San Francisco Sexual Assault & Harassment Attorneys

How Does a San Francisco Sexual Assault Lawyer Help You?

Sexual assault is a serious offense, and perpetrators must be held accountable for their actions. If you or a loved one were affected by sexual assault or abuse, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your losses. Standing up for yourself could also lead to safer spaces for others just like you.

Many in our communities may be affected by sexual assault and don’t know what their rights are or how to proceed with legal action. At Levin Simes, we work closely with survivors of sexual assault and abuse, and are well-versed in the deep emotional considerations that must accompany their legal needs. 

As a women-led law firm, our team focuses on uncovering the structures and mechanisms that often allow sexual assault to occur in the first place, and hold the responsible parties accountable.

If you or a loved one have been affected by sexual misconduct and need legal representation to move forward, reach out to us at (415) 426-3000. We are ready to hear you, help you, and do all in our power to secure what you need to heal.

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What Is the Difference Between Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment?

Sexual abuse is a general term that can include the following forms of assault and harassment:

• Sexual assault refers to physical sexual contact or behavior that occurs without explicit consent of the victim. Some forms of sexual assault include unwanted sexual touching, forcing a victim to view or perform sexual acts, attempted rape, and rape. 
• Sexual harassment is used to refer to any non-physical unwanted sexual interactions. This could include sexual comments like catcalling or inappropriate questions, as well as visual or written forms of sexual material like unsolicited sexual texts or pictures sent or left around intentionally.

These sexual violations can happen in any type of setting, including social gatherings, home and domestic environments, rideshare arrangements, and at school or in the workplace. See our FAQs below for more specific examples of what is considered harassment under the law.

What Kind of Settlement Can a San Francisco Sexual Harassment Lawyer Help Secure?

At Levin Simes, our verdicts and settlements include groundbreaking results for survivors of sexual harassment and assault. While each case result is based on a person’s unique injuries and needs, here are some general areas of compensation you may be entitled to:

• Reimbursement for financial losses such as medical expenses, therapy costs, or lost wages (both past and future).
• Payment for emotional pain and suffering, including persistent conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and loss of companionship in your relationships (legally discussed as consortium).
• Reinstatement or job promotion if you were wrongfully terminated or denied promotions as a result of sexual harassment or abuse.
• Non-financial remedies like policy changes to a workplace or institution's procedures to prevent future harassment, or mandatory training for employees or students on sexual harassment prevention and reporting.
• Confidentiality agreements and/or public apologies, such as a clause preventing the other party from defaming you, or a mandated public acknowledgment of wrongdoing from the harasser or the institution involved.

It's important to note that the specifics of each settlement can vary widely based on the facts of the case, and the negotiation skills of your attorney. We encourage you to contact our experienced sexual assault and harassment lawyer to discuss your options and determine the best course of action to achieve what you need, want, and deserve.

According to a study from the University of California San Diego’s School of Medicine, reported incidences of sexual harassment in California are 5% higher for women and 10% higher for men than the national average. It also found that immigrant-born men and members of the LGBT community are also at increased risk. 

In pursuing justice for yourself, you can help prevent future abuses, and even protect some of your most marginalized neighbors. Contact Levin Simes in San Francisco at (415) 426-3000 — justice for you is good for us all.