Sexual Abuse Lawyer in California

Experiencing sexual abuse can affect every part of a person’s life. Wilshire Law Firm provides confidential, compassionate legal guidance to survivors in California who are considering holding responsible parties accountable through the civil legal system. The firm represents survivors statewide, from Los Angeles and the Bay Area to San Diego, Sacramento, and the Inland Empire.

Sexual Abuse Civil Claims Under California Law

California law provides survivors of sexual abuse with the right to pursue civil legal claims against the individuals who committed the abuse and, in many cases, the institutions that enabled it. Civil claims operate independently of the criminal justice system. A survivor can file a civil lawsuit regardless of whether criminal charges were ever filed, investigated, or resulted in a conviction.

The civil process is focused on accountability and compensation for the harm the survivor experienced. The legal standard in a civil case, known as a preponderance of the evidence, is lower than the criminal standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. This means a civil claim can succeed even in circumstances where a criminal prosecution did not move forward or did not result in a verdict.

California has significantly strengthened legal protections for sexual abuse survivors in recent years, including extending and in some cases eliminating the statute of limitations for certain categories of claims. Understanding which rules apply to a specific situation requires careful legal analysis, and speaking with a California sexual abuse attorney is the most reliable way to get accurate guidance.

What Types of Sexual Abuse Claims Does Wilshire Law Firm Handle?

Wilshire Law Firm represents survivors of a wide range of sexual abuse in civil proceedings. The firm handles claims involving childhood sexual abuse, including abuse by family members, neighbors, coaches, teachers, clergy, or others in positions of trust. The firm also handles institutional abuse claims against schools, religious organizations, youth programs, foster care agencies, and other entities that failed to protect individuals in their care.

Wilshire Law Firm represents survivors of workplace sexual abuse, including claims under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act and through civil tort actions. The firm also handles claims involving sexual assault by rideshare drivers on platforms such as Uber and Lyft, abuse by medical professionals and caregivers, and sexual misconduct by authority figures in any institutional setting.

Each of these case types involves distinct legal frameworks, deadlines, and procedural requirements. Wilshire Law Firm provides individualized guidance based on the specific facts of each survivor’s experience.

What Is the California Child Victims Act?

The California Child Victims Act, enacted as Assembly Bill 218, made significant changes to civil childhood sexual abuse law in California. The law removed the standard statute of limitations for civil claims arising from childhood sexual abuse, meaning survivors can file claims regardless of when the abuse occurred. It also created a look-back window for previously time-barred claims.

For claims involving institutional defendants, the California Child Victims Act provides for treble damages when there is clear and convincing evidence that the institution engaged in a cover-up of the abuse. This provision holds organizations accountable not only for the original harm but for deliberate efforts to conceal it.

Survivors of childhood sexual abuse who were told their claims could not be brought because too much time had passed should consult with a California sexual abuse attorney to understand how the California Child Victims Act may affect their situation.

Can I Sue an Institution for Sexual Abuse in California?

Yes. Under California law, institutions that employed, supervised, or harbored an abuser may face civil liability when they knew or should have known about the risk of harm and failed to take reasonable action. This includes schools and school districts, churches and religious organizations, youth-serving nonprofits, sports organizations, hospitals and healthcare systems, and government agencies.

Institutional liability may arise from negligent hiring, negligent supervision, negligent retention of a known abuser, failure to comply with California’s mandatory reporting laws, or deliberate concealment of abuse. Each of these theories requires different evidence and analysis, and an experienced attorney can help determine which apply in a specific case.

Claims against public institutions such as school districts or government agencies involve procedural requirements under the California Government Claims Act, including filing a formal government tort claim within a specific timeframe before a lawsuit can be initiated. An attorney at Wilshire Law Firm can explain these requirements and ensure that all applicable procedures are followed.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse Claims in California?

California’s statute of limitations for civil sexual abuse claims varies depending on the nature of the abuse, the age of the survivor at the time of the abuse, and when the survivor became aware of the connection between their harm and the abuse. The rules are complex and have changed significantly in recent years.

For adult survivors, California law generally provides a three-year window from the date of the last act of abuse or from the date the survivor discovered the connection between the psychological injury and the abuse. For survivors who were minors at the time of the abuse, the California Child Victims Act removed the limitations period for civil claims, meaning these cases may be filed regardless of when the abuse occurred.

Because the applicable deadline depends on the specific facts of each case, survivors should not assume their claim is time-barred without first speaking with a California sexual abuse attorney. Wilshire Law Firm offers confidential consultations to help survivors understand what rules apply to their situation.

What Does the Legal Process Look Like for Sexual Abuse Survivors?

The civil legal process for sexual abuse claims begins with a confidential consultation in which the survivor’s attorney listens carefully, explains how California law applies to the survivor’s situation, and describes the options available. Survivors are never pressured to take any action they are not ready for, and nothing shared in a consultation is disclosed without the survivor’s consent.

If the survivor decides to move forward, the attorney conducts a thorough investigation that may include gathering records, researching the history of the institution or individual involved, identifying prior complaints, and retaining expert witnesses where appropriate. A formal complaint is then filed in the appropriate California court.

Many civil sexual abuse cases are resolved through negotiated settlement, which allows survivors to obtain acknowledgment and compensation without the uncertainty of a trial. Wilshire Law Firm is also prepared to litigate through trial when that is in the survivor’s best interest. Throughout every stage, protecting the survivor’s confidentiality and dignity remains a fundamental priority.

What Should You Expect From a Confidential Consultation?

A consultation with Wilshire Law Firm is completely confidential. Survivors may share as much or as little as they are comfortable sharing, and the meeting carries no obligation to proceed with a legal claim. The purpose is to provide information that supports the survivor’s own informed decision-making.

During the consultation, an attorney will explain how California law applies to the survivor’s situation, what a civil claim would involve, what options are available, and what questions the survivor might want to consider. The firm takes a trauma-informed approach to every aspect of the consultation process.

Wilshire Law Firm handles sexual abuse cases on a contingency basis, meaning no fees unless you get paid. There is no cost to speak with an attorney and learn about your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a civil sexual abuse claim even if no criminal case was filed?

Yes. Civil and criminal proceedings are legally separate. A civil claim for sexual abuse can proceed regardless of whether criminal charges were ever filed, pursued, or resulted in a conviction. The civil burden of proof is also lower than the criminal standard, which means a civil claim can succeed in circumstances where a criminal prosecution did not.

Is there a statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims in California?

California’s statute of limitations for civil sexual abuse claims depends on factors including the survivor’s age at the time of the abuse and when they became aware of the harm. The California Child Victims Act removed the limitations period for civil claims involving childhood sexual abuse. Speaking with a California sexual abuse attorney is the most reliable way to understand what applies to your specific situation.

Will my identity be kept confidential in a civil case?

Wilshire Law Firm treats confidentiality as a fundamental priority in all sexual abuse cases. California law also provides certain procedures for protecting survivor identity in civil litigation, including options for filing under a pseudonym. Your attorney can explain what protections are available and take appropriate steps from the start of the legal process.

Can a school, church, or other organization be held responsible for abuse?

Yes. Institutions that employed or supervised an abuser, or that failed to respond appropriately to warnings or complaints, may face civil liability under California law. The California Child Victims Act includes enhanced damages provisions for institutional defendants who concealed abuse.

What types of compensation can survivors seek in a civil sexual abuse claim?

Civil sexual abuse claims in California may seek compensation for medical and mental health treatment costs, emotional distress, lost income, loss of enjoyment of life, and other damages connected to the harm caused. The specific damages available depend on the facts of each case. An attorney can explain what categories of compensation may apply in a confidential consultation.

Does Wilshire Law Firm handle sexual abuse cases outside of Los Angeles?

Yes. Wilshire Law Firm represents survivors of sexual abuse throughout California, including the Los Angeles metro area, San Diego, the Bay Area, Sacramento, Orange County, the Inland Empire, and other California communities. Consultations are available confidentially and the firm serves clients statewide.

Speak With Wilshire Law Firm

Every survivor’s path is different. Learning about your legal options is a step you can take at your own pace, with no obligation and no cost. Wilshire Law Firm offers confidential consultations to survivors throughout California and handles all sexual abuse cases on a contingency basis, meaning no fees unless you get paid. Contact Wilshire Law Firm to speak with an attorney about your options in a confidential setting.

This page is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance specific to your situation, consult a licensed California attorney.