Washington, DC Sexual Assault Lawyer

Taking action after sexual assault takes extraordinary strength, and survivors deserve advocates who will make sure they are heard, believed, and protected. With nearly 200 years of combined experience, the Washington, DC sexual assault lawyers at Regan Zambri Long bring strength, sensitivity, and relentless preparation to every case. Our board-certified attorneys focus on securing justice while helping clients reclaim a sense of control and dignity throughout the process.

Our award-winning firm fronts all costs and retains expert witnesses to document injuries, interpret evidence, and show the full scope of harm a survivor has endured. Their testimony allows us to pursue the accountability, closure, and financial security that survivors need to move forward. With two partners ranked among the top 1% of trial attorneys nationwide and over 100 5 star Google reviews, our results speak to the trust clients place in us.

Have you or someone you love experienced sexual assault in Washington, DC? We know how difficult this journey can be. Contact Regan Zambri Long today, and one of our attorneys will call you back personally. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there’s no fee unless we win your case.

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How Common is Sexual Assault in Washington, DC?

Sexual harassment and/or assault can happen to anyone at any time and are prevalent nationwide. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), nearly 81% of women and 43% of men experience it. Data from the Council on Criminal Justice shows that reported sexual assaults in Washington, DC have fallen sharply since 2018, from about five per 100,000 residents in July 2018 to one per 100,000 residents in June 2025, though advocates emphasize that many incidents still go unreported. The DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence adds that, in 2023, the DC Victim Hotline logged 1,467 sexual assault calls from adults, a slight 1% decline from the previous year.

 

Unfortunately, school children are not exempt. A 2021 report shows that these cases against minors are on the rise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that at least one in four girls and one in 20 boys experience sexual abuse during childhood. Locally, the DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that, as of 2021, 4% of middle schoolers and 6% of high schoolers in the District had experienced sexual assault in their lifetimes. Regan Zambri Long represents all sexual assault victims, including attacks and injuries at school.

Why Choose Regan Zambri Long as Your Sexual Assault Lawyers?

Regan Zambri Long’s DC personal injury attorneys have been protecting our clients for more than 30 years, with law offices in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia. Our legal team has represented clients in all jurisdictions, including a sexual assault at Broad Run High School in Virginia. We understand how sensitive and traumatizing these cases are, and we will closely work with you to protect your identity and the case details.

 

We have achieved over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts for personal injury victims to date, and our three senior partners are known throughout the legal community for their skills, character, and professionalism. Washingtonian Magazine called Patrick Regan the “poster boy for legal ethics and integrity,” and Salvatore Zambri “one of Washington’s best, most honest and effective lawyers.” Victor Long was recently appointed by the DC Court of Appeals as Chair of the Client Security Trust Fund, overseeing the protection of client funds in the District of Columbia. All three are AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell for their ethical standards and are board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

 

Partner Jacqueline Colclough brings a unique medical perspective to our work with survivors. Before joining Regan Zambri Long, she served as a registered obstetrical and neonatal nurse, caring for women and high-risk infants. Her clinical background strengthens our ability to interpret medical records, document trauma, and approach every case with compassion and precision.

 

She joins our other five partners in being named to the Lawdragon  500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers in the nation list. All the firm’s attorneys are recognized among DC’s top personal injury lawyers by Best Lawyers, a peer-reviewed organization that recognizes leading attorneys around the world, and three partners have been named Lawyer of the Year.

 

Call today for a free consultation with an experienced sexual assault attorney who will walk alongside you through the claims process. Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation, and take the first step toward your physical and emotional recovery.

What Is Sexual Assault?

Washington, DC sexual assault lawyer

The United States Department of Justice defines sexual assault as any nonconsensual sexual act forbidden by federal, tribal, or state law. Examples include:

 

  • When a victim cannot consent
  • Rape and attempted rape
  • Unwanted sexual touching such as fondling
  • Any sexual acts performed under the use of physical, emotional, or psychological force
  • Using threats of violence or other intimidation to secure sexual acts

Sexual assault is never the survivor’s fault. You have the right to control what happens to your own body. If someone violates that right, they are the only one to blame, and you have the right to file a civil lawsuit against that individual.

 

What is the definition of consent?

The Council of the District of Columbia defines consent as words or overt actions that indicate freely given agreement to the contact or action. Agreement that is forced, threatened, or coerced is not consent.

If you were sexually assaulted or had consent coerced, contact Regan Zambri Long. Our DC assault lawyers will help you understand your legal options.

 

Who is most likely to commit sexual assault?

Only an estimated 28% of cases are reported to law enforcement. Seven in 10 adult rape and sexual assault victims know their attacker, while 90% of children know their abuser, according to Metropolitan Police statistics. While strangers can and do attack people, most often it will be someone you already know.

 

Some survivors fear retaliation, while others do not want the attacker to be in trouble with the law. However, holding the offender responsible for what they did is justice. Let Regan Zambri Long protect your rights while you focus on healing. Call our sexual assault attorneys today for a confidential case review.

Is Sexual Abuse Different from Sexual Assault?

As legal terms, terms sexual abuse and sexual assault have significant differences.

Sexual assault typically describes a single act committed toward an adult and includes any unwanted or uninvited form of sexual contact. 

 

Sexual abuse is typically connected with any sexual behavior committed by an adult towards children under the age of consent, which is 16 in the District of Columbia. Sexual abuse of children includes:

 

  • Exposing oneself to a minor
  • Sexual intercourse
  • Fondling
  • Obscene messages
  • Child pornography
  • Sex trafficking

If you are a parent of a child who has been sexually abused, reach out to our sexual abuse attorneys immediately. Our lawyers will help you ensure the safety of your child and seek legal action for the physical injuries and the emotional trauma they suffered.

 

Elderly adults in nursing homes are also at risk for sexual abuse. Our DC nursing home abuse lawyers can help you investigate any suspected abuse against your elderly loved one. Call Regan Zambri Long today to schedule your free, confidential case review.

How Does Washington, DC Classify Sexual Assault Crimes?

Washington, DC code § 22–3002 classifies four degrees of sexual offenses. The first and second degrees address a sexual act, such as penetration. The third and fourth degrees address sexual contact, like inappropriate touching.

 

  • First-degree sexual assault occurs when an offender uses force, threats, renders the victim unconscious, or uses a drug, intoxicant, or other substance to incapacitate the victim.
  • Second-degree sexual assault occurs when an offender uses threats or otherwise takes advantage of a victim who can’t give full, knowledgeable consent.
  • Third-degree sexual assault occurs when an offender obtains sexual contact via force, threats, rendering the victim unconscious, or administering a drug, intoxicant, or other substance that incapacitates the victim.
  • Fourth-degree sexual assault occurs when an offender obtains sexual contact with threats or takes advantage of a victim’s inability to give full, knowing consent.

Understanding how your assault is categorized can be confusing. Finding the best personal injury lawyer to represent you can make all the difference.

Regan Zambri Long’s DC sexual assault lawyers will help you understand the nuances of your case and file the appropriate legal claim. Call us today for your free consultation.

 

Common Sexual Assault Injuries

Sexual assault victims suffer both physical and psychological injuries. While physical injuries often heal with time, psychological injuries from sexual assault can last a lifetime.

 

Common physical injuries sexual assault survivors sustain include:

 

  • Scratches
  • Bruising
  • Welts
  • Fractures
  • Head and facial trauma
  • Lacerations
  • Bullet wounds
  • Vulva/vaginal injuries
  • Chronic pelvic pain
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Infections
  • Pregnancy

Emotional and Psychological Injuries

The emotional and psychological suffering after a sexual assault can require long-term care. Survivors are often diagnosed with:

 

  • Rape-trauma Syndrome: Survivors experience disorganization for days or weeks following an assault. They have generalized pain, sleep disturbances, and loss of appetite. They often experience a range of emotions, including fear, anger, humiliation, anxiety, and guilt. Once the disorganization phase passes, survivors may experience flashbacks, nightmares, phobias, and gynecological symptoms. 
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD occurs when the trauma is re-experienced in the victim’s mind. It can lead to avoidance or a state of hyperarousal. PTSD may not be visible for months after the experience, but it can have long-term consequences and greatly diminish the survivor’s quality of life.
  • Alcohol and Drug Abuse: Assault survivors may be more likely to use drugs and alcohol to cope with their experiences. Survivors are 10 times more likely to use major drugs, according to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN).

Sexual assault harms each individual differently. Regan Zambri Long can help you find healing through an injury lawsuit. Call our sexual assault lawyers today to schedule a confidential case review.

How Do I File a Civil Sexual Assault Claim in Washington, DC?

Jacqueline T. Colclough, a leading sexual assault lawyer at Regan Zambri Long PLLC in Washington, DC, stands confidently outside a law office wearing professional attire with a warm and reassuring presence. With extensive experience advocating for survivors of sexual violence, Ms. Colclough provides strategic legal counsel, compassionate guidance, and strong courtroom representation. The firm supports clients across DC and surrounding regions with confidential consultations.

Sexual assault survivors have the right to seek justice with both criminal and civil cases. Criminal sexual assault cases punish the abuser, while civil sexual assault cases provide compensation to the survivor. Both cases can be pursued at the same time.

 

DC civil lawsuits for sexual assault fall under personal injury law and provide financial compensation, including:

 

  • Medical expenses
  • Emotional trauma related to the assault
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of enjoyment

Starting your lawsuit while the trauma is fresh in your mind is challenging, but it gives you the best chance to hold your assailant responsible.

 

Hiring a personal injury lawyer in Washington, DC ensures all the relevant evidence is collected, including:

 

  • Psychological evidence: such as whether the victim started having trouble at work or school or relationships falling apart after the attack. It can also include the victim beginning to see a therapist following the attack.
  • Medical evidence: including medical records related to the attack to prove the abuse took place. Seek medical attention immediately if you were sexually assaulted – most importantly, it will ensure that you are kept healthy and safe following the attack. Secondly, it will help build your case against your offender and bring that person to justice.

If you or a loved one have been sexually assaulted, justice is possible. Call Regan Zambri Long today and discuss your next steps with our Washington, DC injury lawyers.

Schedule a Free Confidential Consultation With Our Washington, DC Lawyers

Where Can I Report Sexual Abuse or Assault in Washington, DC?

Sexual assault survivors can report an attack or abuse and get help from many Washington, DC organizations, including:

 

Sexual violence and violation will leave you overwhelmed and hurting, but help is available. Regan Zambri Long’s DC assault attorneys can help you get the help you need and the justice you deserve. Call our law firm today to take the first step.

 

Call Regan Zambri Long Today

Regan Zambri Long’s DC sexual assault attorneys have represented DC Metro clients for decades. We pursue justice with compassion and determination.

Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay any legal fees until we’ve made a recovery in your favor.

Let Regan Zambri Long fight on your behalf. Call us today for your free consultation.

Sexual Assault Lawyer Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I was sexually assaulted in a rideshare vehicle?

Unfortunately, sexual assault while using rideshare services is becoming common in the DC Metro area. If you were assaulted during an Uber or Lyft ride, contact our Uber sexual assault attorneys immediately. The driver or rideshare company may be liable for your assault and injuries.

Yes. In the United States, 26.4% of undergraduate females and 6.8% of undergraduate males experience rape or sexual assault. Universities and colleges combat sexual misconduct on campus; however, even strict measures cannot stop all sexual violence. If you are a student, faculty, or staff member at a college campus in DC and have been a victim of sexual assault, call the sexual assault lawyers at Regan Zambri Long PLLC today.

Washington, DC’s statute of limitations gives you three years to file a civil claim against your attacker. You should hire a DC sexual assault attorney as soon as possible to ensure evidence is collected and your claim is filed on time.

Every sexual assault case is different, so we cannot guarantee a timeline for your case. Cases can take a few months or even more than a year, depending on the strength of the evidence and the attacker’s willingness to accept responsibility. Regan Zambri Long will fight for your rights no matter how long it takes.

Assault cases can be worth thousands of dollars or more, depending on the severity of the attack and injuries. A thorough case review will allow your sexual assault lawyer to begin estimating the value of your case.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Have you or your loved one sustained injuries in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia? Regan Zambri Long PLLC has the best lawyers in the country to analyze your case and answer the questions you may have.

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