Exploitation can impact a child for a lifetime. Helping your child recover from the harms exploitation causes can be a vital step in recovery. Both criminal and civil actions may be legal options to protect a child. Compensation for the damages a child experiences due to exploitation in California may be possible when taking civil legal action.
Work With Law Enforcement to Pursue Criminal Actions
Report child exploitation to local law enforcement immediately. California law addresses cyber exploitation on a state level. In some exploitation cases, an investigation into child exploitation requires federal involvement. Document any evidence of exploitation. Government prosecutors will review the documentation, perform an investigation, and may file criminal charges based on the evidence.
Criminal actions are a legal option the government uses to prosecute individuals for breaking the law. A criminal conviction can lead to jail or prison time for an exploiter, as well as fines and legal fees. Proof beyond a reasonable doubt must exist to criminally prosecute someone for exploitation.
Federal law requires federal law enforcement and prosecutors to notify survivors of child sexual exploitation of new cases against individuals who may have created, traded, or received exploitive materials that can harm them. A parent or guardian will manage any notifications on a minor’s behalf to minimize the impact of a crime on a child’s well-being.
Work With a California Child Sexual Abuse Attorney With Experience in Exploitation Cases
Child exploitation can be physical and sexual. Often, the two types of exploitation overlap. Exploitation is more than an online threat. Sadly, exploitation takes place in trusted establishments, like churches, youth organizations, and schools.
Filing a claim or civil action against an organization on a child’s behalf for damages they experience because of exploitation is a legal option. It may be possible to file a claim or action against the exploiter as well. Damages may include medical costs, ongoing therapy, medications, and mental anguish that result from exploitation.
It is not necessary for criminal charges and a conviction to occur to file a civil action. The standard of proof in civil actions is less than that in criminal cases. A jury only has to see evidence that it is more likely than not that the exploitation occurred for a child to receive damages for the harm the exploitation causes.
Allow a Minor to Explore Their Legal Options After Reaching the Age of Majority
Survivors of sexual exploitation may have the right to pursue criminal and civil actions against an exploiter later in life, depending on the nature of the exploitation. More recent laws in California remove the statute of limitations on childhood sexual assault. Exploitation survivors in California may pursue legal actions on their own behalf.
Legal options still exist for many child exploitation survivors years later. Taking personal steps to explore the legal options that are available upon reaching adulthood may provide survivors a sense of control and even closure. It is never too late to fight back against child exploitation. Discover potential legal options in California if you or a loved one is a survivor of child exploitation.