California Sex Abuse Lawyer

Sexual abuse and assault are some of the most traumatic and life-altering experiences a person can endure. But survivors in California have rights, and powerful legal tools, to hold their abusers and the institutions that enabled them accountable. Whether the abuse happened last year or decades ago, you may still be able to pursue a civil lawsuit and obtain meaningful compensation, even if the perpetrator has not criminally punished. 

At Stronger Than, we help connect survivors across California with experienced and compassionate sexual abuse lawyers who understand the complex legal landscape and the lasting emotional effects of abuse. A California sexual assault lawyer can help you explore your legal options, direct you to helpful resources, and take the next step in your healing journey. 

How Does California Define Sexual Abuse or Assault? 

California criminal law defines sexual abuse and assault under the California Penal Code, particularly sections 261–269 and 288. These laws cover a wide range of offenses, including: 

• Rape (Penal Code § 261) – Non-consensual sexual intercourse through force, threats, fraud, or when the victim is unable to consent due to intoxication, unconsciousness, or disability. 

• Sexual battery (Penal Code § 243.4) – Any unwanted touching of an intimate part for sexual arousal, gratification, or abuse. 

• Oral copulation by force (Penal Code § 287) – Non-consensual oral sex performed with force, fear, or coercion. 

• Lewd acts with a minor (Penal Code § 288) – Sexual touching of a child under 14, or coercive contact with a child aged 14–15 by an adult. 

• Aggravated sexual assault of a child (Penal Code § 269) – Severe forms of child sexual abuse, including rape or sodomy of children under 14. 

In civil cases, survivors can sue for damages based on these underlying criminal acts, even if no criminal charges were ever filed. A sexual abuse attorney in California can help determine which offenses apply in your case and what civil remedies are available. 

Is There a Lookback Period in California? 

California has some of the strongest legal protections in the country for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Under the California Child Victims Act (AB 218), which took effect in 2020, the state created a three-year lookback window during which survivors of childhood sexual assault could file civil lawsuits, even if the statute of limitations had previously expired. 

Although that window closed on December 31, 2022, California has enacted other provisions that continue to benefit survivors: 

• Survivors of childhood sexual abuse now have until age 40, or 5 years from the discovery of abuse-related psychological injury (whichever is later), to file a civil lawsuit. 
• For certain institutional cover-ups, the statute of limitations may be tolled or extended further. 

If you were abused in a religious, educational, medical, or youth organization setting, you may still be eligible to file a lawsuit. A California sexual abuse lawyer can review your case and help determine whether a special exception or legal extension applies. 

What Is the California Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse, Assault, and Trafficking? 

Statutes of limitations (SOLs) in California differ based on the age of the survivor and the nature of the abuse: 

Civil Lawsuits 

• Childhood sexual assault: Survivors have until age 40, or 5 years from the date of discovery of trauma caused by the abuse, to file. 
• Adult survivors of sexual assault: You typically have 10 years to file a civil lawsuit, or 3 years from the discovery of psychological injury if that occurs later. 
• Sex trafficking survivors: Civil lawsuits must generally be filed within 10 years of the trafficking, within 10 years of the escape or release, or 10 years from when the victim turns 18 if they were trafficked as a minor

Criminal Prosecution 

• Rape and other sex crimes: California has no statute of limitations for many felony sexual offenses, especially those involving force or victims under 18. 

Because civil and criminal timelines can be complex, it’s crucial to consult a sexual assault attorney in California as soon as possible to avoid losing your legal rights. 

Can I Sue the Person Who Sexually Assaulted Me? 

Yes. In California, survivors of sexual assault or abuse can sue the person who harmed them, even if the abuser was never arrested or charged. A civil lawsuit allows you to seek financial compensation, hold the abuser accountable, and tell your story in your own way. 

You may also be able to file a lawsuit against third parties who enabled or failed to prevent the abuse. These can include: 

• Religious organizations that transferred abusive clergy 
• Schools that ignored complaints or failed to report abuse 
• Employers that negligently hired or supervised the abuser 
• Medical facilities that failed to protect vulnerable patients 
• Youth groups or camps that allowed predators to access children 

A California sexual abuse lawyer can help identify all potential defendants and build a strong case for justice and accountability. 

California Sex Abuse Lawsuits

What Damages Can Survivors Receive in a Sex Abuse Lawsuit? 

Civil lawsuits allow survivors to recover both economic and non-economic damages for the harm they’ve suffered. These may include: 

• Medical costs, including therapy and psychiatric care 
• Lost wages or lost earning potential 
• Pain and suffering 
• Emotional distress 
• Loss of quality of life 
• Punitive damages, which are designed to punish especially egregious or willful misconduct 

In some cases, particularly where institutions knew about prior abuse and failed to act, punitive damages can be substantial. A knowledgeable California sexual assault lawyer can help document your losses and pursue maximum compensation. 

How Much Compensation for Sexually Abused Victims Is Available? 

Compensation in sexual abuse cases varies widely and depends on several factors: 

• The severity and duration of the abuse 
• The impact on the survivor’s mental health, relationships, and career 
• Whether the abuser was part of a larger institutional failure 
• The resources and insurance coverage of the defendant(s) 
• Whether punitive damages are awarded 

In California, sexual abuse settlements and jury verdicts have ranged from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. High-profile clergy abuse and school abuse cases, in particular, have resulted in large awards. A California sexual abuse attorney will help ensure your claim reflects the full scope of your suffering and needs. 

California Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases 

Clergy abuse has left a devastating legacy in California, particularly within the Catholic Church and other religious institutions. Multiple dioceses across the state, including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Oakland, and Fresno, have been named in lawsuits over systemic abuse and cover-ups. 

In response to mounting public pressure, many dioceses have released partial lists of clergy accused of sexual abuse. However, survivors have reported that these disclosures often exclude known offenders and downplay institutional wrongdoing. 

Under California law, survivors of clergy abuse may file lawsuits against: 

• The individual priest, pastor, or religious official 
• The diocese or religious organization that employed or shielded them 
• Religious schools, youth ministries, or camps where abuse occurred 

If you were harmed by someone in a religious setting, a California sexual abuse lawyer can help you file a confidential claim and hold all responsible parties accountable. 

California Trafficking Lawsuits

California has one of the highest rates of human trafficking in the United States. Survivors of sex trafficking often endure years of abuse, coercion, and violence at the hands of pimps, traffickers, and negligent businesses that turned a blind eye. 

Survivors may be eligible to file civil lawsuits against: 

• Traffickers and organized crime groups 
• Hotels, motels, or landlords that knowingly allowed trafficking to occur 
• Websites or online platforms that facilitated the exploitation 
• Corporations or employers that benefited from forced labor or sexual exploitation 

Under California’s Human Trafficking Victims Protection Act and federal law, survivors can pursue compensation for physical and psychological injuries, lost income, and punitive damages. A California sexual assault attorney with experience in trafficking cases can help protect your rights and safety throughout the legal process. 

California Medical Sexual Abuse Cases

Patients trust medical professionals with their bodies and well-being. When that trust is violated through sexual misconduct or assault, the consequences can be profound. 

Medical sexual abuse in California may involve: 

• Doctors, including OB-GYNs, general practitioners, or psychiatrists 
• Therapists and counselors 
• Nurses, EMTs, or aides 
• Chiropractors, massage therapists, or alternative health providers 

Civil lawsuits may be filed against not only the individual provider but also the hospital, clinic, or employer that failed to investigate complaints or properly screen their staff. A California sexual abuse lawyer can guide you through the process of holding both individuals and institutions accountable. 

California School Sexual Abuse Cases

Schools have a legal duty to protect students from harm. Unfortunately, abuse still occurs in public and private K-12 schools, colleges, and youth programs across California. These cases often involve teachers, coaches, administrators, or other staff who misuse their authority. 

You may be eligible to sue: 

• The individual perpetrator 
• The school district or private school 
• Youth organizations like the Boy Scouts, church youth groups, or camps 
• Charter schools or universities with inadequate reporting policies 

California law allows survivors to sue institutions that failed to take reasonable steps to prevent abuse. A sexual assault lawyer can help you uncover what the school knew and when—and whether they acted responsibly. 

California Sexual Assault Cases in the Entertainment Industry 

California is home to the entertainment capital of the world, but the industry has long had issues with sexual abuse, harassment, and exploitation. In recent years, survivors have begun to speak out about the abuses they endured at the hands of powerful figures in film, television, music, modeling, and other creative industries. Many people had previously been silenced by fear, non-disclosure agreements, or industry blacklisting, but have now come forward with stories of: 

• Rape and sexual assault by producers, directors, agents, or executives 
• Sexual harassment or coercion in exchange for roles or representation 
• Abuse of power in casting sessions, rehearsals, or photo shoots 
• Child sexual exploitation in modeling, acting, or music programs 
• Institutional complicity, including studios, agencies, and networks that enabled known predators 

Survivors may also have claims against: 

• Talent agencies that ignored reports of abuse or pressured clients into exploitative situations 
• Studios and production companies that knew or should have known about the misconduct 
• Media conglomerates that facilitated abuse through silence, settlements, or nondisclosure agreements 
• Unions or guilds that failed to protect members or enforce safety protocols 

California law offers several avenues for survivors of sexual assault in the entertainment industry to seek justice. A California sexual assault lawyer can help you determine if you’re eligible to file a claim, even if the abuse occurred many years ago or involved a high-profile figure. 

FAQs: California Sexual Abuse Laws

What Are the California Sex Offender Laws?

California requires individuals convicted of sex crimes to register with local law enforcement under Megan’s Law and the California Sex Offender Registration Act. Offenders are divided into three tiers: 

• Tier 1: Low-level offenders – 10-year registration 
• Tier 2: Mid-level offenders – 20-year registration 
• Tier 3: High-risk or repeat offenders – Lifetime registration 

The California Megan’s Law website provides public access to information on registered sex offenders, including names, photos, offenses, and addresses. Survivors may use this information to stay informed and protect themselves. 

Where Can Sex Offenders Live in California?

Unlike some states, California does not impose blanket statewide residency restrictions on registered sex offenders. Instead, restrictions may be applied case by case as a condition of probation or parole—particularly in cases involving child victims. 

In certain counties or municipalities, local ordinances may restrict offenders from living near: 

• Schools or daycare centers 
• Public parks or playgrounds 
• Youth organizations or shelters 

Convicted sex offenders in California are also subject to Jessica’s law, which dictates that they may be subject to: 

• A lifelong GPS monitoring system (for high-risk offenders) 
• Increased penalties 
• Broader definitions of sex offenses 
• The elimination of “good time credits” for early release 

A California sexual assault attorney can help you understand local laws and take legal action to protect your safety if needed. 

Resources for Survivors of Sexual Abuse in California

California has a wide network of support organizations that offer help to survivors of sexual abuse and assault: 

• CALCASA (California Coalition Against Sexual Assault) – Advocacy, support, and a directory of local rape crisis centers
• RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) – 24/7 hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE
• The National Human Trafficking Resource Center – A national hotline that connects people with anti-trafficking resources in the area, training, and technical assistance. The 24-hour hotline is 1-888-373-7888, and the text line is 233733 (BEFREE).
• Los Angeles Rape Treatment Center – Free treatment and advocacy
• Bay Area Women Against Rape (BAWAR) – Crisis intervention and therapy in the Oakland/SF area 

These resources provide emotional support, assistance, and confidential services to help survivors regain control of their lives. 

A California Sex Abuse Lawyer Is Here To Help

You don’t have to carry this burden alone. Whether you’re ready to file a lawsuit or simply want to learn about your rights, Stronger Than is here to support you. We can connect you with a skilled and compassionate California sexual abuse lawyer who will listen to your story and fight for justice on your behalf. 

You have the right to be heard. You have the right to be believed. And you have the right to take legal action. Let us help you take the first step.