JusticePASH utilizes other civil remedies and provisions afforded by Illinois law. We also help our clients navigate the criminal legal system.
JusticePASH provides compassionate, strategic, and individualized civil legal representation specializing in the utilization of these statutes. We can also provide referrals for our clients to additional services addressing the needs of sexual violence survivors.
We serve male and female victims of sexual violence of all ages, races, socio-economic background, abilities, sexual orientation, nationalities and immigration status.
