For some quick context, Nikita was forced to file a civil lawsuit against Conor because Ireland’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had previously declined to pursue criminal charges after determining that there wasn’t enough evidence to secure a conviction in a criminal court, which requires proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Nikita ultimately filed a civil claim for assault because the criminal justice route was not an option for her. The civil system requires a lower burden of proof, which allowed her case to be heard.