Just the thought of coming forward about sexual abuse can be paralyzing for many people. The fear of not being believed or facing retaliation for telling the truth prevents countless survivors from seeking justice.

At Kennedy Law Firm, we pursue justice for survivors and work to change the systems that allow for widespread sexual abuse. We represent individuals who have been assaulted or abused at border crossings or in prisons, public schools, group homes, residential treatment centers, subsidized housing and other institutions that receive public funding.

We understand the long-lasting damage this kind of abuse causes. Our clients in New Mexico have taught us about their fear of public places, friends, family and spouses. Some are terrified and ashamed of their own bodies.

In most cases, their power was taken away by someone in a position of authority, someone who was entrusted with the responsibility of keeping them safe. We’re here to help survivors take back that power.

Our attorneys ensure that clients are empowered throughout the legal process by involving them in every important decision: how their story is told, the extent of media coverage, if their names will be withheld from the public.

Most importantly, we work with our clients to help them understand that their abuser’s actions are not their shame to carry. The shame belongs to the perpetrators and the institutions who failed to provide protection.

Our firm is committed to pursuing systemic reform that will prevent others from suffering these same betrayals. In sexual abuse cases, we’ve fought for mandatory predator-awareness training for school principals, policies for more thorough background checks and more stringent hiring standards.

Sexual abuse is perpetuated when survivors are silenced by confidential settlements. By pursuing a case, we work to bring an abuser’s conduct to light.