Sexual Assault
No student should ever experience sexual harassment, abuse, or assault at school. Whether your child is in preschool, K-12, college, or graduate school, they have the right to a safe learning environment. If a school fails to protect students or mishandles a report of sexual misconduct, we take legal action. We help families across St. Louis & Missouri hold schools accountable and seek justice.
What Is Sexual Assault in Schools?
Sexual assault in an educational setting can take many forms, including:
- Harassment from teachers, staff, or other students
- Inappropriate touching, coercion, or assault
- Sexual violence at school events or on campus
- Mishandling of sexual misconduct reports by school officials
- Retaliation against students who report abuse
Schools have a legal responsibility under Title IX and other laws to prevent and address sexual misconduct. When they fail to act, students and families have the right to pursue legal action.
Your Child’s Rights Under Title IX & Other Laws
Under Title IX, schools must:
- Take immediate action when sexual harassment or assault is reported.
- Conduct a fair, prompt, and unbiased investigation.
- Provide supportive measures for the victim, including safety accommodations.
- Prevent retaliation against students who report misconduct.
- Discipline perpetrators appropriately and ensure the victim can continue their education.
If your child has been harmed and the school is failing to protect them, we step in to hold them accountable.
How We Defend Families
Can I sue the school for failing to protect my child?
Yes. If a school fails to respond to sexual misconduct appropriately, they can be held liable under Title IX and other laws. We fight to secure justice and compensation for survivors.
Does this apply to all schools?
Yes. Title IX protections cover public schools, private schools that receive federal funding, colleges, and universities. We advocate for students in preschool through graduate school who have experienced sexual violence.
Can sexual assault happen between students?
Yes. Many sexual assault cases involve student-on-student misconduct in classrooms, hallways, locker rooms, or at school events. Schools must take action to stop harassment and protect students.
What if the assault happened outside of school but involved another student?
Title IX still applies if the assault impacts the student’s ability to learn and participate in school. Schools are required to investigate and provide supportive measures to protect the victim.
Can sexual harassment be verbal, or does it have to be physical?
Sexual harassment includes verbal, physical, and online behaviors such as:
- Unwanted sexual comments or jokes
- Sharing explicit images or texts (sexting)
- Spreading rumors about a student’s sexuality or behavior
- Pressuring a student into sexual activity
If the harassment creates a hostile environment, the school is legally required to intervene.
What if a teacher or school employee is behaving inappropriately, but nothing physical has happened?
Inappropriate teacher-student relationships can include:
- Grooming behaviors (excessive personal attention, inappropriate messages)
- Sexual advances, inappropriate conversations, or suggestive remarks
- Favoritism or isolating a student from their peers
Even if nothing physical has occurred, schools must investigate and take action to protect students.
Can someone I trust—like a coach, mentor, or school volunteer—be responsible for sexual assault?
Unfortunately, yes. Many cases involve trusted authority figures, including:
- Coaches or athletic staff
- School counselors or mentors
- Volunteer workers or tutors
- Bus drivers or janitorial staff
Schools must properly vet employees and take reports seriously, no matter who is involved.
What if the assault was committed by a family member or someone outside of school?
If sexual violence affects a student’s ability to attend or perform in school, the school still has a legal responsibility to provide supportive services—such as counseling, schedule changes, or protective measures.
What should I do if I suspect my child is a victim of sexual assault?
If you notice changes in behavior, fear of school, or reluctance to be around certain people, talk to your child and seek legal support. We help families navigate these cases, ensuring schools take action and students get the protection they deserve.
Why Choose Us for Sexual Assault Cases?
Experienced in Title IX & Student Rights Cases
We specialize in holding schools accountable when they fail to protect students from sexual abuse and harassment.
Aggressive Legal Advocacy for Survivors
We fight for justice, policy changes, and compensation for students and families affected by school sexual misconduct.
Representation at Every Education Level
