One of the biggest concerns survivors have when considering a civil lawsuit is privacy. You may ask yourself:
What if my name ends up in the news?
What if people at work find out?
Will I have to talk about this in a public courtroom?
These questions are completely valid. Survivors of sexual abuse have already endured trauma. The thought of losing control over your story—or being exposed publicly—can be overwhelming.
The good news is, Missouri courts offer legal protections to keep your identity private throughout the civil lawsuit process. In many cases, you can file under a pseudonym and request additional privacy measures that make it possible to seek justice without putting your personal life on display.
This article explains how those protections work, who qualifies for anonymity, and what steps you and your legal team can take to guard your privacy every step of the way.
Can I File a Lawsuit Anonymously in Missouri?
Yes. In many cases, survivors of sexual abuse are allowed to file lawsuits under a pseudonym such as Jane Doe or John Doe. This is especially common when the case involves:
• Childhood sexual abuse
• Sexual assault by a family member, teacher, clergy, or employer
• Highly sensitive or violent sexual trauma
• Multiple victims who may fear retaliation or public exposure
Missouri courts understand that privacy is often essential to a survivor’s willingness to come forward. Judges routinely grant requests to use pseudonyms in cases involving sexual abuse or assault, particularly where publicity could cause further harm.
How Do Pseudonyms Work in a Lawsuit?
When your legal team files the complaint, they will also file a motion requesting permission to proceed anonymously. This motion will explain:
• That you are a survivor of sexual abuse
• That publicly identifying you would cause emotional harm
• That using a pseudonym does not disadvantage the defendant or the public
If the court grants the motion, your real name will not appear in the case caption, the court docket, or public databases. Instead, the case will be listed as something like “Jane Doe v. XYZ Organization.”
Your real name will still be known to the judge, your attorneys, and opposing counsel, but it will be kept out of public view.
This protection helps survivors come forward without sacrificing their dignity or safety.
What Other Privacy Protections Are Available?
In addition to pseudonyms, your legal team can request several other safeguards throughout the civil process.
Sealing Court Records
Certain court documents, such as motions or deposition transcripts, can be sealed from the public record. This means:
• They will not be available on public court websites
• Reporters and non-parties cannot view them
• Only the parties and the judge can access them
Courts often grant sealing motions in sexual abuse cases to prevent publication of sensitive information such as mental health records, medical details, or graphic descriptions of abuse.
Protective Orders for Discovery
During the discovery phase, the parties exchange evidence. Your attorney can request a protective order to limit who can access:
• Therapy notes or diagnoses
• Private communications (texts, emails, social media)
• Any documentation that includes your name, address, or personal details
Protective orders ensure that even if this evidence is turned over, it stays confidential and is not used outside of the case.
In-Camera Testimony or Depositions
In sensitive situations, your attorney can request that your deposition or testimony be given privately, either in the judge’s chambers or by closed video link. This minimizes exposure and helps survivors feel safer.
• Missouri courts may allow:
• Closed-door testimony (in-camera)
• Remote or video depositions
• Support persons present during questioning
• Breaks and accommodations to manage trauma responses
Limiting Media Access
If your case garners public interest, your legal team can ask the court to limit media presence in the courtroom or during depositions. Missouri courts have discretion to restrict media coverage in the interest of protecting a survivor’s welfare.
While some courtrooms are public by law, the judge can limit or close proceedings for particularly sensitive testimony—especially if the survivor is a minor or if public exposure would cause further harm.
Do I Qualify for Anonymity?
Most survivors of sexual abuse do qualify for pseudonym protection, especially if one or more of the following applies:
• You were a minor at the time of the abuse
• The abuse occurred within a religious, educational, or medical setting
• You have experienced threats, harassment, or retaliation
• Disclosure of your identity would harm your mental health
• You are concerned about protecting your job, children, or community reputation
Ultimately, it is up to the court to decide. But judges in Missouri have consistently recognized that survivors face unique privacy concerns and will often grant anonymity when requested properly by an attorney.
Why Privacy Protections Matter
Many survivors hesitate to come forward because they fear being blamed, shamed, or publicly identified. This fear is not irrational.
Survivors have faced retaliation at work, harassment online, or painful questions from people they trusted. In small communities, even a court case number can lead to gossip or rumors.
That is why privacy protections matter—not just legally, but emotionally.
Keeping your name out of the headlines and off court websites helps you:
• Stay in control of your story
You decide who knows and when, not the system.
• Avoid additional trauma
You do not have to relive the abuse in public.
• Protect your family and children
Keeping your identity private protects those closest to you.
• Focus on healing
Privacy allows you to pursue justice while maintaining your stability.
As one survivor told the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, “I wanted justice, but I couldn’t face the idea of everyone knowing. Being allowed to file as Jane Doe is what made it possible.”
What Your Legal Team Can Do to Protect You
At O’Brien Law Firm, we treat survivor privacy as a top priority from day one. Here is how we help protect you:
• Filing under pseudonym whenever possible
We draft strong motions requesting pseudonym use and provide supporting documentation.
• Requesting protective orders and sealing motions
We proactively ask the court to limit access to sensitive evidence.
• Working with trauma-informed professionals
We consult with therapists or medical providers to support requests for closed proceedings or privacy accommodations.
• Advising you on media and public inquiries
If your case becomes public, we help you prepare a statement or maintain privacy as needed.
• Limiting exposure during trial
We request closed courtrooms, video testimony, and other tools to make the process safe and manageable.
What Happens If I Still Want to Tell My Story?
Filing anonymously does not mean you are silenced. You can still choose to:
• Share your story with a therapist, journalist, or support group
• Post about your experience on your own terms
• Speak publicly about the abuse after the case concludes
Privacy protections exist to give you options—not take them away.
If you later decide you want to share your story publicly, your legal team can help you do so in a way that protects your rights and safety.
Real-World Examples of Anonymous Filings
Anonymity is not rare. Across the country, courts have approved pseudonyms in high-profile sexual abuse cases involving:
• USA Gymnastics
• The Catholic Church
• Public school districts
• National youth organizations
• Universities and athletic departments
Missouri courts have followed this same pattern, especially in cases involving childhood abuse, religious organizations, and healthcare professionals.
Legal protections are in place to support you—not to create additional barriers.
You Can Seek Justice Without Losing Your Privacy
Filing a lawsuit does not mean giving up your safety or your peace of mind. At O’Brien Law Firm, we believe:
• You deserve to be heard
• You deserve to be protected
• You deserve justice on your terms
If you have experienced sexual abuse in Missouri and are considering legal action, we will walk with you through every step of the process—including protecting your identity, your dignity, and your peace.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation. We will explain your rights, your options, and the steps we can take to protect your privacy every step of the way.