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Delaware Sexual Abuse Attorney

Sexual Abuse. Your voice deserves to be heard.

You deserve to be treated with dignity and taken seriously. I am Michael P. Minuti, a Delaware attorney with McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb. I can listen, review your circumstances and help you understand whether a civil claim may be available—without pressure to make a decision before you are ready.

Free consultation

What matters now

Start with a conversation. You do not need every answer.

Seeking legal help after sexual abuse can feel difficult, especially when the person responsible held a position of trust. My initial review is free. I focus on understanding your concerns, identifying the legal questions and explaining possible next steps in straightforward terms.

Put your safety and care first

Seek emergency help if needed and consider medical or counseling support. You do not have to confront the person responsible or gather evidence yourself before asking for help. Where a child may be at risk, follow Delaware's reporting requirements.

Keep what you already have safely

If it is safe, preserve existing messages, emails, photographs, report numbers and the names of people who may have information. Do not alter records or contact someone who could put you at risk. I can discuss appropriate ways to preserve and obtain evidence.

Review your options and deadlines

I review where and when the abuse happened, your age at the time and the people or organizations involved. You can ask about civil accountability, privacy, possible compensation and representation terms before deciding whether to move forward.

Your voice. Your next step.

A civil case is about accountability—not blaming the survivor.

Sexual abuse can affect your health, relationships, education, work and sense of safety. Whether the harm happened recently or years ago, you can ask me to review your legal options. You do not need to describe every detail in an online message or have all the records before our first conversation.

Abuse of trust and authority

A review may involve abuse in schools, youth programs, religious organizations, healthcare settings, residential facilities or workplaces. Grooming, coercion and misuse of authority may be relevant to understanding what happened. A trusted role does not excuse misconduct.

Looking beyond the individual

Depending on the evidence and applicable law, a civil claim may concern the person who committed the abuse and an organization whose own conduct contributed to it. Prior complaints, hiring and supervision practices, access to vulnerable people and responses to warning signs may be important. An institution is not automatically liable simply because abuse occurred there.

The full impact matters

A supported claim may seek compensation for medical care, counseling, lost income, pain and emotional harm. Future treatment needs and the effects on daily life may also require documentation and expert review. No amount, recovery or timeline can be promised.

Delaware claims

Do not assume another state's deadline applies to you.

The timing analysis depends on your age when the abuse occurred, where it happened, the parties involved and the legal claim. Delaware has a specific statute addressing childhood sexual abuse. Adult claims and other claims may follow different rules. I can review the dates and circumstances rather than asking you to decide whether it is too late on your own.

Childhood sexual abuse

10 Del. C. § 8145(a) allows qualifying civil claims based on sexual abuse of a minor by an adult to be brought at any time. The conduct must constitute a Delaware criminal offense. The statute's historical revival window for certain previously barred claims has expired; it is not currently open. Its scope and application, including institutional claims, need individual review.

Civil and criminal proceedings

A civil claim seeks legal accountability and compensation. A criminal case is handled by public authorities and can involve criminal penalties. A conviction is not a general prerequisite to reviewing a civil claim, and a pending investigation should not be assumed to pause a civil filing deadline.

Privacy needs early attention

I can discuss safe ways to communicate, how sensitive records may be handled and whether protective measures are available in your circumstances. Court filings can be public. Anonymous filing, sealed records and complete privacy are not guaranteed and may require court approval.

Legal sources: Delaware childhood sexual abuse claims, § 8145 · Delaware personal-injury limitations, § 8119. General information, not advice about your filing deadline.

Safety and support first

You can seek support without waiting for a legal review.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For counseling and advocacy, visit Delaware's sexual-assault support resources or RAINN. If you suspect a child is being abused, Delaware law requires reporting; contact the state's child-abuse reporting service. Calling an attorney or reporting only to police does not replace the required report to Delaware's Division of Family Services.

When you are ready to discuss a civil claim, call me at 302-290-4646 or request a conversation below. A short request for a callback is enough; please avoid confidential details or identifying a child in the initial form. You can also learn about meeting with me across Delaware.

How I help

Direct access to Michael. A careful review of your options.

I serve clients throughout Delaware from my Wilmington office and can discuss a meeting location that works for you. If I accept your case, I will evaluate the available records, potential responsible parties and legal requirements, and explain the steps needed for a supported claim. You remain part of the decisions about your case. For abuse occurring outside Delaware, I am licensed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey as well and can discuss referral options in other states. An initial conversation does not create an attorney-client relationship, and I cannot guarantee acceptance or a result.

A closer look

Clear answers at a difficult time.

Can I speak with Michael before deciding on a lawsuit?

Yes. My initial case review is free. You can ask questions about the process and representation before deciding. You do not need a complete file or a detailed written account to request a conversation.

What if the abuse happened when I was a child?

Delaware has a specific statute for civil claims based on sexual abuse of a minor: 10 Del. C. § 8145. I review its application to your circumstances, including the location of the abuse and the parties involved. Do not assume that a rule from another state applies.

Can an organization also be held responsible?

Possibly, if the evidence and applicable law support a claim based on the organization's conduct. Prior warnings, supervision, hiring practices and responses to reports may matter. Responsibility must be established; it does not follow automatically from an organization's connection to the person who committed the abuse.

Do I need a criminal conviction to ask about a civil case?

No. A criminal conviction is not a general prerequisite to reviewing a civil claim. Civil and criminal proceedings have different purposes and legal standards. A civil case still requires evidence supporting liability and damages.

Will my name and records stay private?

We can discuss safe communication and possible protective measures. However, court filings may be public, and anonymous filing or sealing records is not guaranteed. Avoid confidential details in the initial website form; request a callback instead.

What if I am not ready to share every detail?

You can begin by asking for a conversation about your options. A short callback request is enough. If there is an immediate safety concern, seek emergency help; suspected child abuse must be reported as Delaware law requires, regardless of whether you pursue a civil claim.

Start with a conversation

You do not have to sort this out alone. One call is all it takes to get the answers you need.

Call 302-290-4646 Meet Michael