Once upon a time, like, a few minutes ago, many women found the idea of filing a lawsuit terrifying. Not just because the legal system seemed more like a rock wall you didn’t have the faintest how to climb, but because of the fear that everybody and their brother would see your name and read about your private story as it flashed across the media.
This paralysis has kept far too many survivors of life-changing harm from ever taking a step forward, which is exactly why we’re here: to reassure you that you can remain absolutely anonymous if/ when you decide to fight against many types of massive wrongdoing. By using a pseudonym (fictitious name like Jane Doe or Jane Roe, etc.), your voice will still be heard loud and clear + your story will still count toward changing the future for you.
Can You Really File a Lawsuit Without Using Your Name?
Yep, often you can, especially in sensitive cases involving sexual assault. Under certain circumstances, you don’t have to use your real name to wage a powerful legal battle against giant corporate wrongdoers responsible for a devastating blow that blindsided you.1 In fact, women have been filing personal harm lawsuits anonymously for decades, with Roe v. Wade (1973) representing a landmark.2
Let’s discuss what Jane Doe means. Anonymity is about protecting survivors, not hiding something wrong, and it’s very real – not just a Hollywood thing you see in movies.3 Staying anonymous isn’t lily-livered either; just the opposite. It’s your decision to let us and our partner lawyers protect your emotions and your privacy without diluting the strength of your case. Just say the word.
What Does “Anonymous” Really Mean in a Lawsuit?
While your name will not appear in public filings, your true identity will be known by the court, your lawyers, and sometimes the defendant.4 So, yes, your name will be concealed from public view, but not invisible to everyone involved in the case.
You’re Not Alone. How Can A Case for Women Help Me?
Since 2015, our organization has been dedicated to helping women facing sexual assault, driven by a deep passion for justice. But we aren’t the only ones. We are part of a greater movement, amplified by initiatives like #MeToo and #TimesUp which have brought vital attention to the fight against sexual misconduct.
This momentum reached a recent milestone with the passage of the Speak Out Act, a landmark federal law signed into effect in 2022. The legislation empowers survivors by restricting NDAs (nondisclosure agreements) in cases of sexual assault and sexual harassment. This prevents survivors from being legally silenced, fosters transparency and holds individuals and institutions accountable.
Alongside these efforts, we’ve launched national social media campaigns for dozens of types of sexual assault, including Uber/ Lyft, Roblox/ Discord, physician assault, and heaps of others.
Sadly, sexual assault from corporate + institutional oversight (real talk: greed) affects every walk of life. We’re here to help you fight back against these derailing traumas and we’re not shy about going up against the BIGGEST BADS.
If you’ve been harmed by corporate/ institutional neglect, don’t be afraid to bring your story to light – we’ll help you do it without revealing your identity. You can 100% trust us to protect your privacy. Do be brave. Be very brave. We’re with you all the way.
We collaborate only with attorneys who work your case from start to finish at no cost to you. Taking cases on contingency is a giant gamble for lawyers since they only receive payment if you do.
We are uniting women to force systemic change. Remember, we’re talking about industries that have historically profited at the expense of the same people who contributed to the profit. You.
Do it. Please reach out to us if you’ve been hurt, 24/7/365.
Sources
1 Unnamed, “Filing Pseudonymously: Overview,” Without My Consent, undated.
2 Danielle, Kurtzleben, “The story of Jane Roe, Norma McCorvey and abortion rights,” NPR, October 13, 2022.
3 Bill Chappell, David Gura, “Epstein survivors secure a $290 million settlement with JPMorgan Chase,” NPR, June 12, 2023.
4 Eugene Volokh, “If Pseudonyms, Then What Kind?” Judicature, Duke University, Volume 107, No. 1 (2023).
