When Cassie Ventura filed her explosive lawsuit against Sean “Diddy” Combs in late 2023, many people asked a familiar question: Why didn’t she go to the police?
The answer reveals something critical about how survivors seek justice in America. And it’s a conversation more people need to understand.
At Merson Law, we’ve represented countless survivors who chose the civil system over the criminal one. Here’s why.
Civil vs. Criminal: What’s the Difference?
Criminal charges are brought by the government, and the goal is to punish the offender with jail time or probation. Prosecutors control the case — not the survivor.
Civil lawsuits are filed by survivors themselves. The goal is accountability, truth, and financial damages for pain, suffering, and loss. In civil court, the survivor is in control.
Cassie chose to file a civil suit, not because the criminal system was unavailable — but because it is often unjust, retraumatizing, and slow to act.
Why Many Survivors Choose Civil Court
There are powerful reasons why survivors like Cassie Ventura pursue civil action:
- Survivor control: You control the legal strategy and timeline
- Lower burden of proof: Civil cases require a “preponderance of evidence,” not “beyond a reasonable doubt”
- No gatekeepers: You don’t need a DA or police department to take your case seriously
- Public exposure: Civil court can expose enablers and systems of abuse
These are real advantages. That’s why high-profile civil cases have helped take down abusers like Jeffrey Epstein, Harvey Weinstein (civilly and criminally), and institutions like the Catholic Church.
Can You Still File a Civil Lawsuit If the Police Never Helped?
Yes. Absolutely.
Many of our clients at Merson Law never reported their abuse to the police — or did, and were ignored.
You can still sue.
In fact, some of the most powerful civil cases in U.S. history came from survivors who chose the courtroom over the precinct.
Cassie’s lawsuit against Diddy settled within 24 hours. But it started a chain reaction: multiple new lawsuits, federal sex trafficking investigations, and a national reckoning.
That’s the power of civil justice.
When to Consider Filing a Civil Sexual Abuse Case
You may have a civil claim if:
- You were sexually abused, assaulted, coerced, or trafficked
- The abuser was in a position of power (employer, celebrity, manager, etc.)
- The abuse caused long-term trauma, financial loss, or emotional harm
Even if the abuse happened years ago, you may still be eligible under New York’s updated statute of limitations.
Let’s Talk, Confidentially
At Merson Law, we help survivors hold powerful predators accountable — even when no criminal charges were ever filed.
We’ve fought for survivors of clergy abuse, celebrity assault, medical misconduct, and trafficking. We believe you. We stand with you.
Contact us for a private, trauma-informed legal consultation.
Related Reading:
