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Access to justice should never depend on luck, timing, or knowing the right person to call. For survivors of sexual assault and harassment, access to knowledgeable legal guidance can be essential to understanding available options and next steps. ADZ Law is proud to announce its partnership with the Take Back The Night Foundation, a nationally recognized organization focused on ending sexual violence.
It’s common for survivors of sexual violence to face several legal barriers. Fear of reporting is a common concern among survivors of sexual violence. It’s common for survivors to be met with skepticism or blame when they share their experiences. This type of response is discouraging, causing survivors to avoid or delay reporting and compound existing trauma. When victims are not taken seriously or blamed for what happened to them, they experience a new level of trauma. It can drive them deeper into the experience, preventing them from seeking the legal justice they deserve.
Many victims also lack the necessary knowledge of the criminal and civil legal systems. Survivors then struggle to understand and protect their legal rights. The legal system is complex and constantly changing, with different options for pursuing justice. This is made even more complex when victims do not know how to find a lawyer who can help them.
Statutes of limitation can also affect a survivor’s ability to pursue criminal or civil claims, making timely access to legal information especially important. Some victims feel pressure to act and “go public” with their experience before they are ready. For others, the opposite is true. When they are ready to seek out legal options, it is too late.
In situations where the victim and perpetrator know each other, there can be a power imbalance. Power imbalances can make pursuing legal options feel risky or inaccessible, particularly when the accused holds a position of authority or influence. This is common when the person committing the acts is a respected member of the community, and the survivor is in a position that doesn’t inherently command respect.
Katie Koestner founded the Take Back The Night Foundation (TBTN) as a national nonprofit organization. Her goal was to bring national awareness to date rape, a topic that wasn’t openly discussed at the time. It is the world’s oldest worldwide movement against sexual violence. Today, it works towards ending all sexual violence, including sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual harassment, human trafficking, gender harassment, relationship violence, and stalking.
As part of its efforts, TBTN started the legal team movement. It is a nationwide, survivor-centered approach to connecting victims with lawyers. The law firms that partner with TBTN agree to take a trauma-informed approach to how they represent victims in sexual violence cases.
Each law firm that partners with TBTN agrees to:
A service provided by TBTN is the national sexual assault legal hotline. Survivors can call 567-SHATTER (567-742-8837). They can speak with legal professionals who have experience representing clients who are survivors of sexual violence. This access can help survivors understand their available legal options.
The hotline is staffed 24/7 by staff who specialize in trauma-informed representation. They are able to support victims when they call, emotionally and practically. If victims do not want to make the call, they can also reach out through the online intake form.
By partnering with TBTN, ADZ Law will take on the role of lead firm for all California cases in 2026. ADZ Law’s experience in civil litigation and sexual assault cases allows us to advocate effectively while prioritizing confidentiality, survivor autonomy, and informed decision-making.
Two of ADZ Law’s most experienced attorneys are leading the initiative. Jessica Dayton and Paula Vielman Reeves have extensive experience in civil litigation. They have proven track records in advocating for sexual assault survivors. It is their dedication to empowering clients that helps survivors make informed decisions in a safe and supportive environment. Both attorneys emphasize survivor autonomy, confidentiality, and trauma-informed representation.
By possessing a deep knowledge of victims’ rights, both attorneys and their teams guide survivors through complex legal systems. With Dayton and Reeves at the helm, the firm is ready to navigate sensitive cases with care.
It’s going to take a coordinated effort to end sexual violence. Advocacy raises awareness and lets survivors of sexual violence know they are not alone. By having access to experienced legal professionals, survivors can feel supported. ADZ Law is proud to partner with the Take Back The Night Foundation. By working together, we can increase survivor advocacy.
Survivors or those supporting them are encouraged to seek information through the National Sexual Assault Legal Hotline, available 24/7 at 567-SHATTER (567-742-8837), or by completing an online intake form. ADZ Law’s practice areas, include civil litigation, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and victims of crimes.
Support exists, and survivors deserve to move forward with clarity, dignity, and choice.
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