Compassionate Legal Advocacy for Survivors of Sexual Abuse in the Home
Sexual abuse within a domestic relationship is a deeply personal violation that affects every part of a survivor’s life. When the abuser is a spouse, partner, or family member, the barriers to seeking help can feel overwhelming. At Privette Law Office, we represent survivors of domestic sexual abuse in civil court across Southern Missouri, including Howell County, Greene County, and the surrounding communities. Our Southern Missouri sexual assault and abuse attorneys help survivors pursue protection orders, hold abusers accountable, and recover compensation for the harm they have suffered. As members of the National Crime Victim Bar Association, Zane and Bailey Privette bring both legal skill and genuine compassion to every case.
Why Choose Privette Law Office?
Survivors of domestic sexual abuse deserve a legal team that understands both the legal complexities and the emotional weight of their situation. Privette Law Office provides:
- Nearly 40 years of service to Southern Missouri families, with deep roots in Willow Springs and the surrounding communities
- A family-run firm led by Zane and Bailey Privette, both recognized as Super Lawyers Rising Stars and NTL Top 40 Under 40 trial lawyers
- Membership in the National Crime Victim Bar Association, demonstrating a focused commitment to representing survivors
- Trial-ready representation with experience before the Missouri Supreme Court and U.S. District Court of Missouri, Western District
- Personalized, confidential consultations where every client is treated with dignity and respect
We understand that coming forward takes courage, and we are here to guide you through each step of the legal process.
What Qualifies as Domestic Sexual Abuse Under Missouri Law?
Domestic sexual abuse occurs when a family member, household member, or intimate partner forces or coerces another person into unwanted sexual contact. Under Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act, Chapter 455 RSMo, a person may seek an order of protection from acts, attempts, or threats by a family or household member or intimate partner, including acts of sexual assault. This legal definition covers a broad range of conduct, from unwanted physical contact to ongoing patterns of sexual coercion.
To qualify for protection under this law, the petitioner must be a family member, household member, or intimate partner, which Missouri defines broadly to include:
- Current and former spouses
- Adults related by blood or marriage
- Adults who are presently living together or have lived together in the past
- Adults who are or have been in a continuing social relationship
Importantly, you do not need to be married to your abuser to seek protection or pursue civil claims.
Can I File a Civil Lawsuit Against My Abuser?
Sexual abuse or assault is both a criminal and civil offense in Missouri. Survivors have the right to press criminal charges and file a civil lawsuit seeking financial compensation. A civil case is a separate legal action that you initiate on your own behalf. Civil actions generally require a lower standard of proof (preponderance of the evidence) than criminal cases (beyond a reasonable doubt). This means you can hold your abuser liable in civil court even if criminal charges were never filed or resulted in an acquittal.
Survivors can file a civil lawsuit regardless of whether the abuser was ever criminally charged or convicted, and even if they never reported the abuse to law enforcement. Through a civil claim, you may seek compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial harm caused by the abuse.
What Compensation Can Survivors Recover?
In a Missouri civil lawsuit for domestic sexual abuse, survivors can pursue several categories of damages. These include economic damages such as reimbursement for medical bills, therapy and counseling expenses, lost wages, and relocation costs. Non-economic damages cover emotional distress, pain and suffering, trauma, and reduced quality of life. Punitive damages may also be awarded in cases of especially egregious misconduct to punish the offender and deter similar conduct.
Under Missouri law, punitive damages require clear and convincing evidence that the defendant intentionally harmed the plaintiff without just cause or acted with a deliberate and flagrant disregard for the safety of others. In cases involving domestic sexual abuse, where the conduct is inherently intentional, this standard may be met. Our attorneys evaluate every aspect of your case to identify the full scope of recoverable damages.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Missouri?
Adults generally have five years from the date of the abuse to file a civil lawsuit under Missouri Revised Statutes Section 516.120, which covers most personal injury claims. However, the timeline can vary depending on the nature of the claim and the circumstances involved.
Missouri courts also recognize the “discovery rule.” The rule allows the statute of limitations to start when a survivor discovers or reasonably should have discovered that the abuse caused injury. This exception is particularly relevant for those with repressed memories or delayed trauma responses.
The statute of limitations for civil actions involving childhood sexual abuse requires the claim to be filed by the later of these two dates:
- Age 31: Within 10 years of the survivor reaching age 21.
- Discovery Rule: Within three years of the date the survivor discovers (or reasonably should have discovered) that their psychological or physical injury was caused by the childhood sexual abuse
Because these deadlines are complex, we encourage anyone considering a claim to contact our office as soon as possible so we can evaluate your specific situation.
How Can a Protection Order Help Me?
An order of protection is an order issued by a Missouri court under the Domestic Violence Act that restrains a person from abusing, stalking, sexually assaulting, or harassing another person. Unlike a restraining order, an order of protection carries criminal penalties for violation. If you are in immediate danger, the court can issue an ex parte (emergency) order of protection before a full hearing takes place.
If the judge finds that there is an immediate and present danger of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault, an ex parte order of protection will be issued and is effective when entered. A full hearing is then scheduled, typically within 15 days.
At the hearing, if the petitioner has proved the allegation of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault by a preponderance of the evidence, the court shall issue a full order of protection for a period of at least 180 days and not more than one year. In cases where the court finds the abuser poses a serious danger, the order can last between two and ten years.
Missouri also provides additional safety resources for survivors. The Safe at Home address confidentiality program through the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office has helped survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, human trafficking, or stalking stay safe by providing a designated address to use when creating new public records.
What to Expect When Working with Our Firm
We know that taking legal action against someone in your own home or family requires a level of trust that must be earned. When you contact Privette Law Office, here is what the process typically looks like:
- Confidential consultation. We meet with you privately to understand your situation, answer your questions, and discuss your legal options at no cost.
- Safety planning. If you need immediate protection, we help you pursue an emergency order of protection and connect you with local advocacy resources in Southern Missouri.
- Case investigation. We gather evidence, coordinate with law enforcement when appropriate, and build a strong civil case on your behalf.
- Filing your claim. We handle all paperwork and court filings, keeping you informed and supported at every stage.
- Negotiation or trial. Our attorneys are prepared to fight for maximum compensation, whether through a negotiated resolution or at trial before a jury.
Throughout every step, you will work directly with Zane and Bailey Privette, not a paralegal or case manager. That personal attention is central to how we practice law.
Protect Your Rights with Privette Law Office
You do not have to face this alone. If you have experienced domestic sexual abuse in Southern Missouri, Privette Law Office is ready to listen, protect your safety, and pursue the justice you deserve. Contact our Willow Springs office today to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
How is a civil case different from criminal prosecution for domestic sexual abuse?
In a criminal case, the state prosecutes the abuser and seeks penalties such as jail time or fines. Civil cases are intended to provide the victim with financial damages for their losses. You can pursue a civil case independently of any criminal proceedings, and a civil lawsuit uses a lower burden of proof. An attorney at Privette Law Office can help you understand how both paths may work together.
Can I seek a protection order if my abuser and I still live together?
Yes. A person who has been a victim of domestic violence or sexual abuse from a member of their household or a current or prior family member may apply for a protective order. The court can order your abuser to vacate the shared residence and prohibit any contact with you. You do not need to leave your home first to file for protection.
What if I am not ready to take legal action right now?
It is common for survivors to need time before pursuing a claim, and that is understandable. However, Missouri’s statutes of limitations set deadlines for filing civil lawsuits. We recommend scheduling a confidential consultation to learn what deadlines may apply to your situation so you can make an informed decision when you are ready.