Child sexual abuse is a deeply traumatic experience, leaving survivors with lasting emotional and physical scars. At Greenberg Gross LLP, our San Diego molestation lawyer team is committed to helping survivors of abuse and their families pursue justice. With compassionate legal representation, we aim to hold perpetrators accountable and secure financial compensation to aid in the healing journey.
This page explores the legal process of seeking justice for sexual abuse survivors, the rights of victims, and the support our attorneys provide to navigate civil lawsuits.
Understanding Child Sexual Abuse
Child sexual abuse involves any inappropriate sexual acts or physical contact with a minor, often inflicted by someone in a position of power, such as a religious leader, teacher, or family member. Such abuse often goes unreported for years, leaving survivors grappling with emotional trauma and delayed healing.
In California, laws such as AB 452 (2023) have expanded the rights of childhood sexual abuse survivors, potentially removing the statute of limitations for assaults occurring after January 1, 2024. These legal developments empower survivors to take legal actions against responsible parties, even decades after the abuse occurred.
Types of Cases Handled by San Diego Sexual Abuse Lawyers
Our San Diego sexual abuse lawyers handle a wide range of cases, including:
- Childhood sexual abuse: Holding perpetrators and institutions accountable for abusing vulnerable children.
- Sexual misconduct in educational institutions: Addressing cases of unwanted touching, sexual acts, and abuse of power by educators.
- Workplace sexual harassment: Protecting employees from inappropriate physical contact or unwanted advances.
- Sexual abuse in nursing homes: Advocating for vulnerable elderly victims who have suffered abuse in care facilities.
Legal Rights of Sexual Assault Victims
Every survivor has the legal right to seek justice, whether through criminal prosecution or a civil lawsuit. While criminal court focuses on holding perpetrators accountable through criminal charges, civil lawsuits provide an avenue to secure financial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional trauma.
How Our San Diego Sexual Assault Attorneys Support Survivors
At Greenberg Gross LLP, our attorneys understand the profound impact of abuse on survivors. Our law practice is dedicated to:
- Representing survivors with compassion and respect, recognizing the courage it takes to come forward.
- Pursuing civil claims to hold perpetrators and institutions accountable for their actions.
- Working to secure financial compensation for medical care, therapy, lost wages, and other costs stemming from abuse.
- Offering a free consultation to discuss legal options and take the appropriate steps in each particular case.
Our legal team takes a survivor-centered approach, ensuring that clients are supported throughout the legal process and their voices are heard.
Pursuing Justice Through Civil Lawsuits
Civil lawsuits offer survivors the opportunity to seek justice outside of criminal cases. By filing a civil action, survivors can hold responsible parties accountable for the harm caused, even if criminal prosecution is not possible. These cases often lead to compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including preventative medications for sexually transmitted infections.
- Emotional trauma, addressing the long-term psychological impact of abuse.
- Lost wages and other economic damages caused by the abuse.
Barriers to Reporting and the Healing Journey
Survivors often face significant barriers to reporting abuse, including fear of retaliation, emotional scars, and societal stigma. For some, the healing journey begins only when they are ready to take legal actions. Our attorneys are here to guide survivors through this process, offering unwavering support and advocacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What constitutes sexual assault?
Sexual assault includes any unwanted touching, physical assault, or contact with a person’s intimate parts without their consent.
2. Can I file a civil lawsuit if the abuse occurred years ago?
Yes. In California, sexual abuse survivors have years to file their cases, depending on certain facts such as the survivor’s age at the time of the abuse, and whether an institutional defendant is involved.
3. What legal options are available to survivors?
Survivors can pursue criminal charges against the abuser or file a civil case to seek compensation and hold perpetrators accountable.
4. How can I afford a lawyer?
Greenberg Gross LLP offers a free consultation and works on a contingency basis, meaning survivors only pay us if they win their case.
Take the First Step Toward Justice
The journey to justice begins with the courage to seek help. Greenberg Gross LLP’s experienced San Diego sexual assault attorneys are here to help you hold perpetrators accountable and reclaim your life. Contact us today for compassionate, expert legal support.