Triggering (Abuse): Litigation as a Remedy for Rape?

[RadioSerenade]

Derrick Rose, the NBA star, is being sued at the moment, accused of drugging and then gang-raping a woman in 2013. However, the woman has opted for litigation rather than a criminal conviction.

WHY?
WHY?
WHY?

I commented on a Facebook post about the Bill Cosby case and I said "what's the point of this post other than to create innuendo surrounding a pending case of law?" To this a woman said, "this is not a pending case of law, given the American legal system's restrictions on Rape convictions." What restrictions and why are people suing for criminal issues?

[~Mr. Self Destruct~]

The burden of proof is lower, meaning it would be easier to prove the rape had occurred.
Damages also mean she stands to benefit from direct compensation.