A summer camp is supposed to be a safe place where children build friendships, learn new skills, and create cherished memories under the supervision of trusted adults. When that trust is shattered by an act of sexual abuse against your child, the world shifts instantly. The emotional trauma is immense, and trying to figure out the right course of action while reeling from shock can feel impossible.
This is when the guidance of an experienced California summer camp sexual abuse lawyer becomes invaluable. Here, our team at The Senators Firm explains the steps parents and guardians should consider taking, along with critical legal timelines and key concepts you should know.
Ensure the Child’s Immediate Safety
Your top priority should be your child’s physical and emotional safety. If the abuse is recent, seek medical care as soon as possible. There may be forensic evidence that needs preservation. Also consider contacting a child advocacy center, rape crisis hotlines, therapists specializing in trauma, or other support networks. Every child’s healing is unique, so having trusted professionals involved early is crucial.
While doing so, document everything you already know, including dates, locations, names of camp staff or witnesses, and any communications. However, avoid any direct confrontation with the alleged abuser or the camp operators unless law enforcement advises otherwise.
Report the Abuse
In California, specific professionals, including teachers, medical personnel, and child care workers, are mandatory reporters of suspected child abuse. You can file a report to local law enforcement or child protective services. If the abuse happened at a camp overseen by a public entity or a nonprofit, you may also want to report internally, though many survivors prefer to let their attorney coordinate communications to protect evidence and legal rights.
Preserve Evidence
Time is of the essence in preserving evidence. Ask for your child’s medical and mental health records. Keep journals or notes of your child’s own descriptions, dates, behaviors, physical or emotional changes, photographs of injuries or bruising, correspondence with the camp, and any statements from witnesses. These materials can strengthen a future legal claim. If the camp or its insurer requests a statement or meeting, your attorney can help you navigate how to respond without risking your child’s claim.
Understand the Legal Window
California’s Assembly Bill 218 significantly expanded the time survivors have to file civil claims for childhood sexual assault. Under this law, victims may bring a claim until age 40 or within five years of discovering the psychological injury, whichever is later.
AB 218 also eased certain procedural hurdles for claims against public entities and allows treble damages in cases involving a deliberate cover-up of abuse. Because these rules can vary depending on when and where the abuse occurred, consulting an attorney experienced in child sexual assault cases is crucial.
Identify Who May Be Liable
In a camp abuse case, liability may extend beyond just the person who committed the assault. The camp organization itself, its leadership, supervising staff, and possibly a public jurisdiction may bear responsibility if they failed in their duty to screen, supervise, train, or monitor staff. You and your attorney will evaluate whether the camp’s negligence or intentional misconduct contributed to the harm.
Evaluate Filing a Civil Claim
Once you and your child are ready, an experienced California child sexual abuse attorney can begin investigating legal options. That may involve reviewing internal camp files, interviewing witnesses, hiring expert witnesses, evaluating insurance coverage, calculating damages, and considering long-term care and therapy needs.
While no legal process can undo the abuse that happened at camp, understanding your rights and taking these steps can help restore a sense of safety and justice for your child.