School Sexual Abuse Lawyer Sacramento, CA

Hold Abusers Accountable With Our Sacramento, CA School Sexual Abuse Lawyer

We trust our schools to educate and prepare our children for a bright future. When an educator or school administrator violates this trust and sexually abuses our children, they should be held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Legal accountability goes beyond sending a sexual abuser to jail. Survivors of school sexual abuse have considerable rights in civil court, as well. In fact, civil action may be the only way to hold the school and school district accountable for their own negligence. Our Sacramento, CA school sexual abuse lawyer can help you learn more about your rights to file a lawsuit for damages.

California recently changed the law, extending the statute of limitations for school sexual abuse claims. This allows many people, like you, who would not otherwise be able to file a suit to do so. The attorneys at Kellogg & Van Aken LLP are ready to help support your claim and can explain all your options in a free legal consultation. Please call us today for a free case review.

How Changes To California Law Helps School Sexual Abuse Victims

Starting in January 2023, California’s “look-back” window extended the statute of limitations for filing civil claims based on school sexual abuse. California Assembly Bill 2777 (AB 2777) gives school sexual abuse survivors the opportunity to file a suit based on past abuse. This legal provision creates a “look back” window for survivors who, many times, were unable to come forward earlier. Lasting trauma may have made it impossible for you to name your abuser before, and now, you have a chance to place their actions on public record.

Perhaps you were afraid of your abuser or thought no one would believe you, allowing the original statute of limitations for your case to expire. Now, though, you have another opportunity to make your voice heard and hold the abuse and the school, accountable for the harm you suffered. We’re here to help you get there. Our lawyers believe you; we’re completely on your side and put our considerable skills, knowledge, and training to work on your behalf.

How Our Legal Team Helps Sexual Abuse Survivors

When you file a civil suit for compensatory damages in school sexual abuse claims, you name a defendant, the person who committed the abuse. However, in many cases, we name additional defendants. The school, school district, and possibly the principal could have all been negligent in permitting the abuse to happen, creating conditions in which abuse was more likely to occur, or even actively shielding the abuser from being exposed.

School districts are responsible for properly vetting all employees during hiring, conducting background checks, and weeding out those who harm children. In addition, schools, principals, administrators, and the school district must maintain proper staff supervision, investigate claims of possible abuse, and create a protective environment for students. The school is responsible for preventing abuse; if it fails in this duty, it should be held accountable.

Our Sacramento school sexual abuse lawyer is here to ensure that they are. We will hold all negligent parties to justice on your behalf. Contact Kellogg & Van Aken LLP today for a free consultation.

Talking With Your Lawyer After Sexual Abuse At School

Our compassionate Sacramento school sexual abuse lawyer knows that seeking legal guidance after experiencing sexual abuse at school is an important step toward protecting your rights and holding the responsible parties accountable. The first conversation with your lawyer may feel overwhelming, but understanding what to expect can help you feel more prepared. Timing is important and we want to ensure you have what you need. Providing legal guidance for victims of sexual assault and abuse is our specialty.

Preparing For The First Meeting

Before meeting with your lawyer, gathering any relevant information can be helpful. This might include details about what happened, when and where the abuse occurred, and any individuals who may have been involved or witnessed the events. If you have kept records, messages, or reports related to the abuse, bringing them to the meeting can help your lawyer understand the situation more clearly. However, if you do not have this information, do not worry—your lawyer will guide you through the process of building your case.

Creating A Safe And Confidential Space

Discussing sexual abuse is never easy, but your lawyer’s role is to provide support and legal guidance in a secure and private setting. The conversation will be confidential, meaning you can speak openly without fear that your words will be shared without your permission. It is normal to feel anxious or emotional during this discussion, and a good legal team will be patient and understanding as you share your experience.

What To Expect During The Conversation

During your first meeting, your Sacramento school sexual abuse lawyer will ask questions to gather the necessary details to evaluate your case. They may ask about the timeline of events, any actions you have taken since the abuse occurred, and whether any reports were made to the school or law enforcement. These questions may be difficult to answer, but they are important in determining the best legal course of action.

You will also have the opportunity to ask questions about the legal process, your rights, and what steps will come next. Understanding how your case will move forward can provide clarity and reassurance during this challenging time.

Building A Legal Strategy

Once your lawyer has an understanding of the facts, they will begin to develop a legal approach tailored to your situation. This could involve filing a claim against the school, identifying responsible parties, and seeking justice through civil or criminal proceedings. Every case is different, and the legal path forward will depend on the details of your experience.

Your lawyer may also discuss legal protections available to you, such as restraining orders or privacy measures, to help safeguard your well-being. If additional support is needed, they may suggest resources such as counseling or advocacy groups to assist with the emotional impact of the situation.

Moving Forward With Support

Seeking legal help is a significant step, and you do not have to go through this process alone. At Kellogg & Van Aken LLP, we are committed to standing by your side and guiding you through every step. If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse at school, contact us today to discuss your case in a confidential setting. Your voice matters, and we are here to help you seek the justice you deserve. Call our trusted Sacramento school sexual abuse lawyer when you are ready for a free consultation.

What To Do Immediately After School Sexual Abuse Or Assault

Our Sacramento, CA school sexual abuse lawyer knows that if your child has been harmed by sexual abuse or assault at school, it’s critical to act quickly and carefully. These situations are extremely serious and require steps that help protect your child, preserve evidence, and begin the process of accountability. While no single path fits every situation, there are certain actions we can take to respond effectively. We fought on behalf of a former college student who suffered sexual abuse and their settlement was $1,125,000. Below are some of the most important steps to consider in the immediate aftermath.

1. Make Sure Your Child Is Safe. The first step is making sure your child is out of harm’s way. If the suspected abuser is still in contact with your child or has access to them, it’s important to create distance. This may mean keeping your child home from school or requesting an immediate safety plan from school officials.

2. Report the Incident to Law Enforcement. Sexual abuse or assault is a crime and should be reported to the police. A report creates an official record and allows authorities to begin an investigation. We should contact local law enforcement directly rather than relying solely on school staff to report the matter.

3. Seek Medical Attention if Needed. In some cases, a medical exam may be necessary to address injuries or collect physical evidence, as our Sacramento school sexual abuse lawyer understands. This should be done as soon as possible at a facility trained in handling these types of situations, such as a hospital with a sexual assault response team.

4. Get Your Child Professional Support. Talking to a trained counselor or therapist can help your child begin to process what happened. Early support can reduce emotional trauma and help with long-term recovery. It’s important to choose someone who has experience working with children and trauma.

5. Document Everything. Write down what your child says and any details you observe. This includes dates, times, names, locations, and descriptions of the behavior or conversations. Save any written or electronic communication from the school, the accused, or witnesses. These records can be valuable in legal proceedings.

6. Notify the School, but Proceed with Caution. While it’s important to let the school know what happened, it’s also wise to be careful about how information is shared. Some schools may prioritize their reputation or delay action. Putting concerns in writing and keeping copies of all communications can help establish a clear record.

7. Avoid Questioning Your Child Repeatedly. While it’s natural to want to know everything, repeated questioning can cause distress or confusion for your child. Let law enforcement and trained professionals handle in-depth interviews. Our role is to support and believe your child.

8. Consider Legal Action. Schools have a duty to protect students. If that duty was violated—whether through direct actions or by failing to respond appropriately to reports—legal action may be an option. A civil claim can hold the responsible parties accountable and help prevent future harm to others.

9. Protect Your Child’s Privacy. We should be mindful of your child’s privacy and emotional well-being. This includes being cautious with who we speak to, what we share, and how we discuss the situation. The goal is to avoid retraumatizing your child and to respect their dignity.

10. Follow Up Regularly. Whether with law enforcement, the school, or a counselor, ongoing follow-up is important. Staying involved allows us to monitor progress, make sure your child is getting the support they need, and take further action if necessary.

At Kellogg & Van Aken LLP, we understand how serious and sensitive these situations are. If you’re facing something like this, we’re here to provide clear guidance on how to move forward and hold the right parties accountable. We believe in justice for your child and other survivors. Don’t wait to take action—protecting your child and their future must come first. Reach out to our compassionate Sacramento school sexual abuse lawyer today.

School Sexual Abuse FAQs

When a child is hurt in an environment that should be safe, families are often faced with uncertainty and difficult decisions. At Kellogg & Van Aken LLP, we understand how difficult it is to take action when your child’s safety has been violated, especially in a school setting. We focus on legal claims involving institutional abuse and help families hold schools and employees accountable under state and federal law. Working with a Sacramento, CA school sexual abuse lawyer is one way to move forward with care and clarity.

Can My Child Testify In A School Abuse Case?

Our abuse and assault lawyer shares that yes, a child can testify in a school abuse case, but whether they should depends on their age, emotional well-being, and the specifics of the case. Courts often use child-sensitive methods to protect young witnesses, such as closed hearings or recorded statements, and we work closely with parents and therapists to decide what is appropriate.

Are School Districts Required To Report Sexual Misconduct?

In California, school employees are mandated reporters, which means they must report any suspected child abuse, including sexual misconduct, to law enforcement or child protective services. If a school district fails to act on these legal duties, it may be held liable for contributing to or concealing abuse. We often evaluate whether reporting failures created additional harm.

What Is Title Ix And How Does It Apply To Sexual Abuse In Schools?

Title IX is a federal law that bans sex-based discrimination in schools and programs that receive federal funding. Sexual abuse falls under this category, and schools are required to respond promptly and effectively when allegations are made. A Title IX violation may open the door to legal claims for damages, especially when schools ignore or mishandle abuse reports. A Sacramento school sexual abuse lawyer can help determine if Title IX protections apply.

What Happens After Reporting Abuse To The School Or Police?

Once abuse is reported, the school may begin an internal investigation, while law enforcement may open a criminal case. These processes often happen in parallel but serve different purposes—one addresses policy violations, and the other considers criminal charges. We help families monitor both and make decisions about pursuing a civil claim to seek compensation and accountability.

How Do I Find A School Sexual Abuse Attorney Near Me?

It’s important to look for a lawyer who has handled abuse and misconduct cases involving schools, districts, and administrators. Search terms like child sexual abuse attorney or school misconduct attorney can lead you to qualified professionals. We recommend reviewing a firm’s case results and their approach to handling sensitive matters with discretion. If you're in Northern California, our child sexual abuse attorney may be best positioned to represent you locally.

Support For Families Taking Legal Action

Our sexual misconduct attorney guides families through each step, from the initial investigation through any legal proceedings that follow. We’re dedicated to protecting your child’s rights and pursuing accountability from those responsible. A Sacramento school sexual abuse lawyer at our firm can review your situation and explain your legal options. Attorneys at Kellogg & Van Aken LLP offer trusted counsel based on years of experience in this area.