Sexual abuse can fall into two different types of categories within the justice system: criminal and civil. In a criminal case, the focus lies on the abuser. It is a case brought against the abuser by the state or federal government as a way to protect society as a whole and punish the perpetrator. Because the focus is more on protecting society and not on advocating for the victim, a criminal case may be a poor option for the survivor in receiving restitution or financial compensation.