Standing With and In Support of Sexual Assault Survivors
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)—a time dedicated to raising public consciousness about the ongoing challenge of sexual violence. It is a time to promote education to prevent sexual violence and to increase the volume of survivors’ voices.
Sexual assault is a deeply traumatic experience that does not discriminate. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, one in five women and one in 67 men in the U.S. will experience rape or attempted rape in their lifetime. Behind these statistics, however, are real people—some of whom we are honored to represent. Because the legal process can be daunting, we prioritize trauma-informed care and offer a safe, respectful environment within which survivors can share their experience and pursue justice on their terms.
Justice Law Collaborative has deep roots in the fight against sexual assault, abuse, and violence. As a law firm steeped in trauma-informed litigation, we are deeply committed to advocating for the rights of survivors on their journey towards achieving justice and, with care and time, healing. In the first few months of this year, our firm has been at the center of several high profile legal victories for sexual assault survivors. The firm has also remained actively vocal in its advocacy for legislative reform, greater patient protection, and more streamlined legal avenues for those seeking justice.
Advocacy in the Courtroom and at the State House (Massachusetts)
Exemplifying Justice Law Collaborative’s commitment to justice is our participation in a Sexual Violence in Healthcare Settings roundtable forum that was held at the Massachusetts State House. The event, sponsored by Massachusetts Representatives Jenny Armini, Lindsay Sabadosa, Natalie Higgins, and Senator Brendan Crighton, spotlighted the critical issue of sexual violence in healthcare environments and offered an opportunity to discuss legislative efforts to combat and prevent such abuse. Together, they are leading the charge to pass critical legislation that will better protect patients and hold perpetrators and their enablers accountable. JLC partner Kelly Guagenty joined the forum.
At the roundtable held in April 2025, five brave survivors gave a voice to the trauma they endured at the hands of disgraced former physician Dr. Derrick Todd, who was indicted by a grand jury earlier this year for sexually assaulting more than 200 former patients. Their testimony provided insight into how the abuse occurred and why, in the wake of these incidents, Representative Armini and others have joined together to push forward a legislative effort. If passed, the new law would require Massachusetts health care providers to provide trained chaperones in exam rooms for all genital and rectal exams and for female breast exams unless a patient declines the chaperone or is receiving emergency care. Protective measures, such as a medical chaperone, may have prevented the sexual assault of hundreds of patients here in Massachusetts alone, while also creating a more accountable and compassionate healthcare system for all. Further evidence supporting the need for added oversight in a medical setting includes the charging of a former medical assistant employed by Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH/Brigham) for sexual assault. The perpetrator, Damien Knighton, was sentenced to three consecutive sentences of 3 to 4 years each and can never work in the medical field again. Knighton was charged in 2023 for sexually assaulting several patients at MGH/Brigham, telling patients they needed a prostate or rectal exam – which is not within the purview or experience of a medical assistant.
Sexual Assault Cannot Be Categorized as Medical Malpractice
In a critical legal ruling that centers survivor dignity and legal accountability, Suffolk (Massachusetts) Superior Court issued a decision in March 2025, that sexual assault cannot be categorized as medical malpractice under Massachusetts law. This ruling represents an important milestone in protecting survivors and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable through appropriate legal channels. Beyond the technical legal distinction, the ruling is a powerful statement about how our legal system understands and responds to sexual violence - prioritizing human dignity and individual experience over bureaucratic categorizations.
The landmark ruling addresses the onerous Medical Malpractice Tribunal process in Massachusetts. Survivors can now pursue legal recourse without first having to convince a medical panel that their trauma constitutes a legally cognizable medical error. In short, the ruling eliminates an institutional barrier that previously forced survivors to share deeply personal experiences of violation to be evaluated and potentially dismissed by the tribunal.
Wear Denim in Support of Sexual Assault Awareness - #DenimDay
In support of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Justice Law Collaborative will join millions of others in #DenimDay. Denim Day, typically held the last Wednesday in April, began more than twenty years ago after the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction. The justices believed the victim, who was wearing tight jeans at the time of the rape, must have helped the person who raped her to remove her jeans – thus implying consent. The following day, women in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans in solidarity with the victim. Denim Day is the longest-running sexual assault education and awareness campaign that encourages people to wear jeans as a visible means to highlight egregious misconceptions surrounding sexual violence.
The Justice Law Collaborative team will proudly don their denim in support of all survivors. We see you. You are not alone. If you have ever considered legal action or simply wish to understand your options, we invite you to reach out for a confidential consultation. There is no pressure—just support, compassion, and a commitment to helping you move forward. Your experience matters. Your voice matters. Your story matters. And when you’re ready, we’re here to stand with you. #SAAM #DenimDay