This message is for survivors, especially those who are still deciding whether to speak up. If that’s you, please know this: your voice matters. Your story matters. And you deserve to be heard with compassion, dignity, and respect.
Every time our firm takes on a sexual abuse case, we are deeply moved by the bravery it takes to come forward. We are honored to walk beside survivors as they step out of silence and into the light. We know the fear, shame, and isolation that so often accompany sexual violence are not just feelings; They are burdens unjustly placed on you by others. If no one has said it before: You are not to blame. You didn’t invite it. You didn ’t deserve it. And your pain is not a weakness. Rather, it's a testament to your survival.
Far too many women have been taught to question their own truth, to stay quiet out of fear of being dismissed, blamed, or retraumatized. That fear is real. And that silence can be crushing. But here, at Anapol Weiss, we believe you. We believe in your voice. We believe in your worth. And we believe you deserve to be seen, heard, and fiercely supported.
Coming forward is not just about legal action, it’s about reclaiming your narrative, your power, and your peace. It’s about reminding yourself that you are not defined by what someone did to you, but by the strength you show every day in living beyond it.
Right now, our firm represents nearly 1,000 survivors of abuse, including brave individuals who were violated while in the custody of Illinois juvenile detention centers. The horrors they endured are staggering and yet, their strength is even more powerful. In lifting their voices, they are helping create a future where no survivor has to walk this path alone.
This guide is here to help you understand who we are, what we do, and what to expect if you choose to connect with us. There is no rush. There is no pressure. You can come to this when you’re ready, and we will meet you there.
You don’t have to be ready today. But when you are, we’ll be here.
How Anapol Weiss Approaches Sexual Abuse Cases
We are a survivor-centered law firm committed to justice, healing, and empowerment.
Anapol Weiss is a female-majority-owned, woman-led law firm, with over 15 female attorneys. Our Sexual Abuse and Crime Victim Practice Group is led by Kristen Gibbons Feden and Alexandra Walsh, two of the most trusted legal voices for survivors nationwide. Kristen, known for her powerful role in prosecuting Bill Cosby, has dedicated her life to fighting for those who have been silenced. She has secured over $1 billion in verdicts for survivors. Alexandra, a seasoned litigator, has spent her career holding powerful institutions accountable with precision and care.
We don’t shy away from the hardest cases. We’ve represented survivors harmed by churches, detention centers, schools, daycares, camps, hospitals, youth programs, group homes, and more. We have gone up against public agencies, private corporations, and nationally known abusers and we have done so with fierce resolve.
But what defines us is not just our record, it’s our values. From the first conversation to the final outcome, we center you. Your needs. Your boundaries. Your pace. Your story will never be treated like just another case file.
What to Expect at Your Initial Consultation
We know how heavy this first step can feel. Our goal is to offer you clarity, compassion, and care.
Getting to Know You With Tenderness and Respect
We begin by introducing ourselves and sharing what we do. When you’re ready, we gently ask about your experience: when it happened, where, who was involved. But there is no script. You can pause. You can cry. You can say, "I’m not ready." And we will listen with patience, not pressure.
Confidentiality Comes First
Your story is protected. What you share stays with us. Even if you decide not to move forward, your privacy is sacred.
Looking at the Legal Path Side by Side
After learning your story, we will walk you through your rights and options. We’ll help you understand what justice could look like both legally and emotionally. If you want to remain anonymous, we’ll explore how. If you want to hold someone accountable, we’ll explain how we do that. Always in plain, clear language. Always with your comfort at the center.
Asking Questions
You deserve answers. Ask us anything about our team, fees, timelines, safety, privacy, or what comes next. No question is too big, too small, or too personal. We are here for you.
Sample Questions to Consider Bringing:
- Do I have to pay anything up front?
- What is your fee structure?
- Are you going to represent me throughout my entire case?
- Who else will be working alongside you?
- Can I remain anonymous?
- Will I have to testify against my abuser?
- Can I recover compensation for therapy and related costs?
- What kind of evidence do I need?
- How long will my case take?
- How do you communicate with clients, and how often?
- Have you handled cases like mine before?
- Will my case go to trial or settle?
- What if I change my mind about pursuing a claim?
- Can you recommend counseling and advocacy resources?
- How do you prepare clients for deposition or court?
- What if the media becomes involved?
- Can I connect with other survivors if I want to?
Preparing, If You Feel Ready
- You can write your story down if talking feels too hard.
- You can bring someone with you for comfort.
- You can bring documents or evidence or just come as you are.
- You can bring your questions, including the ones listed above.
Why Many Women Choose Female Representation
There are deeply personal reasons why many survivors choose to work with a female attorney. We honor and respect that choice.
Shared Lived Experience
Our female attorneys understand the unspoken burdens that society places on women. You don’t need to explain every nuance. We understand the weight you carry.
A Sense of Emotional Safety
For many survivors, especially those whose abusers were male, speaking to another woman feels safer, calmer, and less triggering. That safety is not a luxury. It is a right.
A Judgment-Free Zone
We know the world has shamed survivors for far too long. That ends here. You will be met with empathy and belief, never blame.
Trauma-Informed Advocacy
We are trained to notice distress, pause when needed, and protect your emotional well-being throughout every legal step. We lead with care, not force.
Choosing the Right Advocate for You
What matters most is finding someone you trust. Look for:
- Extensive experience with sexual abuse litigation
- Clear, consistent, and compassionate communication
- A trauma-informed approach in every interaction
- Deep respect for privacy and personal agency
- A proven commitment to justice for survivors
We Have Taken On the Most Powerful
We’ve stood up to the Catholic Church, the Boy Scouts, Penn State, R. Kelly, Bill Cosby, the Alexander Brothers, and now the State of Illinois. Alongside co-counsel, we are representing over 900 survivors of institutional abuse inside Illinois juvenile detention centers between 1995 and 2022.
And while state leaders have remained silent, we have not. As Kristen Gibbons Feden said, "We’re doing what the state won’t."
Survivors in this case were teenagers who were violated, manipulated, silenced. And now, they are reclaiming their power.
You can too.
Abuse does not discriminate. It impacts women, men, and nonbinary survivors. It does not care about age, race, status, or background. But what all survivors deserve is the same: to be heard, to be supported, and to be treated with the dignity they were always owed.
You are not alone.
We see you. We believe you. And when you’re ready, we will fight for you.
To speak with a member of our team, call 215-608-9645 or fill out our confidential online contact form. A member of our team will follow up shortly after submission.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. For personalized legal guidance, please contact our team directly.
