At Melrose Law, we understand that survivors of sexual abuse endure a lifetime of emotional and psychological challenges. When abuse occurs in trusted institutions, the betrayal leaves deep, lasting scars. Our mission is to provide compassionate, experienced legal representation for victims—especially children and teenagers—who have been harmed by those entrusted with their safety. We are dedicated to helping survivors seek justice and secure the compensation they deserve, ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect throughout the legal process.

Most Common Locations of Abuse
Sadly, many cases of sexual abuse take place in settings where children should feel safest. Two of the most common locations where abuse occurs are schools and churches:
- Schools: Schools are responsible for the safety and well-being of their students, yet abuse by teachers, coaches, or other staff members is a distressingly frequent occurrence. Institutions may fail to properly screen employees, supervise students, or take action when warning signs appear, creating an environment where abuse can occur unchecked.
- Churches: Religious institutions often play a central role in a child’s upbringing. Tragically, some clergy and church leaders have abused their positions of trust and authority. Many churches have historically failed to protect victims by ignoring reports, covering up abuse, or shielding perpetrators, leaving survivors without justice for years.
When institutions fail in their duty to protect children, they must be held accountable. Our firm is dedicated to fighting for justice and systemic change to ensure that no child has to suffer in silence.
Legal Claims Against Schools and Churches
Legal Duty of Care
Schools and churches have a legal and moral duty to provide a safe environment for the children under their care. This includes properly screening employees and volunteers, ensuring appropriate supervision, and taking immediate action when abuse is suspected or reported. When these institutions fail in their duty, they can be held accountable for the harm caused to victims.
Types of Legal Claims
- Negligence
Institutions can be held liable when their negligence contributes to abuse. This might include:- Failing to conduct proper background checks on employees or volunteers.
- Ignoring prior complaints or warning signs about abusive behavior.
- Allowing unsupervised access to children in settings where abuse could occur.
- Institutional Liability
Even if an individual perpetrator is directly responsible for the abuse, the institution itself can be held liable if it created or allowed the conditions that enabled the abuse. Churches, schools, and affiliated organizations can be sued for failing to protect children from harm caused by their representatives. - Failure to Supervise
Supervising adults are responsible for the well-being of children in their care. When inadequate supervision leads to abuse, the supervising institution can be held legally responsible. Examples include:- Failing to supervise one-on-one interactions between staff and children.
- Permitting isolated or unsupervised environments where abuse is more likely to occur.
The Changing Landscape of North Carolina Laws
North Carolina law provides specific avenues for survivors of sexual abuse to pursue justice. While statutes of limitations historically limited the time in which a survivor could bring a claim, recent legal reforms have extended or reopened these windows for many victims. These changes are crucial for survivors who may need years to process and come forward about their abuse. Our firm stays up to date with these legal changes to ensure survivors have every possible opportunity to seek justice.
III. How Our Firm Can Help
Trauma-Informed Approach
We know that coming forward about abuse can be one of the most difficult steps a survivor takes. Our team is committed to providing a supportive and trauma-informed environment where survivors and their families feel safe, heard, and respected. We prioritize the well-being of our clients throughout the legal process, ensuring that their voice remains at the center of every decision we make.
Experience Handling Complex Cases
Claims against schools and churches can be legally and emotionally complex. These cases often involve large institutions with significant resources and legal teams. Our firm has extensive experience handling personal injury and institutional liability cases, giving us the knowledge and skill to take on powerful institutions. We understand the tactics used by these organizations to avoid accountability, and we fight tirelessly to overcome them.
Working with Experts
Building a strong case requires collaboration with experts who can provide crucial insights and testimony. We work closely with:
- Psychologists and therapists to document the emotional and psychological impact of abuse.
- Investigators who gather evidence and uncover patterns of negligence or misconduct.
- Other specialists who can help strengthen our clients’ claims and ensure they have the best possible chance of securing justice.
By combining compassionate advocacy with thorough legal strategy, we aim not only to win cases but also to help survivors and their families begin the healing process.
Compensation for Victims
Types of Damages
Victims of sexual abuse suffer far-reaching emotional, psychological, and financial harm. A successful legal claim can result in compensation to help ease the burden of recovery. Financial recovery against an institution is also a deterrence against further misconduct from that institution or others similarly situated. The types of damages survivors may be entitled to include:
- Economic Damages
- Medical and Therapy Expenses: Costs for medical treatment, counseling, and ongoing therapy.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the effects of abuse or the time needed for recovery.
- Future Care Costs: Expenses related to long-term mental health treatment and support.
- Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional trauma endured by the survivor.
- Emotional Distress: Damages for anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other psychological effects of abuse.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Acknowledgment of the profound impact abuse has on a survivor’s ability to experience life fully.
- Punitive Damages
In cases where the institution’s conduct was especially egregious, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages serve not only to punish the institution but also to send a clear message that such negligence or misconduct will not be tolerated.
Importance of Financial Compensation
While no amount of money can undo the harm caused by sexual abuse, financial compensation can provide survivors with essential resources for their recovery and future well-being. Compensation can help cover costs for therapy, education, and other necessary support services, allowing survivors to rebuild their lives and move forward with dignity.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. What if the abuse happened years ago?
Many survivors of sexual abuse do not come forward until years—or even decades—after the abuse occurred. North Carolina has recently enacted laws that extend or reopen the statute of limitations for survivors of child sexual abuse, allowing them more time to pursue legal action. Even if the abuse happened long ago, we encourage survivors to contact us to discuss their options.
2. Can a school or church be held liable even if the abuser is no longer there?
Yes. Schools and churches can still be held accountable for past failures to protect children, even if the abuser is no longer employed or involved with the institution. Institutions have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of those in their care, and failure to do so can result in liability for the harm caused.
3. How long does a case like this typically take?
The timeline for a sexual abuse case can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the amount of evidence, and whether the institution chooses to settle or go to trial. While some cases may be resolved in a matter of months, others may take years. Our firm works diligently to move cases forward as efficiently as possible while ensuring that survivors’ needs are prioritized.
4. Will the survivor have to testify in court?
Whether or not a survivor will need to testify in court depends on several factors, including whether the case is settled out of court or goes to trial. While testifying can be a difficult experience, our team takes every step to prepare and support our clients throughout the process. In many cases, settlements are reached before a trial is necessary.
Contact Us for a Free, Confidential Consultation
At Melrose Law, we understand how difficult it can be for survivors of sexual abuse and their families to come forward. That’s why we offer a free, no-obligation consultation. Every conversation is completely confidential, and we will never pressure you into making a decision you’re not ready to make.
Seeking justice is about more than compensation—it’s about holding institutions accountable and helping to prevent future harm. Our firm is committed to walking alongside survivors every step of the way, fighting tirelessly for their rights and well-being.
Take the First Step Toward Justice
Whether the abuse occurred recently or years ago, it’s never too late to seek help. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward healing and justice.