Sacramento Teen Dating Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Teen dating sexual abuse is a growing crisis affecting adolescents across Sacramento and the state of California. Relationships formed during the teenage years often lack emotional maturity, healthy boundaries, and adult guidance. When one teen uses manipulation, coercion, or force to engage in sexual activity, the consequences are devastating—and often life-changing. Whether abuse involves emotional intimidation, threats, or unwanted physical contact, it is critical that survivors have access to legal protection and trauma-informed support.
At Greenberg Gross LLP, our Sacramento teen dating sexual abuse lawyers are here to help survivors of sexual abuse and their families take back control. Our law firm provides experienced legal representation to sexual assault victims, ensuring their stories are heard, their rights are upheld, and the liable parties are held accountable. With significant experience representing survivors of sexual abuse cases—including clergy sexual abuse, boy scouts abuse, and youth organization negligence—we understand the legal process and offer a clear path toward justice.
Every survivor deserves to feel safe, supported, and empowered. If you or a loved one was sexually abused in a teen dating relationship, we’re here to help you explore your legal options, seek justice, and pursue financial compensation.
What Is Teen Dating Sexual Abuse?
Teen dating sexual abuse refers to any non-consensual sexual activity that takes place in a romantic or dating relationship involving minors. This includes physical acts like sexual assault and child molestation, as well as coercion into sexual activity through manipulation, threats, or emotional abuse. Survivors may be subjected to repeated unwanted touching, psychological injury, or pressure to perform sexual acts that cause emotional distress and physical pain.
This type of abuse can also involve:
- Sexual harassment by a dating partner
- Coerced sexual activity for the abuser’s sexual gratification or sexual arousal
- Exposure to child pornography or pressure to send explicit images
- Sexual abuse under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Exploitation by older teens or adults in summer camps or youth programs
Under California law, minors under a certain age cannot give legal consent to sexual activity, even if it appears voluntary. This means that even consensual sex may be considered a crime depending on the ages involved. Survivors of sexual abuse in these cases have every right to pursue legal action and obtain justice.
Recognizing Signs of Abuse in Teen Relationships
Teen dating abuse is often hidden. Many survivors don’t realize that what happened to them qualifies as abuse—especially if the abuser was someone they cared for or trusted. Friends, parents, teachers, and mentors must watch for signs that abuse has occurred.
Some signs include:
- Sudden changes in mood or behavior
- Fearfulness around their partner or isolation from friends
- Withdrawal from school or activities
- Unexplained injuries or signs of physical assault
- Signs of emotional trauma, depression, or anxiety
- Involvement in criminal cases or sudden need for counseling
If you suspect someone is being sexually abused in a teen dating relationship, help them access safe, confidential support immediately. Then speak with an experienced sexual abuse attorney to understand your legal rights.
Legal Protections Under California Law
California law provides strong protections for survivors of sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse. Any non-consensual sexual activity involving minors can be prosecuted as a criminal offense and may form the basis for civil lawsuits seeking financial compensation.
Key legal protections include:
- Statutory rape and child molestation laws: Individuals found guilty of engaging in unlawful sexual activity with minors may face serious legal penalties, including jail time and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
- Sexual harassment statutes: When the abuse involves repeated comments, threats, or unwanted attention, it may qualify as harassment and can be pursued under state law.
- Civil justice system: Survivors can file lawsuits in civil court for damages related to emotional distress, therapy costs, lost wages, and other impacts of abuse.
Pursuing a Civil Lawsuit in Sacramento
While many victims assume the only path to justice lies through the criminal justice system, civil lawsuits provide another important legal avenue. A civil claim allows survivors to hold abusers and enabling institutions financially liable for the abuse and its aftermath.
Our Sacramento sexual abuse attorneys help survivors:
- File civil lawsuits against perpetrators and negligent third parties
- Gather evidence such as medical records, police reports, or witness statements
- Evaluate claims involving religious organizations, schools, or youth groups
- Pursue punitive damages for egregious or repeated abuse
- Secure compensation for physical and psychological injuries
Filing a civil lawsuit is about more than financial compensation—it’s about making your voice heard, obtaining justice, and helping prevent future abuse.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
In many sex abuse cases, other parties beyond the individual abuser may be held accountable. Schools, churches, youth organizations, and summer camps have a duty to protect children and report signs of abuse. When they fail to act, they may share civil liability.
We help survivors file lawsuits against:
- Religious institutions involved in clergy sexual abuse
- School districts that ignored sexual abuse claims
- Youth organizations like the Boy Scouts that allowed predators access to minors
- Other parties involved in covering up or enabling abuse
Our legal team understands how to identify all liable parties and pursue legal action with discretion and strength.
How Our Law Firm Supports Survivors
Greenberg Gross LLP is a California law firm focused on representing survivors of sexual abuse. We have represented hundreds of survivors of sexual abuse cases across California—including Sacramento—and have recovered substantial settlements and verdicts on their behalf. We work on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront fees for our clients.
Our approach includes:
- Trauma-informed legal representation
- Access to top California sexual abuse attorneys
- Strategic filing of claims in both criminal and civil systems
- Legal support for emotional recovery, safety, and justice
- Collaboration with therapists and advocates
- Professionalism, discretion, and commitment to our clients’ goals
We are dedicated to helping survivors of sexual abuse obtain justice, financial compensation, and peace of mind.
Common Questions About Teen Sexual Abuse in Sacramento
What are the legal consequences for teen dating abuse in California?
Depending on the abuse, perpetrators may face charges for sexual assault, child molestation, statutory rape, or sex crimes. Civil lawsuits may also be filed.
Can I sue someone if I was sexually abused as a teen but didn’t report it at the time?
Yes. California has extended the statute of limitations for survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
What if I was sexually abused by someone at a summer camp or church?
You may be able to file lawsuits against the individual abuser and the organization that failed to protect you. Many cases involving clergy sexual abuse and institutions involve multiple liable parties.
How can a sexual abuse attorney help me?
A sexual abuse attorney can help you understand your legal options, gather evidence, file claims, and pursue financial compensation through civil lawsuits.
Can I remain anonymous if I file a lawsuit?
Yes. In many cases involving sexual abuse victims or minors, the court allows anonymity to protect privacy. Your attorney can guide you through the process confidentially.
How much compensation can I receive in a civil case?
Survivors may recover damages for therapy, medical care, emotional distress, lost wages, punitive damages, and more. Compensation depends on the facts of each case.
Contact a Sacramento Teen Dating Sexual Abuse Lawyer
If you or someone you love was sexually abused in a teen dating relationship, you have legal rights. Greenberg Gross LLP provides trusted legal representation for sexual abuse survivors across Sacramento and California. Our team of skilled sexual abuse attorneys offers strength, guidance, and legal expertise to help you obtain justice through the civil court system.
We understand how painful and complex these cases are—and we’re here to provide real support. Contact us today for a confidential consultation. We’ll help you take the first step toward healing and justice.