When an adult takes advantage of a vulnerable child and abuses them, it can cause significant, long-lasting damage. It’s often made worse when the perpetrator is an adult that the child trusts, such as a teacher or coach. Child sexual abuse can impact virtually every aspect of a survivor’s life, from their emotional and mental health to their educational future and career prospects. In many cases, it can take decades before a survivor of child sex abuse recalls or acknowledges the heinous crime that was committed.
At The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP, we are committed advocates for survivors of child sexual abuse and believe that children deserve to be safe at schools, churches, scouts, and other child-centric organizations. We understand how profound the impact of sexual abuse is on survivors and how difficult it is to come forward.
If you or a loved one is a survivor of child sexual abuse in Orange County, you are not alone. Our attorneys can help you seek justice against the parties responsible and hold them accountable for the abuse. When you are ready, call (949) 557-5800 for a free, completely confidential consultation.
Why Choose Us?
- Our law firm has secured nearly half a billion dollars in compensation for sexual abuse and assault survivors since 2007. We are committed to achieving the results that our clients need.
- We have the experience and expertise necessary to represent you and take on any school, school district, or institution, including the Orange Unified School District, the Catholic Church, and the Boy Scouts of America.
- We value your privacy. We keep your identity anonymous throughout your case, from beginning to end.
What Is Child Sexual Abuse?
Child sexual abuse occurs when an adult engages in sexual acts or inappropriate conduct with a child. Minors, or children under the age of 18 in California, cannot give their consent to sexual activity. Child sexual abuse can include:
- Touching of the private parts
- Unwanted sexual touching of any kind
- Forcible sex acts of any kind
- Sexting
- Forcible object penetration
- Rape or statutory rape
- Exposing sex organs to a child
- Sodomy
- Child pornography
- Exhibitionism or voyeurism
- Among other behaviors and actions
Common Types of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse
Child sexual abuse can plague many places where children frequent – places where they should feel safe, such as school. This includes:
- Churches
- Daycares
- Healthcare settings, such as doctors offices
- Juvenile detention facilities
- School settings
- Youth sports teams
- Foster care
- Group homes
Many child sexual abuse cases involve an ongoing pattern of sexual assault or sexual violence, including a predator who grooms a child from a young age. Child abusers can be strangers but are often someone the child knows. This could be a teacher, coach, fellow student at school, guidance counselor, friend, or peer. All sexual behaviors or activities involving a minor are against the law in California, no matter the setting. Unfortunately, it often occurs as a result of institutional negligence
Legal Options of Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse
In California, survivors of child sexual abuse have the option to seek justice through both the criminal court system as well as a civil court system. In a criminal case, the perpetrator may be sentenced to jail and to a lifetime registration as a sex offender. In civil court, survivors can file a lawsuit against the perpetrator and any other parties who bear legal responsibility for the abuse (generally the institution that employed the perpetrator or that they represented).
A lawsuit can help survivors recover financial compensation for the profound ways the abuse has affected their lives and the losses they have or will incur. Referred to as damages, this can include compensation for:
- Present and future medical expenses
- Counseling or therapy
- Prescription medications
- Relocation
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Emotional distress or mental anguish
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages
To pursue a lawsuit if Orange County, it’s incredibly important to be represented by an experienced child sexual abuse attorney. At The Senators (Ret.) Law Firm, we have significant experience handling cases involving child sexual abuse. Our attorneys can estimate the value of your compensable losses and help your family seek maximum financial compensation for the full extent of the harm you have suffered. We can negotiate with a school’s insurance provider on your behalf or take your case to trial, if necessary, to fight for a fair outcome.
Contact Us for a Free, Confidential Case Consultation in Orange County
Dealing with the trauma caused by sexual abuse is extremely difficult, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP, we can help. Our attorneys are committed advocates for survivors of sexual abuse and are ready to listen to your story and help you seek justice.
If you are ready to speak with someone about your situation, please, call (949) 557-5800 or contact us online. for a free, completely confidential consultation. Our attorneys can give you an honest assessment of your situation and, if we can help, begin tailoring a legal strategy to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.