Los Angeles Teen Dating Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Teen dating sexual abuse is a growing concern in Los Angeles and across California. As teenagers explore relationships for the first time, some unfortunately encounter manipulation, control, and sexual violence disguised as love or romance. When sexual abuse occurs in a dating relationship, the emotional and psychological impact can be just as severe as other forms of child sexual abuse—and it is just as unlawful.
At Greenberg Gross LLP, our Los Angeles teen dating sexual abuse lawyers represent survivors of all forms of sexual abuse. We understand the complexity of these cases, the fear and shame that often silence victims, and the legal barriers that families must navigate. Our law firm offers a clear, compassionate path forward. Whether you or your child was sexually assaulted by a dating partner, groomed into unwanted sexual contact, or sexually abused under the pretense of a relationship, we are here to help you pursue justice through California’s civil justice system.
You are not alone. We believe survivors and will fight to hold abusers and institutions accountable for the harm they’ve caused.
What Is Teen Dating Sexual Abuse?
Teen dating sexual abuse includes any unwanted sexual activity or sexual violence that occurs in the context of a dating or romantic relationship. This form of abuse often involves manipulation, pressure, or coercion rather than physical force—but it is still a serious crime. In many cases, such abuse includes emotional abuse, threats, or isolation tactics meant to gain control over the victim.
Examples of teen dating sexual abuse include:
- Forced or coerced sexual activity
- Non-consensual sexual acts disguised as intimacy
- Repeated sexual harassment via text messages or social media
- Grooming and manipulation by older teens or adults
- Sexual assault during or after a breakup
- Threats to expose private photos or videos
Teenagers may not recognize this behavior as abusive, especially when it’s committed by someone they trust or love. As such, it is crucial that adults around them—parents, teachers, mentors—know how to recognize signs of abuse and take immediate steps to protect the child’s safety.
Recognizing Signs That Abuse Occurred
Sexual abuse can leave physical, emotional, and behavioral signs. Since many victims remain silent, identifying red flags is critical. Abuse often occurs in secret, and perpetrators may attempt to downplay or normalize their actions.
Warning signs that a child has been sexually abused include:
- Sudden behavioral changes or emotional trauma
- Withdrawn or depressed demeanor
- Avoidance of school or extracurricular activities
- Fearfulness around their dating partner
- Unexplained medical attention or injuries
- Explicit or age-inappropriate conversations about sex
- Possession of gifts or items from older individuals
- Expressions of fear about coming forward
If you believe a teen in your care has been sexually assaulted or abused, it is vital to report it immediately and seek medical attention and legal counsel.
Teen Dating Abuse in Los Angeles: A Local Crisis
In Los Angeles County, teen dating sexual abuse often intersects with broader institutional failures. Some cases involve schools that failed to act on abuse allegations. Others involve extracurricular programs or religious institutions that allowed known abusers access to children.
This includes abuse cases related to:
- Coaches and educators
- Church groups and religious institutions
- Youth programs lacking oversight
- Clergy sexual abuse disguised as mentorship
- Peer-on-peer abuse enabled by staff inaction
The failure to report or act on abuse allegations in these settings can lead to repeated abuse. Our law firm investigates these failures and helps families hold institutions accountable in civil court.
Civil Legal Action and Your Rights Under California Law
Survivors of sexual abuse—including those abused in teen dating relationships—can file a civil lawsuit in addition to pursuing criminal charges against the abuser. The civil justice system allows survivors to seek compensation for the harm done to them and can force institutions to change policies that may have enabled the abuse.
Compensation may include:
- Therapy costs and medical expenses
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma
- Lost wages or academic opportunity
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages against institutions or abusers
California law offers several protections for victims of child sexual abuse and teen survivors.
Criminal vs. Civil Justice in Sexual Abuse Cases
Criminal charges for sexual assault, statutory rape, or child abuse are prosecuted by the state. These cases may involve the police report, the deputy district attorney, and the criminal justice system.
However, survivors also have the right to file a civil case with their own attorneys. A civil lawsuit allows them to pursue financial compensation and accountability independent of the outcome of any criminal case.
Key differences include:
- Criminal case: Punishes the abuser with potential jail time
- Civil case: Holds the abuser and others financially liable
- Criminal case: Requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt
- Civil case: Requires preponderance of the evidence (lower standard)
You do not have to wait for a criminal conviction to file a civil claim.
Holding Institutions and Responsible Parties Accountable
In many teen sexual abuse cases, the abuse occurred or was enabled by trusted institutions. Whether the crime occurred in a school, church, or community group, these organizations have a legal and moral obligation to protect children. When they fail, they may be held liable for civil damages.
We file civil lawsuits against:
- Religious institutions, including those with a history of clergy sexual abuse
- Los Angeles County school districts and private schools
- Sports teams and extracurricular organizations
- Any institution that failed to act on prior complaints or protect victims
Our attorneys pursue legal action against both individual abusers and the institutions that empowered them. We help survivors and families file lawsuits to bring the full truth to light.
Why Choose Greenberg Gross LLP?
Greenberg Gross LLP is a California law firm focused on representing survivors of sexual abuse. Our team includes sexual abuse attorneys with decades of experience helping victims pursue justice. We provide legal support for clients in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and throughout California.
We understand how difficult coming forward can be, and we respect every survivor’s pace. Our firm offers:
- A free consultation with no obligation
- Legal representation on a contingency fee basis—no upfront fees
- A trauma-informed approach to legal counsel
- Aggressive pursuit of civil justice in both individual and institutional cases
- Experience holding institutions and abusers accountable in high-profile cases
We stand with victims of sexual abuse and help them take back their power.
Contact a Los Angeles Teen Dating Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today
If you or your child has been sexually abused in a teen dating relationship, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. Greenberg Gross LLP provides experienced sexual abuse attorneys ready to protect your legal rights and pursue justice in civil court.
We understand the emotional distress and lasting harm that abuse can cause. Let us help you take legal action and move forward with strength, clarity, and support.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation and learn more about how we can help you file lawsuits, seek compensation, and protect your child’s future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as teen dating sexual abuse?
Any non-consensual sexual activity within a dating relationship involving minors. This includes sexual assault, coercion, grooming, or harassment.
Can a teenager file a lawsuit?
A parent or guardian can file on behalf of a minor. Adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse can file civil claims under certain statutes of limitations.
What if the sexual abuse occurred at school or during an extracurricular activity?
The school district or youth organization may be held liable if they failed to prevent the abuse or ignored reports of misconduct.
What should I do after my child was sexually assaulted?
Seek medical attention, report the abuse to authorities, and consult with a law firm experienced in handling sexual abuse cases for legal guidance.
Can I sue if the abuser wasn’t convicted?
Yes. A civil case does not require a criminal conviction. The burden of proof is lower in civil court.
What kinds of damages can I recover in a civil case?
You may recover therapy costs, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages.
Do you handle clergy sexual abuse and abuse by religious institutions?
Yes. We have experience filing lawsuits against religious institutions in Los Angeles and across California.
What is the benefit of working with your law firm?
We are committed to protecting victims, providing support, and holding institutions accountable—all without upfront fees.
Is my case confidential?
Yes. We handle every case with discretion and offer confidential consultations to survivors and families.
How do I start the legal process?
Contact our law firm today. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and help you make informed decisions about your next steps.