Aliso Viejo Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Aliso Viejo Child Sexual Abuse Attorney
An Aliso Viejo child sexual abuse lawyer advocates on behalf of children and families who seek justice for sexual abuse that happened in a place they believed would keep them safe. Child sexual abuse claims are unique because they are often not reported right away and involve institutions that may have covered up the abuse.
The California civil justice system grants families the right to file claims against responsible parties who have committed harm or neglect against their children. At Easton & Easton, we understand the sensitive nature of these cases and review all potential claims with discretion and your child’s best interest in mind.
Hire a Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer
The attorneys at Easton & Easton have over 100 years of litigation experience handling complex and sensitive civil cases on behalf of families who have suffered child sexual abuse. Based in Orange County, we handle these cases with compassion and care, taking the time to thoroughly investigate each matter and review it with legal and medical professionals.
Easton & Easton uses an evidence-based approach to develop the most optimal legal strategies to pursue accountability from those who violate California law. Our Aliso Viejo sex abuse attorneys have been honored as Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers for high-stakes litigation.
Institutional Failures That Contribute to Child Sexual Abuse
Although individual offenders typically face legal action in these cases, certain organizations also face legal claims because they failed to maintain an environment that prevented such child abuse from occurring. These organizations include schools, youth groups, daycare centers, religious institutions, and group homes.
Civil claims may also be brought in cases of negligence. Examples include failing to provide adequate supervision, failing to follow up on complaints, or failing to enforce safety rules.
Civil claims in Aliso Viejo are heard in Orange County Superior Court. The courts will look at whether the organization knew about potential harm to the child and whether they did enough to prevent it. Civil claims focus on examining an organization’s policies, training, reporting structures, and previous incidents.
Long-Term Impact of Childhood Sexual Abuse and Civil Damages
Long-term effects of sexual abuse in childhood may include psychological damage inflicted over an extended period of time after the abuse took place. Survivors may suffer long after the abuse occurred and could include emotional pain, psychological trauma, relationship problems, and educational or occupational difficulties they experience as adults.
Civil law permits the long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse to be considered as part of damages when supported by evidence. Damages in a child sexual abuse claim can include payment for therapy, future treatment, lost ability to earn a living, and other repercussions of long-term damage.
Expanding Legal Access for Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors Under California Law
California has recently strengthened survivors’ rights to file civil claims and recover in court. Assembly Bill 218 lengthened the time limit in the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse cases, granting survivors additional time to file a claim after discovery of injury.
Assembly Bill 2777 expanded the time for filing certain civil sexual abuse claims and allowed claims that were previously time-barred under California law to go forward. Assembly Bill 250 strengthened civil remedies and accountability related to certain sexual assault claims under California law, reflecting a legislative effort to remove procedural barriers and promote accountability for institutions and individuals responsible for harm.
FAQs
Who Can File a Civil Child Sexual Abuse Claim in California?
Civil child sexual abuse claims can be filed by the survivor or, depending on the circumstances, by a parent or legal guardian on behalf of the child. Both the perpetrator and entities that failed to keep the child safe or allowed the abuse to happen can be named in a civil claim. California law provides specific rules governing who may file a claim and when, depending on the survivor’s age at the time of the abuse and other case-specific factors.
How Do Courts Evaluate Vulnerability in Sexual Exploitation Claims?
Courts can look at a survivor’s past experiences for purposes of evaluating vulnerability as well as foreseeability in sexual exploitation cases. The Judicial Council of California has reported that studies have found that 70% to 90% of children who were subjected to commercial sexual exploitation had a history of sexual abuse.
This history may become relevant when evaluating the liability of institutions or caretakers who may not have had protections in place or who may have ignored obvious warning signs.
How Common Is Sexual Abuse Among Children in the United States?
Child sexual abuse is a rampant problem across the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that about one out of every four girls and one out of every 20 boys are sexually abused before they reach adulthood. These statistics reveal how common abuse is and why many victims stay silent until they are adults. Courts take this into consideration with delayed disclosure and testimony.
How Often Does Sexual Abuse Appear in Reported Child Abuse Cases in California?
Sexual abuse is one category of child abuse that makes up many child abuse reports made in California. According to California data on reported child abuse, about 10% of the known cases of child abuse reported in California in 2020 were cases of sexual abuse. A large number of abuse incidents, including sexual abuse, remain unreported. Victims of sexual abuse can pursue civil litigation to hold offenders accountable for their actions.
Contact an Aliso Viejo Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Sexual abuse claims should be met with both compassion and accountability, sensitivity and discretion. Family members can pursue civil legal action to help uncover how institutions failed to protect children, determine whether someone could have stopped the abuse from happening, and hold that person or entity responsible.
At Easton & Easton, we understand how devastating injuries sustained as a child can impact a lifetime. That’s why we serve families in Aliso Viejo with meticulous investigation, respect for your privacy, and cautious advocacy to pursue a fair resolution while holding the right parties accountable and keeping your child safe. Schedule a consultation today and hire a child sexual abuse lawyer.
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