San Diego Teen Dating Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Teen dating sexual abuse is a deeply painful and often hidden form of trauma that affects countless young people across San Diego. Whether it occurs in the context of a dating relationship, a school environment, or through youth organizations, this type of abuse can have life-altering consequences. When someone who should be a source of support turns into a sexual predator, the emotional and psychological harm to the victim can be devastating.
At Greenberg Gross LLP, our San Diego teen dating sexual abuse lawyers are committed to representing survivors of sexual abuse and holding all responsible parties accountable. Whether the abuse occurred at school, in scouting programs like the Boy Scouts, or within peer relationships, we offer confidential consultation and legal representation for those who have been sexually abused. Our attorneys work to secure justice and financial compensation for survivors while guiding them through every step of the legal process.
Teen survivors of sexual abuse deserve to be heard, believed, and protected. If you or your child has been a victim, you do not have to face this alone. We are here to help you understand your legal options and take powerful legal action in pursuit of justice.
What Is Teen Dating Sexual Abuse?
Teen dating sexual abuse refers to any unwanted or non-consensual sexual acts or behaviors that occur within the context of a romantic or dating relationship. These acts may include forced sexual contact, coercion into sexual activity, or sexual assault involving minors. Often, the abuse is not limited to one incident and may involve ongoing emotional abuse, threats, or manipulation to maintain control over the victim.
Unfortunately, this form of abuse frequently goes unreported. Victims may remain silent out of fear, shame, or uncertainty about whether what happened was actually a crime. Others may not recognize abusive behavior for what it is, particularly when it comes from someone they know or trust.
Recognizing Warning Signs of Abuse
Because teen dating sexual abuse can occur in private and emotionally complex relationships, it’s important for parents, caregivers, teachers, and friends to recognize the red flags. Abuse often escalates gradually, making it difficult to detect early on.
Warning signs that a child may be experiencing abuse in a dating relationship include:
- Sudden withdrawal from family and friends
- Emotional distress or depression
- Unexplained physical injuries
- Excessive fear or anxiety around their partner
- Being monitored or controlled through their phone or social media
- Skipping school or avoiding youth organizations
- Fear of “getting in trouble” for breaking up
If you believe your child is in an unsafe relationship, it is essential to act quickly. Abuse occurs in every community, including San Diego County, and seeking legal counsel is one way to protect your child and prevent abuse from continuing.
Where Abuse Can Happen: Schools, Youth Organizations, and More
While many teen dating abuse cases involve peer-to-peer violence, some involve adult perpetrators who take advantage of authority. Youth organizations like the Boy Scouts have faced nationwide scrutiny for decades due to rampant abuse committed by scout leaders. In some cases, these abusers exploited their position to initiate dating-like dynamics with young boys and girls, leading to sexual abuse, coercion, and even child pornography-related offenses.
Our attorneys handle a wide range of sexual abuse cases involving:
- Boy Scouts and other scouting programs
- Church groups and religious institutions
- School-based abuse, including abuse by teachers or coaches
- Youth counseling and recreational programs
- Domestic violence within teen dating contexts
California law mandates that schools and youth organizations report sexual abuse allegations to the proper authorities. If they fail to act—or worse, cover it up—they may face civil claims for their negligence.
Legal Rights for Victims Under California Law
Survivors of teen dating sexual abuse in California have powerful legal rights. Whether the abuse involved sexual harassment, sexual assault, or child abuse, the law supports survivors in seeking justice through both criminal charges and civil lawsuits. Civil claims are particularly important when institutions like schools or youth organizations failed in their duty to protect children.
California law allows survivors to:
- File a civil lawsuit for financial compensation
- Hold responsible parties accountable in civil court
- Seek damages for medical expenses, hospital bills, and therapy
- Pursue lost wages or educational disruption
- Protect future victims by exposing systemic failures
At Greenberg Gross LLP, our attorneys are experienced in representing survivors of sexual abuse and understand how to navigate the complexities of California’s legal system.
Pursuing a Civil Lawsuit After Abuse
Unlike a criminal case, a civil lawsuit gives survivors control over their legal action. It allows them to seek financial compensation and justice without relying solely on prosecutors or the criminal defense attorney representing the perpetrator.
A civil lawsuit can address:
- Sexual assault and abuse that occurred in a dating relationship
- Abuse committed by scout leaders or religious figures
- Failures by schools or youth organizations to protect students
- Emotional trauma and the devastating impact of abuse
- Life-altering consequences suffered by victims
Our law firm has a strong track record of securing fair settlements and court victories for clients throughout Southern California, including San Diego and Los Angeles.
The Role of Institutions and Civil Liability
When abuse occurs in structured settings like the Boy Scouts, schools, or churches, civil liability often extends beyond the individual perpetrator. Institutions that ignored complaints, allowed continued contact with children, or failed to conduct background checks may be held responsible under California law.
Our firm helps survivors file civil claims against:
- School districts that failed to act
- Religious organizations or church leaders
- National youth organizations like the Boy Scouts
- Nonprofits that failed to screen adult volunteers
- Other parties who enabled the abuse or failed to intervene
Holding responsible parties accountable is about more than compensation—it’s about systemic change and justice.
Why Choose Greenberg Gross LLP
Greenberg Gross LLP is a law firm focused on protecting survivors of abuse. We have successfully represented victims across San Diego County and throughout California. Our team includes attorneys, former prosecutors, and legal professionals with deep experience in sexual abuse cases.
What we offer:
- Confidential consultation for survivors and families
- Skilled attorneys with knowledge of California law
- Trauma-informed care and legal guidance
- Representation on a contingency fee basis—no fees unless we win
- Full commitment to representing survivors in civil lawsuits against powerful institutions
We work tirelessly to ensure every survivor has a voice and a path to justice.
Contact a San Diego Teen Dating Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love has been sexually abused in a teen dating relationship, our legal team is here to help. Greenberg Gross LLP offers experienced legal counsel and support for survivors of sexual abuse across San Diego and Southern California.
You don’t have to face this pain alone. Contact us today for a confidential consultation and begin your path to justice, accountability, and healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I believe my teen is being sexually abused by their partner?
Start by listening, supporting, and documenting any warning signs. Then seek legal assistance and report the situation to local authorities or school officials.
Can teen dating abuse involve criminal charges?
Yes. If a minor is sexually assaulted, sexually harassed, or involved in sex crimes without consent, the perpetrator may face serious criminal charges under California law.
Can I sue a youth organization like the Boy Scouts if my child was abused?
Yes. Our law firm has handled numerous civil claims involving Boy Scouts abuse and can help you pursue compensation and justice.
What types of compensation are available in civil lawsuits?
Victims may receive compensation for medical expenses, hospital bills, lost wages, emotional distress, and psychological trauma.
Is emotional abuse considered part of teen dating violence?
Yes. Abuse doesn’t have to be physical to be actionable. Emotional abuse often co-occurs with sexual abuse and may significantly impact a teen’s well-being.
Do you represent clients in San Diego County and throughout California?
Yes. We represent survivors throughout Southern California, including San Diego, Los Angeles, and surrounding areas.
What if the abuse happened years ago?
You may still have legal rights. California law allows extended filing windows for survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes. We provide a free, confidential consultation so you can explore your legal options in a safe and supportive environment.
What if the perpetrator was never arrested?
You can still pursue civil legal action. Civil lawsuits are separate from criminal cases and do not require an arrest or conviction to move forward.
How can I protect other children from being abused?
Legal action helps expose failures by institutions and hold responsible parties accountable, often leading to policy changes and better protections for children in the future.