Los Angeles Sexual Abuse Lawyers

Sexual abuse is a general term that describes any type of unwanted or nonconsensual sexual act against another person. Forcing, hassling, intimidating, or coercing another person into doing something sexual that they do not want to do is considered sexual abuse in California. If you or someone you love has been a victim of sexual abuse, our Los Angeles sexual abuse lawyer may be able to help.

Common Types of Sexual Abuse in Los Angeles, California

At Arias Sanguinetti Wang & Torrijos, our sexual assault lawyers are proud of our long history of representing women and men in Los Angeles who have survived sexual abuse incidents such as:

• Rape
• Revenge porn
• Nonconsensual condom removal
• Stalking
• Child abuse
• Molestation
• Statutory rape
• Hugging or kissing without consent in a professional or institutional environment
• Indecent exposure at work, church, or a similar setting

Sexual abusers can target both adults and children. Abuse can come from anyone, such as a family member, stranger, coworker, friend, or even a spouse. Contact our Los Angeles sexual assault attorneys for help. We will fight for the justice you deserve.

What is the California Child Victims Act?

The Child Victims Act (also known as California law AB 218) extends the statute of limitations for survivors of childhood sexual abuse in California. This new law, implemented on January 1, 2020, allows victims to file a lawsuit over past childhood abuse, regardless of how much time has passed. However, the look-back window granted by the Child Victims Act started on January 1, 2020 and is limited to just three years, so victims must act quickly. This new law also permits the courts the ability to triple the amount of damages awarded to a victim in instances of an attempted cover-up of the abuse.

Institutional Sexual Abuse and Harassment in Los Angeles, CA

At Arias Sanguinetti Wang & Torrijos, our sexual abuse lawyers have represented victims who have been abused by people in positions of trust at various organizations, such as:

The Catholic Church and Other Religious Organizations

The sexual abuse of parishioners by clergy members inflicts profound physical, emotional, and spiritual wounds. Survivors of clergy sexual abuse face unimaginable distress and difficulty living with their trauma. For too long, survivors have suffered in silence, unable to confront their abusers and those who enabled or covered up the abuse.

Thankfully, laws like the Child Victims Act are providing survivors with a new opportunity to hold individuals and religious organizations accountable. Sexual abuse by religious leaders and cover-ups are not limited to the Catholic Church. In fact, the Child Victims Act was passed to address sexual abuse whether the perpetrator was a private or public institution or an individual. If you have been abused, contact our Los Angeles Clergy Abuse Lawyer for help.

The Boy Scouts of America

While long recognized for its standards of morality and teaching children valuable skills, reviews of secret files from the Boy Scouts of America revealed massive numbers of child sexual abuse cases that were intentionally hidden from the public for nearly a century. Today, thousands of men are filing civil suits against the Boy Scouts, asserting that the organization was obligated to provide more protection for the children in their programs and should have reported all sexual predators to the authorities rather than looking the other way.

As a result, thousands of claims have been filed against the Boy Scouts by survivors of childhood sexual abuse. The Boy Scouts of America have since had to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, creating a fund to compensate victims. If you are a victim of sexual abuse in the Boy Scouts of America, a Los Angeles sexual abuse attorney may be able to help you file a claim against the local councils of which the abuse occurred to receive your fair share of this fund.

Schools, Colleges, and Universities

Sexual abuse and harassment in schools can take many forms, like unwanted touching, sexual comments or jokes, sexual bullying or hazing, sexual assault, and rape. These abuses are not limited to staff and teachers but can also come from other students.

Schools have a duty to keep their students safe and protected from harm, yet far too often, perpetrators take advantage of the school system to gain access to children and abuse their trust. It is the responsibility of schools to properly:

• Vet teachers, coaches, and other employees
• Supervise students while they are on campus or engaged in school activities
• Thoroughly investigate any complaints made about an employee’s or student’s behavior
• Report suspected or known sexual abuse to the proper authorities

Schools must be held accountable for allowing sexual abuse or harassment on or off campus during school-related activities. A school’s failure to take proper action may create a liability against the school, its administration, and its employees for neglecting to keep the students in their care safe. If you or your child were sexually abused in school, you may have the option to file a civil claim to hold the perpetrator and school district accountable. If you need a knowledgeable attorney to represent you, call our sexual abuse lawyers in Los Angeles, CA today to get started. 

Many colleges and universities have been scrutinized for their lack of action related to sexual assaults on their campuses. Sexual harassment is prohibited under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. All schools that receive federal Title IX funds that fail to protect their students from sexual harassment could be liable for violating federal law.

Other Institutions

Sexual abuse reflects power dynamics as perpetrators utilize their positions of authority within institutions to victimize those who look up to them. The effects of this type of abuse can be detrimental to victims and could lead to long-lasting psychological damage.

Institutional sexual abuse could include sexual assault or harassment committed by:

• Correctional officers
• Employers
• Youth organization leaders
• Religious figures
• Educators
• Coaches
• Foster parents
• Caregivers
• Medical professionals
• Any others in a position of authority

Survivors of institutional sexual abuse have options to seek justice, regain the upper hand, and begin the process of putting their life back together. If you need a hand to do so, contact our experienced sexual abuse lawyers in Los Angeles for help. 

Contact Our Sexual Abuse Attorneys in Los Angeles, CA

If you or someone you care about has been sexually abused, the attorneys with Arias Sanguinetti Wang & Torrijos, LLP can help you fight for the justice you deserve. We will offer the help you need to hold a sexual offender accountable and pursue civil damages for sexual abuse on your behalf.

Our trial lawyers represent victims in Los Angeles during their most difficult legal challenges. No matter the state or venue, our sexual harassment attorneys are here for you. Call (310) 844-9696 or complete our contact form today to request a free evaluation of your case. If we take on your case and do not recover compensation for your damages, you owe us nothing.