Épisodes

  • Who Can Be Held Civilly Responsible Beyond the Abuser
    May 5 2026

    Episode Summary: In this episode, Marc Pearlman and Melissa Anderson discuss the concept of holding entities accountable beyond the individual abuser in civil SA cases. They delve into the importance of institutions taking responsibility to prevent harm and provide insights on legal duties, foreseeability, and the impact on survivors' lives.

    Key Timestamps: 00:01 – Show Introduction 01:05 – Why Civil Responsibility Can Extend Beyond the Abuser 02:15 – Institutional Accountability and Preventing Abuse 03:40 – Common Institutions Involved in Civil Responsibility Claims 04:45 – Power Dynamics in Workplace and Organizational Settings 05:30 – Why Policies Alone Are Not Enough 06:40 – Legal Duty and Institutional Responsibility 07:45 – The Role of Foreseeability in Civil Liability 09:00 – Safeguards and Enforcement of Institutional Policies 10:30 – Education and Training to Prevent Abuse 11:50 – Differences in Legal Analysis for Minors vs. Adults 13:20 – Why Survivors Often Feel They Are Alone 15:00 – Manipulation and Power Dynamics Used by Perpetrators 17:00 – Access, Opportunity, and Patterns of Abuse

    About the Show: *Civil Justice for SA Survivors* is a podcast focusing on the legal aspects of supporting survivors of sexual assault and exploitation. Marc Pearlman and Melissa Anderson provide guidance and clarity to survivors navigating the civil justice process with compassion and expertise.

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    20 min
  • What Makes a Civil Sexual Abuse Case Viable in Illinois
    Apr 21 2026

    Episode Summary:

    In this episode, Attorney Marc Pearlman and Melissa Anderson delve into what makes a civil sexual abuse case viable in Illinois. They emphasize the importance of providing survivors with a voice and support, highlighting the significance of understanding the survivor's goals and needs in the legal process. The discussion covers factors such as statute of limitations, evidence gathering, institution involvement, and survivor cooperation, shedding light on the complexities of pursuing justice for survivors of sexual abuse.

    Key Timestamps:

    00:00 – Introduction

    01:30 – Defining Viability in Civil Sexual Abuse Cases

    04:20 – Factors in Evaluating Viability in Illinois

    06:45 – Role of Institutions in Abuse Cases

    09:10 – Importance of Documentation and Evidence

    12:00 – Impact of Collaboration in Civil Cases

    14:30 – Survivor's Age and Legal Implications

    17:45 – Balancing Emotional and Legal Challenges

    20:10 – Empowering Survivors Through Legal Process

    About the Show:

    *Civil Justice for SA Survivors* with Attorney Marc Pearlman and Melissa Anderson is dedicated to guiding survivors of sexual assault and exploitation through the civil justice process in Illinois. The show provides compassionate support and legal insights to empower survivors in seeking justice and healing.

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    20 min
  • What Evidence Looks Like in a Civil SA Case and Why It’s Not What Most People Expect
    Apr 7 2026

    Episode Summary: In this episode, Attorney Marc Pearlman and Melissa Anderson discuss the nuances of evidence in civil SA cases, highlighting the focus on institutional accountability rather than individual proof. They delve into the types of evidence crucial in these cases and how patterns and inconsistencies play a significant role in evaluating civil cases. The episode emphasizes the importance of coming forward and seeking legal advice, offering support and guidance to survivors of SA.

    Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:45 – Qualifying evidence in civil SA cases 04:30 – Importance of institutional evidence over individual proof 08:15 – Types of records vital in civil cases involving institutions 11:20 – Significance of patterns in civil case evaluation 14:45 – Time factor in evaluating evidence disclosure 17:30 – Corroboration beyond forensic evidence in civil cases 20:10 – Role of consistency in evidence evaluation over time 23:00 – Encouragement for survivors to seek legal guidance

    About the Show: *Civil Justice for SA Survivors* is a podcast hosted by Lisa Mosbey, focusing on the representation of SA survivors in Illinois by Attorney Marc Pearlman and Melissa Anderson. The show highlights the pursuit of civil accountability and institutional responsibility in cases of sexual assault and exploitation.

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    21 min
  • Beyond Criminal Charges: Why Civil Cases Are Often the Only Path to Justice
    Mar 24 2026

    Episode Summary:

    Attorneys Marc Pearlman and Melissa Anderson delve into the intersection of criminal and civil justice systems for SA survivors. Exploring why many survivors seek recourse through civil courts, they shed light on the broader range of remedies available and the empowerment that comes with reclaiming control over the healing process.

    Key Timestamps:

    00:00 – Introduction

    01:05 – Contrasting criminal and civil cases

    02:20 – Empowerment through civil justice

    03:45 – Overcoming hurdles in the criminal system

    05:10 – Importance of belief in survivors

    06:30 – Impact of institutional accountability

    08:15 – Healing beyond monetary compensation

    10:00 – Survivor-centered approach in civil cases

    11:30 – Empowering survivors through control

    13:00 – Safe and confidential path to justice

    About the Show:

    *Civil Justice for SA Survivors* with Marc Pearlman and Melissa Anderson focuses on providing accountability and safety to survivors of SA through the civil justice process. Join them as they navigate the complexities of seeking justice and healing beyond the criminal system.

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    17 min
  • Healing and Justice: How Civil Cases Support the Recovery Journey
    Mar 10 2026

    Episode Summary:

    In this episode, attorneys Marc Pearlman and Melissa Anderson discuss the crucial connection between healing and justice for survivors of SA. They emphasize the personalized approach to understanding what justice and healing mean for each individual client, highlighting the significance of the healing journey throughout the legal process.

    Key Timestamps:

    00:00 – Introduction

    01:30 – The importance of understanding individual perspectives on healing and justice

    04:15 – Exploring the role of pursuing civil cases in the healing process

    06:45 – Providing examples of how clients feel validated and empowered through the legal process

    09:20 – Managing the pace of legal proceedings to support survivors' healing

    11:10 – The pivotal role of support networks in grounding survivors during civil cases

    14:05 – How pursuing civil cases can lead to broader institutional changes for accountability and reform

    About the Show:

    *Civil Justice for SA Survivors* is a podcast dedicated to empowering survivors of sexual assault and exploitation through the civil justice system. Attorneys Marc Pearlman and Melissa Anderson provide legal insights, support, and advocacy for survivors seeking healing, justice, and accountability.

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    17 min
  • Statute of Limitations in Illinois: What Survivors Need to Know
    Feb 24 2026

    Episode Summary:

    Attorney Marc Pearlman and Melissa Anderson delve into the complexities of statute of limitations in sexual assault (SA) cases in Illinois. They explain the significance of these legal timeframes, recent law changes, and the crucial need for survivors to seek specialized legal counsel for accurate guidance. Understanding how survivors can still take legal action even years after the abuse is highlighted, emphasizing the nuanced analysis required for each case.

    Key Timestamps:

    00:00 – Introduction

    01:30 – Explaining statute of limitations in SA cases

    03:45 – Recent law changes and their impact on survivors

    06:20 – Filing civil cases despite past abuse timelines

    09:15 – Overcoming statute of limitations defenses

    11:40 – Balancing fairness for survivors and defendants

    14:00 – Initial consultations for survivors with timing concerns

    16:45 – Differentiating claims against individuals vs. institutions

    19:30 – Confidentiality assurance for survivors seeking legal help

    22:10 – Encouraging survivors to understand their rights proactively

    About the Show:

    *Civil Justice for SA Survivors* with Attorney Marc Pearlman and Melissa Anderson provides crucial legal insights and support for survivors of sexual assault and exploitation in Illinois. Their compassionate approach and expertise guide survivors through the civil justice process, ensuring clarity and advocacy for those seeking justice and closure.

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    18 min
  • A Trauma-Informed Approach: Why It Matters in SA Cases
    Dec 30 2025

    Episode Summary:

    Attorneys Marc Pearlman and Melissa Anderson delve into the importance of a trauma-informed legal approach for survivors of SA. They discuss the impact of trauma on clients and the need for tailored support throughout the legal process, emphasizing compassion and empowerment.

    Key Timestamps:

    00:00 – Introduction

    01:30 – Defining trauma-informed approach in legal practice

    03:45 – Addressing misconceptions and empowering clients

    06:15 – Reacting to trauma and dispelling myths

    08:30 – Creating a safe space for clients

    10:45 – Collaborating with other professionals

    13:20 – Balancing legal process and client healing

    15:40 – Differentiating a trauma-informed lawyer’s approach

    18:00 – Designing a therapeutic legal process

    20:10 – Encouraging survivors to seek support

    22:30 – Closing remarks

    About the Show:

    Civil Justice for SA Survivors is a podcast hosted by attorneys Marc Pearlman and Melissa Anderson, dedicated to supporting survivors of SA and exploitation in Illinois. The show focuses on providing trauma-informed legal advocacy, ensuring clients feel heard, supported, and empowered throughout their journey towards justice.

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    21 min