Sexual abuse is a general term describing any unwanted or non-consensual sexual act against another person. Forcing, hassling, intimidating, or coercing an individual into doing something sexual against their will is considered sexual abuse in California.
If you or someone you love has been a victim of a sex crime, our Los Angeles personal injury lawyer is here to help. We understand the physical pain and emotional distress victims of molestation and rape experience. Arias Sanguinetti | Trial Lawyers represents sex crime victims in Los Angeles and is committed to obtaining justice for our clients.
Contact our law firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Common Types of Sexual Abuse in Los Angeles, California
Our personal injury lawyers are proud of Arias Sanguinetti’s long history of representing clients in Los Angeles who have survived incidents including the following:
- Rape
- Revenge porn
- Non-consensual condom removal
- Stalking
- Child abuse
- Molestation
- Statutory rape
- Oral copulation
- Hugging, kissing, or sexual contact without consent in a professional or institutional environment
- Indecent exposure at work, church, or a similar setting
Sexual abusers can target children and adults. Abuse can come from anyone, including family members, strangers, coworkers, friends, or even a spouse. Our Los Angeles sexual abuse attorney is here to help and will fight for the justice and compensation you need.
What Is the California Child Victims Act?
Child Victims Act (California Law AB 218) extends the statute of limitations for survivors of childhood sexual abuse in California. This law, implemented on January 1, 2020, allows victims to file a civil 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 three years. This law also permits the courts to triple the amount awarded to a victim in instances of an attempted cover-up of the abuse.
Time is of the essence, and an attorney from our law firm can explain how this law applies to your case.
Los Angeles Sexual Abuse Lawyer Near Me 310-844-9696
Institutional Sexual Abuse and Harassment in Los Angeles
The attorneys from our firm have represented victims who have been taken advantage of 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 provide survivors with a new opportunity to hold individuals and organizations accountable. Sexual abuse by religious leaders and cover-ups are not limited to the Catholic Church.
The Child Victims Act was passed to address sexual misconduct, whether the perpetrator was an individual or part of a private or public institution. If you or your child has been victimized, our Los Angeles clergy abuse lawyer is here.
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. These cases 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. Clearly, the organization should have reported all sexual predators to the authorities rather than looking the other way.
As a result, thousands of sexual abuse claims have been filed against the Boy Scouts by survivors of childhood sexual trauma. The Boy Scouts of America have since filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, creating a victim compensation fund.
If you are a survivor of sexual abuse caused by a person associated with the Boy Scouts of America, a Los Angeles attorney can help. We can assist you with filing a claim against the local councils overseeing the region where the abuse occurred. Our firm is here to help you 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 actions 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 perpetrators still take advantage of the school system to gain access to children and gain their trust.
It is the responsibility of schools to:
- Adequately vet teachers, coaches, and other employees.
- Supervise students while they are on campus or engaged in school activities.
- Thoroughly investigate 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 assaults 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 are a sexual abuse survivor, you can file a civil claim to hold the perpetrator and school district accountable. If you need a knowledgeable attorney to represent you, our sexual abuse lawyers in Southern California are available to review your case.
Other Institutions
Sexual victimization reflects power dynamics as perpetrators use their positions of authority within institutions to victimize those who look up to them. The effects of this type of manipulation can be detrimental to sexual abuse victims and could lead to long-lasting psychological damage.
Institutional sexual abuse could include sexual assault or harassment committed by the following:
- 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 can seek justice, regain the upper hand, and begin restoring their lives. If you need a hand in doing so, contact our experienced sexual abuse lawyer in Los Angeles for help.
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What does the Law Say About Sexual Abuse in Schools?
Many colleges and universities have been scrutinized for their lack of action related to assaults and harassment on their campuses. Sexual harassment is prohibited under Title IX Education Amendments of 1972 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
All schools receiving federal Title IX funds that fail to protect their students from sexual harassment and assault could be liable for violating federal law.
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You don’t Pay Unless We Get You Compensation
Our experienced trial lawyers represent victims in Los Angeles during their most difficult legal challenges. No matter the state or venue, our attorneys are here for all sexual assault victims.
We handle cases on a contingency basis. That means you owe us nothing if we do not recover compensation for your damages. In addition, our initial consultation is completely free.
Contact Our Sexual Assault Lawyers in Los Angeles
If you or someone you care about has been victimized, our attorneys at Arias Sanguinetti can take civil action and fight for the justice you deserve. We will help you hold the sex offender and possibly an organization accountable and pursue a civil lawsuit for sexual abuse on your behalf.
Our long history of successes demonstrates the firm’s ability to represent our clients and obtain the maximum compensation available. Again, we do not charge a consultation fee; you owe us nothing unless we win.
Call us or complete our contact form for a free case evaluation.
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