Aliso Viejo Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Aliso Viejo Sexual Abuse Attorney
An Aliso Viejo sexual abuse lawyer represents survivors who have been hurt, abused, or exploited in a manner that took advantage of them, or happened in a place where trust and security were expected. Cases of sexual abuse can be particularly complex, personal, and challenging to come forward about in a timely manner.
The traumatic nature of these cases involves multiple legal concerns, such as institutional and employer liability, because the abuse occurred and should have been prevented. California legal provisions allow survivors to pursue justice against perpetrators who committed abuse even after many years. At Easton & Easton, we help survivors review their legal options and pursue civil claims carefully, with discretion and respect.
Hire a Sexual Abuse Lawyer
The attorneys at Easton & Easton have over 100 years of combined experience litigating complex and sensitive civil cases on behalf of individuals throughout Orange County. We represent individuals in sexual abuse claims against institutions, employers, and others who failed to prevent them from being harmed.
We investigate these matters thoroughly and respectfully and are committed to maintaining the confidentiality of our clients while relying on evidence to guide our advocacy. The attorneys at our firm have been named Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers for their work in high-stakes litigation.
When Sexual Abuse May Be Addressed Through a Civil Claim
Sexual abuse can be the basis for a civil claim when the survivor demonstrates that another party’s conduct or inaction caused injury. Civil claims are independent of any criminal prosecution and aim to determine responsibility and provide relief to victims instead of punishing the offender.
Civil cases may be brought on behalf of adults or children who have suffered sexual abuse, as well as on behalf of those who were neglected. Statistics demonstrate the prevalence of sexual abuse. In 2020, roughly 10% of child abuse claims filed in California were for sexual abuse.
Rape or attempted rape has affected a substantial fraction of people at some point in their lives, including nearly one in five women and roughly one in 31 men. These statistics only account for reported assaults, so the extent of injuries caused is likely more widespread. Survivors often seek civil justice to gain recourse for the long-term personal and monetary damages caused by abuse.
Institutional and Third-Party Responsibility in Sexual Abuse Cases
Sexual abuse survivors may also pursue civil action against institutions and third parties who allowed the abuse to happen. Schools, youth organizations, churches, employers, and landlords may be held liable if they allowed children to be sexually abused on their watch or ignored warning signs that abuse may occur. In California, survivors can pursue legal action against their perpetrators by filing civil claims.
Recent laws in California that have allowed survivors to seek justice through the court system include AB 218, which extended time limits for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file a claim, AB 2777, which expanded the time to file certain civil claims involving sexual assault and lengthened the time that some time-barred claims could go forward, and AB 250, which expands civil options for certain sexual assault claims and related accountability.
Privacy, Confidentiality, and Survivor Protections in Civil Abuse Claims
Civil sexual abuse claims often require disclosure of private facts about survivors’ lives. California law contains several privacy protections for survivors. Courts can allow parties to file documents using only the survivor’s initials, seal files, or issue protective orders to prevent further dissemination of private information.
Records, testimony, and discovery may be handled confidentially. In some cases, survivors can decide what information is released and when, especially when the claim names an institution or multiple defendants. Privacy rights for survivors are balanced with the court’s need to properly assess the facts and apportion liability.
FAQs
Does a Civil Sexual Abuse Case Require a Criminal Conviction?
In a civil sexual abuse claim, there is no need to have been criminally convicted or even criminally charged. Civil litigation has a different burden of proof and deals with matters of liability rather than criminal guilt. You can file a civil claim even if the police never investigated your abuse, or if criminal charges were never filed, or if the case did not proceed.
Can a Survivor File a Claim Years After the Abuse Occurred?
In California, many survivors can file civil sexual abuse claims years after the abuse happened. This is especially true in childhood sexual abuse cases. Amendments to California law have opened new windows of opportunity for filing claims.
In some cases, these changes have revived claims that would have otherwise been time-barred. Whether your claim is still timely depends on many facts related to your age at the time of the abuse and discovery.
How Do Courts Address Abuse Involving Multiple Victims or Patterns of Conduct?
Sexual abuse cases brought in Aliso Viejo are often heard in the Orange County Superior Court. Evidence demonstrating recurring abuse patterns or multiple victims may be admissible in some cases, depending on the purpose for which it is offered and applicable evidentiary rules.
Although every survivor’s claim is judged on its individual merits, pattern evidence may be significant to prove foreseeability, institutional liability, and credibility.
Why Is Prior Abuse Relevant in Sexual Exploitation Cases?
Previous abuse may be admissible because it can show vulnerability and failure to protect. For example, the Judicial Council of California has noted research that 70% to 90% of children who were victims of commercial sexual exploitation had prior sexual abuse before being commercially sexually exploited. Linkage is often investigated during civil actions involving trafficking, institutional negligence, or failure to protect.
Contact an Aliso Viejo Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Sexual abuse claims are uniquely personal. A civil claim can allow a survivor to hold accountable the person or organization that caused or allowed the abuse to happen, even if the abuse happened many years ago. Survivors of sexual abuse have increased access to the courts and stronger protections under California law.
Easton & Easton handles sexual abuse claims for survivors in Aliso Viejo with compassion and discretion. We investigate every claim thoroughly and advocate zealously for survivors’ rights, treating every survivor with respect and empowering them to decide how to pursue accountability from the parties who are responsible under California law. Schedule a consultation today to hire a sexual abuse lawyer.
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