No, you don’t have to. Your attorney may recommend it, because you can probably explain the long-term effects of the attack on your life better than anyone else. However, you do not have to testify. Some survivors believe that testifying would be bad for their mental health, and you should not do anything you don’t feel comfortable with. On the other hand, some survivors do want to testify and tell their stories. It’s up to you.
It’s also important to note that many cases settle out of court, so the question of testifying may not even come up. If you are suing a third party, such as a business, for some sort of negligence related to your assault, it is likely they have an insurance policy that covers these claims. We are often able to work out a settlement with the insurance carrier, so you can get the compensation you need without the time and expense of a court case.