Navigating life after sexual abuse, sexual assault, or trafficking can feel overwhelming. Many survivors want to understand their rights, explore legal options, or figure out how to hold a perpetrator or institution accountable. One question comes up often:
“What if I can’t afford a lawyer?”
If that’s something you’re worried about, you are not alone. The important thing to know is that there are low-cost and free legal resources created specifically for survivors. You deserve guidance, compassion, and safety, no matter what your financial situation may be. You’ll find information here to help you understand your options and where to seek help. There is no pressure. You decide what comes next and when.
None of this was your fault, and you do not have to handle it alone.
Why Legal Support Matters for Survivors
Whether your trauma happened recently or many years ago, legal support can help you:
- Understand your rights
- Protect your safety through protection orders or other legal tools
- Explore civil justice
- Hold institutions accountable for allowing harm
- Seek compensation to support therapy, medical care, or long-term recovery
- Address urgent civil legal issues that affect housing, income, or immigration
- Strengthen your path toward emotional and economic stability
Legal processes can feel confusing or intimidating. Many survivors feel unsure, scared of the unknown, or worried about being believed. These are normal reactions. You don’t need to have a plan before reaching out. Trauma-informed professionals can help you understand your options without pressure.
Free and Low-Cost Legal Aid Options
Below are the most common and accessible ways survivors can get legal help at little or no cost.
1. Legal Aid Organizations for Survivors
Many nonprofit legal centers provide free civil legal services to people who have experienced sexual violence, childhood sexual abuse, or trafficking. These groups can help with:
- Protection orders
- Safety planning
- Housing and employment issues
- Privacy protections
- Crime victims’ rights and status for victims in legal proceedings
- Immigration options such as T visas, U visas, and VAWA petitions
- Basic Needs Legal Aid, including issues tied to income, benefits, or stability
- General guidance on civil legal issues
Most programs serve survivors regardless of income. Many have multilingual staff and trauma-trained advocates.
How Legal Aid Helps
- Explains legal terms in simple language
- Attends hearings with you
- Helps you protect your rights
- Connects you to medical, housing, and emotional support services
2. Pro Bono and Contingency-Based Attorneys
Some attorneys represent survivors for free or with no upfront cost. Contingency representation means you do not pay anything at the beginning. The lawyer only receives payment if compensation is recovered for you.
These attorneys can help with:
- Civil lawsuits against perpetrators
- Claims against institutions that ignored or concealed abuse
- Collecting records and evidence
- Negotiating settlements
- Building a long-term strategy that supports your healing and your economic stability
They often work alongside trauma-informed advocates and medical professionals to keep the process as safe as possible.
3. Victim Advocates Who Can Guide You
Victim advocates offer emotional support and help survivors understand both legal and non-legal options. They can:
- Explain criminal and civil systems
- Help you understand filing deadlines
- Prepare you for what to expect in each process
- Connect you with trauma-informed attorneys
- Attend legal appointments with you
- Help you explore choices without pressure
You do not need to decide anything before speaking with an advocate. They meet you where you are and help you sort through the confusion that trauma often brings.
4. Specialized Legal Services for Trafficking Survivors
If you experienced human trafficking, you may qualify for free legal support specific to trafficking cases. These services often include:
- T visas and U visas
- Clearing criminal records connected to trafficking
- Immigration help
- Compensation claims
- Protection from retaliation
- Systems advocacy
These programs focus on restoring safety, stability, and autonomy.
5. University Legal Clinics
Law schools often operate free clinics where supervised law students represent clients at no cost. They may assist with:
- Protection orders
- Civil claims
- Survivor rights
- Employment issues tied to trauma
- Privacy concerns
- Institutional accountability
Not every clinic takes every case, but many can help you understand your situation and refer you to the right resources.
6. National Hotlines and Referral Networks
If you’re unsure where to start, national hotlines can direct you to free legal resources in your area:
- National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-4673
- National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
You can call anonymously. You do not need to report anything to receive support.
If You’re Worried About Not Having “Proof”
Many survivors hesitate to reach out because they fear they don’t have enough information or documentation. Survivors of child sexual abuse, trafficking, or abuse that happened long ago often say things like:
- “I can’t remember everything.”
- “I don’t have evidence.”
- “No one was ever arrested.”
- “I’m not sure anyone will believe me.”
These worries are common and do not mean you are out of options. Your story matters, even if the details feel blurry or complicated.
Civil justice does not require the same level of proof as criminal cases. Trauma affects memory, and institutions often hide records. This is not your fault. Trauma-informed attorneys understand these realities and won’t ask you to share details you aren’t ready to discuss.
Understanding Criminal and Civil Justice
Legal aid organizations and advocates can help you understand the difference between these systems.
Criminal Justice
- Run by the state
- Focused on punishment
- Requires a high level of proof
- Survivors participate as witnesses
- Civil Justice
- Survivor-led
- Allows you to hold individuals and institutions accountable
- Focuses on compensation and healing
- Can move forward even if no criminal charges were filed
- Helps stabilize your life and support long-term healing
Civil cases can help recover costs tied to therapy, medical care, lost income, long-term support, and emotional harm. They can also force institutions to acknowledge wrongdoing and protect others.
How Stronger Than Can Support You
No one should have to navigate this alone. Stronger Than can help you:
- Access free or low-cost legal aid
- Explore your civil justice options
- Connect with trauma-informed attorneys
- Find victim advocates
- Access medical, housing, Basic Needs Legal Aid, and emotional support resources
You choose what to share. You choose the pace. You choose whether to pursue legal action.
Reaching out does not obligate you to file a lawsuit or disclose details you’re not ready to talk about.
You Deserve Support, No Matter Your Financial Situation
Financial barriers should never stop you from accessing justice, safety, or healing. Free and affordable legal support exists because survivors deserve to be heard and supported with dignity. Whatever you’re facing, you are not alone. There is a path forward, and you get to choose the one that feels right for you.
If and When You’re Ready
Stronger Than can help connect you with trauma-informed legal support and advocacy services at no cost. You deserve to feel safe and informed as you explore your options.
Whenever you’re ready, we’re here to walk with you.
