Repeated non-consensual sexual acts are indicated as sexual abuse. Although sexual abuse can happen to anyone regardless of their age, unfortunately, children are one of the most common survivors of sexual abuse. Our sexual abuse lawyers in Oakland can help you if you or your child is a survivor of sexual abuse.
The personal injury lawyers in Oakland at Arias Sanguinetti | Trial Lawyers have over 200 years of experience with sexual abuse cases. We’re ready to walk you through the legal process and get the justice and compensation you need.
Institutional Sexual Abuse Cases We’ve Represented
Sexual abuse is a deeply concerning issue that occurs across various settings. It is essential to raise awareness about the places where sexual abuse has been reported to help prevent further incidents and provide support to survivors. Here are common cases our team of sexual abuse lawyers in Oakland have handled:
Boy Scouts
Instances of sexual abuse have unfortunately been reported within the Boy Scouts of America across the country. Survivors have come forward with allegations of abuse by scout leaders or volunteers.
We’ve helped recover compensation for hundreds of families whose children are survivors of sexual abuse while they were Boy Scouts.
Coaches and Teachers
Sexual abuse can also occur within educational settings, including schools and sports programs, where coaches and teachers hold positions of authority and trust. If you’ve suffered sexual abuse from a coach or teacher, our team can help.
Catholic Church
Clergy sexual abuse cases involving members of the Catholic Church have been reported globally. Survivors have bravely shared their experiences of abuse by priests, highlighting the need for transparency, accountability, and support for survivors within religious institutions.
Our firm represents numerous clients who have experienced sexual abuse in the Catholic Church or other religious institutions, and we hope that through litigation, we will hold perpetrators who abuse their power accountable for their reprehensible actions. If a clergy member has abused you, we can help you get justice.
What Is the California Child Victims Act and How Can it Apply to Survivor Cases?
Passed in 2019, the California Child Victims Act expands protections and access to justice for survivors of child sexual abuse. Here are the key things you should know about the act:
Extended Statute of Limitations
The California Child Victims Act extends the statute of limitations for survivors to file civil lawsuits related to childhood sexual abuse. It allows individuals to file a claim until the age of 40 or within five years of discovering the psychological injury caused by the abuse. This extension provides survivors with more time to seek legal recourse and pursue justice.
Expanded Liability
The Act broadens the scope of liability by allowing survivors to hold not only the direct perpetrators accountable but also the institutions and organizations that employed or supervised the abusers. This includes schools, churches, youth organizations, and other entities that may have been negligent in their hiring, supervision, or retention practices.
Compensation for Damages
The Act also provides survivors with the opportunity to seek compensation for the damages they have suffered due to childhood sexual abuse. This may include reimbursement for medical expenses, therapy costs, pain and suffering, loss of income, and other losses resulting from the abuse.
Compensation can help survivors in their healing process and provide a sense of validation and closure. Also, if your lawyer can prove that the perpetrator tried to cover up the abuse, which is common in clergy sexual abuse cases, you could recover treble damages or three times the amount of damages.
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How Can You Get Justice for Sexual Abuse?
The first step in moving forward and getting justice as a survivor of sexual abuse is finding a support system. This can be someone you trust, like a friend, family member, or a mental health professional. The sooner you share your story, the faster you can get the help you need.
After you’ve talked to someone you trust, the next step is reaching out to one of our Oakland sexual abuse attorneys at Arias Sanguinetti | Trial Lawyers. Our team has over 200 years of combined experience helping survivors of sexual abuse get compensation and move forward in life. Here is how our team can help you throughout the legal process:
- Consultation with a sexual abuse attorney: Schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your case. During this meeting, we will listen to your story, provide legal advice, and explain the options available to you. We will guide you through the legal process, including filing a lawsuit if appropriate.
- Filing a lawsuit: If you decide to pursue legal action, our attorneys will assist you in filing a lawsuit against the perpetrator or any other responsible parties. We will handle the legal procedures, deadlines, and paperwork on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your healing and well-being.
- Negotiation or litigation: Depending on the circumstances and your desired outcome, we will work to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. If a settlement cannot be reached, our attorneys are prepared to take your case to trial and advocate for your rights in court.
- Seeking compensation and justice: Our goal is to not only seek financial compensation for the harm you have suffered but also to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions. We will work tirelessly to ensure your voice is heard and that you receive the justice you deserve, including preventing future harm to other victims.
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What Situations Put People at Risk of Sexual Abuse?
Several situations can put someone at risk of being sexually abused. If you’ve suffered abuse in any of these situations, our sexual abuse lawyer in Oakland can help you:
Power Dynamics and Authority
Perpetrators often exploit power dynamics to exert control to sexually abuse someone. Situations involving significant age differences, hierarchical relationships, or positions of authority increase the risk.
Lack of Consent
Instances where consent cannot be freely given due to factors such as intoxication, incapacitation, or unconsciousness create an environment conducive to sexual abuse.
Consent also cannot be given if a person is under the age of consent or one party is over 18, and the other party is under 18. It is essential to educate individuals about the importance of consent and the necessity of clear, enthusiastic, and ongoing affirmation.
Promoting a culture of consent empowers individuals to recognize and assert their boundaries, reducing the risk of non-consensual encounters.
Isolation and Lack of Support
Abusers often seek opportunities to isolate their victims, making it harder for them to seek help or disclose the abuse. This can occur in various settings, including private residences, secluded areas, or situations where the victim is socially isolated.
Coercion and Manipulation
Sexual abusers often employ coercion and manipulation tactics to exert control over their victims. This can involve emotional manipulation, threats, blackmail, or gaslighting, among other tactics. These behaviors create a sense of fear, confusion, and dependency, making it difficult to recognize the abuse or seek help.
Through our work, our team is dedicated to raising awareness about manipulative tactics, and educating individuals about healthy relationships can empower them to recognize red flags and protect themselves from manipulation and coercion.
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Let Your Voice Be Heard, Work With Us to Get Justice Today
At Arias Sanguinetti | Trial Lawyers, we can help you overcome the challenges hundreds of sexual abuse survivors face when they come forward. Our Oakland sexual abuse attorney is ready to review your case for free.
Contact us for a free consultation today.
Call or text 310-844-9696 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
