Survivors of sexual abuse may have limited windows of time to take civil action against their abuser, depending on when the abuse took place. Whether the sexual offender faces criminal charges or not, victims may seek justice through the civil courts when they understand the Los Angeles County statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases. A successful claim can lead to financial compensation for the physical and emotional harm victims endured.
Time Limits for Filing Civil Claims
California law provides broad timeframes for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file civil claims. Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 340.1, a survivor can typically bring a claim until age 40 or within five years of discovering the psychological effects of the abuse.
For incidents occurring on or after January 1, 2024, California has eliminated the statute of limitations entirely. This allows recent survivors to file claims at any time. If an abuse victim is under 18, their parents can file the claim on the child’s behalf.
This expansion of rights to pursue justice comes at a time when there are ongoing sexual abuse settlements tied to the Catholic Church. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles, which includes Los Angeles County and nearby Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, serves 4.3 million Catholics across 288 parishes. When abuse occurs within the church, those institutions can be held civilly liable for any harm that comes to victims at the hands of clergy.
Criminal Statutes of Limitations
Perpetrators of sexual abuse against minors can face both criminal charges and civil liabilities. As of 2025, California law allows prosecutors to file felony charges for certain sex crimes involving minors any time before the victim’s 40th birthday under Penal Code § 801.1(a). This applies to offenses such as lewd acts, rape, and sexual penetration by force or fear as long as the crimes occurred on or after January 1, 2015.
This legal structure has played out in recent cases, such as the 2024 conviction of Christopher Martin Flores, a former coach in Orange County, who was found guilty of seven felony counts, including sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and another young woman.
Prevalence of Sexual Abuse in Potentially Vulnerable Youth Populations
The ability to hold perpetrators of sexual abuse accountable for their actions is critically important in Los Angeles County, where 20.2% of the population is under the age of 18. Many victims delay disclosure due to fear, trauma, or manipulation by trusted adults in positions of power. In 2023 alone, California reported 8,135 cases of child sexual abuse.
In Los Angeles County, where the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) serves 408,083 students, youths are often involved in activities that place them under adult supervision, including after-school programs and sports. According to 2020 data, 82.7% of youths aged six to 17 participated in at least one sport.
These settings tragically allow sexual predators to target youths. Youth sports have seen a one-third decline in recent years due to the high costs of youth sports participation, but these and other types of activities remain potential areas where sexual abuse can occur when organizations and institutions fail to screen workers or take complaints seriously.
FAQs
What Is the Current Statute of Limitations for Child Sexual Abuse in California?
As of 2025, survivors of childhood sexual abuse in California can file a civil claim until they turn 40 or within five years of discovering the emotional harm caused by the abuse. This extended timeline reflects how long it can take survivors to process trauma.
The rule applies regardless of when the abuse occurred, including cases from decades ago. For incidents of childhood sexual abuse occurring on or after January 1, 2024, California has eliminated the statute of limitations entirely.
What Is California Assembly Bill 2777, and Who Does It Help?
Assembly Bill 2777, known as the Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act, created a three-year window (2023 to 2026) for adult survivors of sexual assault to file civil claims that would otherwise be time-barred. While not limited to child abuse, it gives survivors of institutional or covered-up abuse a new opportunity to seek civil accountability for past harm.
What Crimes Have No Statute of Limitations in California?
California removes time limits for prosecuting certain serious crimes, including murder and some felony sex offenses involving minors. These are criminal prosecutions, not civil claims. For survivors pursuing civil compensation, deadlines still exist, but they are now much longer than they were in the past, especially for childhood sexual abuse survivors.
What Happens if I Miss the Statute of Limitations for Child Sex Abuse?
If the statute of limitations has passed, you may lose the legal right to file a civil claim for compensation. However, exceptions can apply, especially if you recently discovered the emotional impact of the abuse. California law provides extended timelines in many cases, so it’s worth consulting a child sex abuse attorney to determine whether your claim may still be eligible.
What Happens When I File a Civil Claim Within the Statute of Limitations for Sex Abuse?
Filing within the allowed time means your case can proceed through the legal system. You may be able to seek compensation for damages like emotional trauma, therapy costs, and lost opportunities. The court can compel institutions or individuals to respond, and evidence like witness testimony, medical records, or internal documents can be reviewed. Acting within the deadline protects your right to seek justice.
Understand Your Rights Under California’s Updated Laws
Recent changes to California’s statute of limitations now give many survivors of childhood sexual abuse the opportunity to file civil claims, no matter how long ago the abuse occurred. Whether the incident happened decades ago or in recent years, you may still have legal options in Los Angeles County.
At Easton & Easton, we help survivors understand how these new laws apply to their cases. Our attorneys can explain the current deadlines, help determine eligibility, and pursue a claim that holds individuals and institutions accountable. Contact our office today to schedule a confidential consultation.
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