If your child has been sexually abused at school, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed, heartbroken, and unsure of what to do next. Our San Jose, CA school sexual abuse lawyer knows that this kind of trauma affects every part of your life, and one of the most important steps you can take is getting your child the serious therapy they need to begin healing, whether the abuse came from a peer or a teacher. Our firm works on a contingent-fee basis, so reach out for help today.
Start With Safety And Support
Your first priority is making sure your child is safe. That might involve removing them from the school, limiting contact with certain people, or working with law enforcement and child protection agencies. Once your child is physically safe, the next step is helping them emotionally recover, and that usually means getting professional therapy as soon as possible.
Find A Therapist Who Understands Trauma
You’ll want to look for a licensed mental health professional who has experience working with children who have gone through trauma. It’s okay if it takes time to find someone your child feels comfortable with. The right therapist will help your child build trust and create a safe space to talk and process their emotions.
If you’re not sure where to start, talk to your child’s pediatrician or school counselor. They may be able to refer you to someone who focuses on trauma-related care. Local mental health agencies and victim support groups may also offer resources or services that can help.
Covering The Cost Of Care
Therapy can get expensive, especially if your child needs long-term support. Even with insurance, some treatments might not be fully covered. But therapy isn’t optional—your child deserves a real chance at healing, and you shouldn’t have to carry the cost alone.
If the abuse happened at school, there may be legal ways to hold the school, district, or individual staff members responsible. That includes seeking financial support to cover therapy, medical care, and other related needs. At Kellogg & Van Aken LLP, we’ve worked with families in these kinds of situations and helped them pursue legal action to get their children the care they need.
You have the right to seek accountability when a school fails to protect your child. A lawsuit can help cover the costs of therapy and help prevent this from happening to another child.
Don’t Forget To Take Care Of Yourself
As a parent, you’re likely focused on supporting your child, but your well-being matters too. This experience affects your entire family. You may need your own support system—whether that’s therapy, a support group, or time to talk with trusted friends or professionals. Taking care of yourself puts you in a better position to help your child move forward. We assisted college students in winning a settlement for $1,125,000 for sexual abuse on a college campus. If your child has been sexually abused at school and needs serious therapy, don’t go through this alone. Reach out to Kellogg & Van Aken LLP to talk about your legal options. We’re here to help you protect your child and make sure they get the care and support they deserve.