Giving a Voice to Survivors: Strategies for Empowering Clients Through the Legal Process
Survivors of sexual abuse often face a justice system that feels overwhelming, impersonal, and retraumatizing. At Edelstein Law, led by Jay Edelstein, Esquire, we believe every survivor deserves to be heard, respected, and protected—both inside and outside the courtroom. With offices serving clients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, we focus on trauma-informed legal representation that empowers survivors through every process stage.
“Here’s how we give survivors a voice—and the power to use it.”
Start with Listening, Not Lawyering
What evidence is needed in a sexual abuse civil case?
Evidence can include medical records, therapist notes, emails, witness statements, or even testimony alone. You don’t need a criminal conviction to bring a civil case. Jay Edelstein, Esquire will help build a strong case based on your experience, even if the abuse happened years ago.
Before we speak for our clients, we listen to them. Survivors of sexual abuse are often silenced by fear, shame, or the institutions that failed them. At Edelstein Law, our first step is creating a space where clients feel safe to speak. This means slowing down, respecting boundaries, and letting the survivor lead the pace of the conversation. Legal strategy can wait—trust comes first.
Trauma-Informed Advocacy
Sexual abuse cases are not like other cases. Survivors may struggle with memory gaps, emotional triggers, or complex psychological trauma. Our attorneys are trained in trauma-informed practices, so we tailor our communication, case strategy, and client interactions to avoid retraumatization.
Jay Edelstein, Esquire, ensures that the entire legal team is aligned on this approach so our clients feel supported—not retraumatized — from intake to trial.
Education Equals Empowerment
One way to return power to survivors is to give them clarity about the process. We break down the legal steps in plain language, explaining options, risks, and rights. Whether filing a civil lawsuit in NJ or navigating a criminal case in PA, we ensure the client understands every move and signs off on every decision.
Knowledge isn’t just power—it’s protection.
Centering the Survivor’s Voice in Litigation
When it’s time to go to court or settle a case, we fight to ensure the survivor’s voice isn’t lost in legal jargon or drowned out by defense tactics. We help survivors prepare emotionally and strategically for depositions or testimony, and we collaborate with expert witnesses who understand the long-term effects of sexual abuse.
Every piece of evidence we submit, every statement we draft—centers on the survivor’s experience.
Collaboration with Mental Health and Support Services
We don’t just ask, “What happened?”—we ask, “What do you need?” Empowering clients means connecting them with therapists, crisis counselors, and survivor networks. Legal action is just one part of healing. We work closely with professionals across Pennsylvania and New Jersey to ensure our clients are supported on all fronts.
Fighting Systems That Fail Survivors
Sometimes, the survivor isn’t just up against an abuser—they’re up against a system. Schools, religious institutions, employers, and other entities often try to cover up abuse. At Edelstein Law, we hold those institutions accountable. Jay Edelstein, Esquire, has taken on complex sexual abuse cases in both PA and NJ, winning justice for clients who were ignored or betrayed by the very systems meant to protect them.
Sexual Abuse FAQs
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A- In both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, sexual abuse includes any unwanted sexual contact, assault, exploitation, or misconduct—whether by force, coercion, manipulation, or when a victim cannot legally consent. This applies to abuse by individuals, institutions, clergy, teachers, medical professionals, and others in positions of trust.
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A- Yes. Survivors can file civil lawsuits in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey to seek compensation for emotional, physical, and financial harm caused by sexual abuse. Civil cases are separate from criminal charges and are often the only path to hold institutions accountable.
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A- Yes. Pennsylvania law allows survivors to file a civil claim until age 55 if the abuse occurred when they were a minor. For adult survivors, the statute of limitations may vary. However, legislative changes may affect time limits. Contact Jay Edelstein, Esquire at Edelstein Law for the most current advice.
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A—Yes. Courts in PA and NJ often allow survivors to proceed anonymously, especially in civil cases. Your safety and privacy are a priority. We take every step to protect your identity and emotional well-being.
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A- Possibly. Both Pennsylvania and New Jersey have extended the statute of limitations for survivors, especially for those abused as children. Contact Edelstein Law for a free consultation—we can evaluate your timeline and legal options.
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Jay Edelstein, Esquire and his team provide trauma-informed legal representation for survivors of sexual abuse in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. We focus on listening, empowering, and fighting for justice—on your terms.
Do you still have questions? Contact Edelstein Law today for a confidential consultation.
Serving survivors in PA & NJ. Your voice matters—and we’re here to help you use it.
At Edelstein Law, our mission goes beyond winning cases—we aim to restore dignity and power to every client we serve. Survivors of sexual abuse deserve more than representation; they deserve advocacy that lifts their voices, protects their stories, and stands firmly in their corner.
If you or someone you know is seeking a sexual abuse attorney in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, contact Edelstein Law today. We’re here to listen. We’re here to fight. We’re here to give you your voice back.
Contact Edelstein Law, PA & NJ Offices
Jay Edelstein, Esquire
Stephen J. Pokiniewski, Esquire
Janae Banner, Esquire
Specializing in Sexual Abuse Legal Representation
