No child should have to live through sexual abuse. When trust is violated, it can shatter families and leave lasting scars. A Los Angeles child sexual abuse lawyer from our team can help you take back control and pursue justice through the civil court system.
We have a long history of holding abusers—and the institutions that protect them—accountable. A Los Angeles sexual abuse lawyer from our firm will guide you through every step with care, strength, and discretion.
With well over $1.5 billion obtained for our clients, we’ve helped clients take action against powerful organizations across California. You are not alone. We’re here to help you move forward.
You Have the Right to Be Heard
Coming forward takes courage. Survivors often wrestle with fear, confusion, or pressure to stay silent, especially when the perpetrator is someone in a position of trust.
Our Los Angeles child sexual abuse attorneys know how to build cases against abusers from all walks of life. That includes family members, strangers, coaches, teachers, clergy, medical professionals, therapists, neighbors, and even other children. No matter who hurt you or your child, we will help you fight back.
You don’t have to have police reports, a medical exam, or physical evidence to take legal action. What matters is what happened and your choice to pursue justice.
What Counts as Child Sexual Abuse in Los Angeles?
Sexual abuse includes any unwanted or inappropriate sexual behavior toward a minor. It may involve physical contact, exposure, coercion, or online exploitation. Abuse can happen once or occur over time. In many cases, it’s not immediately reported, especially when the abuser manipulates, grooms, or threatens the child.
As Los Angeles child sexual abuse attorneys, we’ve helped families with cases involving:
- Rape or molestation
- Sexual assault by authority figures
- Grooming and manipulation
- Child pornography or image exploitation
- Abuse by youth organization staff or volunteers
- Abuse within religious institutions
- Assault by family members or caregivers
If you believe your child has been sexually abused, trust your instincts. You can talk to our legal team confidentially—there’s no pressure, no judgment, and no obligation.
Los Angeles Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer Near Me 310-844-9696
Understanding California’s Lookback Window
California law extends the timeline for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file civil lawsuits. Under Assembly Bill 218, you may file a claim until age 40 or within five years of discovering the abuse caused you psychological harm—whichever is later.
AB 218 also introduced a three–year lookback window, which allowed survivors who were minors at the time of the incident to file previously time-barred claims. This window was open from Jan. 1, 2020, to Dec. 31, 2022. Although it has now closed, survivors may still qualify to file under the extended statute of limitations.
Assembly Bill 2777 created a separate lookback window for adult sexual assault survivors. That window is open from Jan. 1, 2023, to Dec. 31, 2026, and applies to assaults that occurred on or after Jan. 1, 2009.
If you’re unsure which statute applies to your case, a Los Angeles child sexual abuse lawyer from our team can review your circumstances and explain your legal options.
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Los Angeles Institutions That May Be Liable
A predator may act alone, but institutions often create the conditions that allow abuse to continue. When schools, churches, camps, hospitals, or youth programs ignore warning signs, silence victims, or protect abusers, they can—and should—be held accountable.
You may be able to file a civil claim against:
- Public and private schools
- Religious organizations
- Foster care agencies
- Daycare centers
- Sports clubs and youth leagues
- Healthcare providers or therapists
- Juvenile justice facilities
- Child Protective Services
A Los Angeles child sexual abuse attorney can investigate failures in supervision, hiring, reporting, and internal protocols. These lawsuits help survivors find closure and prevent future harm to others.
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Why Survivors Choose Civil Lawsuits
Not every survivor chooses to pursue justice through the criminal system. Some are discouraged when prosecutors decline to file charges or drop the case for lack of evidence.
Civil lawsuits give survivors another path forward. These cases can hold abusers and institutions financially liable. They offer survivors control over the process.
While the criminal system requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt, civil cases only require a preponderance of the evidence, meaning it’s more likely than not that the abuse occurred.
You do not need a police report, physical evidence, or a criminal conviction to file a civil case. What matters is your experience and your choice to pursue justice. Our child sexual abuse lawyers in Los Angeles build cases using documentation, witness accounts, expert testimony, and psychological evaluations.
How a Los Angeles Child Sexual Abuse Attorney Can Help
When you contact our firm, we start by listening. You don’t have to share details you’re not ready to talk about. Everything stays confidential. Our only goal is to support you and explain your options.
If you choose to move forward, we will:
- Investigate the abuse and identify all potential defendants
- Collect evidence from medical records, therapy notes, or past complaints
- Build a timeline showing the abuse and institutional failures
- Handle all communications with the opposing side
- Fight for a resolution that helps your family heal
We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies and institutions know we don’t back down. That’s how we’ve earned the results we have.
Signs of Sexual Abuse in Children
Children often don’t come out and say they’ve been abused. That’s why it’s important to watch for warning signs and take them seriously.
Common indicators include:
- Sudden changes in behavior, mood, or school performance
- Withdrawal from friends or family
- Fear of being alone with certain adults
- Nightmares or sleep disturbances
- Regression in behavior (bedwetting, thumb-sucking)
- Inappropriate sexual knowledge or behavior
- Physical symptoms like pain, bruising, or infections
If you’ve noticed these signs, talk to your child in a calm, safe environment. You don’t have to have all the answers. Just let them know you believe them and contact our team to discuss the next steps.
You’re Not Alone. We’re With You.
You don’t have to explain why you’re coming forward now. Whether the abuse happened months ago or decades ago, you have every right to speak out and pursue justice. At Arias Sanguinetti, we truly care about you and your family.
Let a Los Angeles child sexual abuse lawyer from our firm help you take the next step. With over 300 years of combined experience, our team brings the legal strength and personal commitment these cases demand.
Call today for a confidential consultation. We’re here to listen, support, and fight for the justice you and your family deserve.
Call or text 310-844-9696 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form