How Economic Factors Impact a Survivor’s Ability to Seek Justice

Money shouldn’t be the reason someone stays silent.

But far too often, it is.

I’ve had survivors tell me they were ready to speak up. They wanted to hold someone accountable. But then the reality set in: lawyers are expensive. Court fees add up. Time off work isn’t paid. And suddenly, that brave decision to come forward starts to feel like a luxury they just can’t afford.

Let me be clear—if you’re carrying the weight of abuse and feel trapped because of money, you’re not alone. And more importantly, you’re not without options.

Let’s talk about what stands in the way. And how to break through it.

The Hidden Price of Justice

People talk about how hard it is emotionally to relive the trauma. And they’re right. But what often gets overlooked is the financial side of it all.

What financial barriers do abuse survivors believe they face?

Let me count the ways:

• Attorney fees: Many assume they need thousands just to sit down with a lawyer. That stops a lot of people right there.
• Court costs: Filing fees, process servers, medical records, expert witnesses—it’s like death by a thousand paper cuts.
• Lost wages: Time off work to meet with lawyers or show up in court? That’s income you can’t replace if you’re already struggling.
• Ongoing trauma-related costs: Therapy. Medication. Sometimes relocation. Healing has a price tag.

If you’re living paycheck to paycheck, even the idea of starting a case can feel out of reach. And if your abuser was part of a powerful institution—a religious institution, for instance—the imbalance of power feels even greater when you factor in legal budgets and insurance teams.

So yeah. Money matters. And that sucks.

But here’s the thing: most people don’t know how much help is out there.

So How Can Low-Income Survivors Afford Legal Help?

Let’s start with the biggest myth: you don’t always need money to hire a lawyer.

Most sex abuse cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. That means the lawyer only gets paid if you win. You don’t owe anything upfront. Nothing monthly. And if the case doesn’t succeed, you don’t pay attorney fees at all.

That alone takes a huge weight off your shoulders. It levels the playing field. It means you can go up against a school district, a church, or a big institution without emptying your savings—if you even have savings.

Some firms (ours included) also cover case expenses in advance. That means we’ll front the cost for expert witnesses, filing fees, medical records—whatever it takes. That way, you’re not left scrambling.

And for survivors who need support beyond legal fees, Arkansas offers real help.

Free Legal Resources in Arkansas

If you’re low-income, or simply overwhelmed, you can also turn to places like Legal Aid of Arkansas. They provide free legal help for qualifying individuals. They might not handle sex abuse lawsuits directly, but they can guide you through related issues—like filing for protective orders, navigating benefits, or dealing with housing challenges.

There’s also the Arkansas Crime Victims Reparations Board. They reimburse crime victims (including survivors of sexual abuse) for things like therapy, medical bills, and lost wages. It’s not a lawsuit—it’s a way to help stabilize your life while you pursue justice.

Every little bit counts.

The Cost of Suing for Sexual Abuse

People google this all the time: “How much does it cost to sue for sexual abuse?” The truth is, it depends. But here’s what you need to know:

• If you hire a lawyer on contingency, you don’t pay anything upfront.
• Court costs and fees can be advanced by your attorney.
• Settlement money can cover your therapy, lost wages, and future needs.

So while there may be costs, you don’t have to cover them yourself right now. And in many cases, survivors walk away with the kind of compensation that helps them rebuild—financially and emotionally.

That’s the part nobody talks about: that justice can help ease the burden of everything else.

The Long-Term Economic Impact of Childhood Trauma

Let’s call it what it is: abuse doesn’t just leave emotional scars. It drains your energy, your time, your focus—and yeah, your bank account.

Studies show that survivors of childhood sexual abuse are more likely to face financial hardship later in life. Lower levels of education. Less earning power. Higher medical costs. Greater risk of unemployment.

In other words, abuse can put you on the back foot for decades. I’ve seen it over and over again.

This is exactly why civil lawsuits exist—to try to balance the scales. To help cover the cost of therapy, missed work, medical treatment. It’s not about greed. It’s about fairness.

And if the person or institution that harmed you was connected to Catholic Church clergy members, know that you are not alone. These cases have left a long trail of survivors across the country, including right here in Arkansas.

Survivor Story: When Justice Feels Out of Reach

Let me tell you about a woman named Elena. (Not her real name.)

She was abused as a teenager by someone tied to a youth group. For years, she blamed herself. She thought she waited too long. She thought no one would believe her. And she thought she couldn’t afford to do anything about it.

Then one day, she picked up the phone.

We told her what I’m telling you now: you don’t need money to take the first step.

We handled her case on contingency. Helped her apply for support from the Arkansas crime victim fund. Connected her with a trauma counselor. Took care of every filing fee, every form, every difficult conversation.

A year later, she won a settlement that covered her therapy and allowed her to move out of state and start fresh. Her abuser was publicly named. And that mattered to her.

Sometimes justice isn’t just about money. But money makes it possible to pursue justice.

What If You’re Still Not Sure?

It’s okay to be scared. It’s okay to have questions. And it’s okay to say, “I don’t know if I can do this.”

But don’t let money be the reason you say no.

Start by having a conversation. A confidential, no-cost consultation. Ask what’s possible. Ask how it works. You don’t owe anyone a commitment just by asking questions.

And if you’re wondering whether Arkansas is doing enough to protect children today, take a look at the alarming reality of child sexual abuse in Arkansas. It’s a wake-up call. And a reason to act.

Here’s what I want you to remember:

• You don’t need to be wealthy to file a case.
• Help exists, both inside and outside the courtroom.
• The legal system isn’t perfect, but it’s one of the few ways we can hold abusers accountable and help survivors move forward.

If you’re ready to talk, we’re ready to listen.