Sacramento Sexual Abuse Lawyer

The trauma of sexual abuse lasts long after the pain, fear, and humiliation of the act fade. Ideally, the abuser faces criminal charges, but even once you have your day in court, you could still be paying the price. Many victims require extensive therapy to heal from the abuse, and some may have difficulty going to school or holding down a job. A civil suit filed against your abuser and any party that facilitated the abuse can provide the means to rebuild your life and get you the help you need. Our Sacramento, CA sexual abuse lawyer is ready to help you. Call Kellogg & Van Aken LLP today for a confidential consultation.

Sexual Abuse Lawyer Sacramento, CA

Anyone can be a victim of sexual abuse—woman or man, child or senior. Some of the most tragic cases of sexual abuse our firm has handled involve abuse of the most vulnerable people in society. We’re here to get justice for you. Our Sacramento sexual abuse lawyer helps hold the abuser accountable for the harm they caused, getting it on the public record so they can’t hide.

Our goal is to secure compensation for all the losses you suffered after being abused, including pain and emotional trauma, medical bills (including therapy), and diminished quality of life. We know that no amount of money can undo what happened to you, and any settlement you receive isn’t intended to erase your experiences. What a civil suit can do is hold anyone who perpetrated abuse or allowed it to happen, like a team or scouting organization, religious institution, or corporation, to justice. Civil court is often the only way that entities can be held responsible for turning a blind eye or facilitating abuse of vulnerable people.

California’s new “look back” law has extended the statute of limitations for many sexual abuse survivors. Maybe you didn’t speak up when the abuse happened and missed the deadline to file a claim. Now, the state has opened the door for many people to file a suit for damages, and we’re here to help you. We build your case, present it in the appropriate venue, and fight for every penny possible for you. We also shield you from the other party and protect your privacy as much as possible, preserving your peace.

Compassion And Experience Matter In Sexual Abuse Cases

Speaking up after abuse takes courage. You don’t have to fight alone. Our Sacramento sexual abuse lawyer is here to help you. We advise you of your options under California law and fight to ensure that you get fair compensation for your pain and losses.

• Our firm has a perfect 10.0 rating on AVVO, as ranked by our peers and clients
• Featured on ABC 7 News, Yahoo! Finance, and NY 1 Spectrum News
• We exclusively represent victims of sexual abuse and assault, pursuing justice and making victims’ voices heard
• Proud members of the American Association for Justice, part of the Association of Trial Lawyers

Are you a sexual abuse survivor who needs to know your rights under California’s look-back law? Call Kellogg & Van Aken LLP today for a legal consultation.

Legal Options For Sexual Abuse Survivors

California law provides multiple avenues for survivors to seek justice and hold perpetrators accountable. Sexual abuse encompasses a broad range of offenses, including sexual assault, rape, molestation, and child sexual abuse, and California has specific statutes addressing each category. In addition to criminal prosecution, California also allows survivors of sexual abuse to pursue civil remedies against perpetrators. Civil claims can provide compensation for physical and emotional injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and psychological trauma. At Kellogg & Van Aken LLP, our sexual abuse lawyers are dedicated to helping survivors pursue legal actions to obtain financial justice for the harms they have suffered.

Statute Of Limitations

One critical aspect of California sexual abuse law is the statute of limitations, which dictates how long a survivor has to file a claim. Historically, these limitations posed barriers to justice, particularly for survivors of childhood sexual abuse who may not come forward until adulthood. Recent legal reforms, however, have extended the timeframe for survivors.

For example, California law allows survivors of child sexual abuse to file civil lawsuits until the victim turns 40 years old or within five years of discovering that the abuse caused harm, whichever is later. This change recognizes the psychological complexities that can delay reporting and filing claims. Additionally, the state has occasionally enacted “look-back windows,” temporarily removing limitations for previously time-barred cases, providing new opportunities for justice.

Privacy Laws

Survivors also have legal options to protect their privacy and well-being during litigation. California law includes confidentiality protections for victims, particularly minors, and allows for measures such as closed courtrooms, pseudonyms, and protective orders to prevent contact with the perpetrator. These protections aim to reduce the risk of further trauma while pursuing legal action.

Damages

Criminal and civil remedies in California can also include restitution and damages. In criminal cases, the court may order the perpetrator to pay restitution covering counseling, medical expenses, lost wages, and other abuse-related costs. In civil cases, plaintiffs may recover compensatory damages for tangible losses and emotional suffering. In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish particularly egregious behavior and deter future misconduct.

Our Firm Is Here To Fight for You

California law recognizes that sexual abuse survivors often face significant barriers in pursuing justice, and it provides multiple pathways to hold offenders accountable while seeking compensation and closure. Survivors can file criminal complaints to initiate prosecution, pursue civil claims to obtain financial restitution, and access state-provided victim support services. Advocacy groups, specialized attorneys, and counseling services are available to guide survivors through the complex legal process and ensure their rights are protected.

Understanding California’s sexual abuse laws and the legal options available is crucial for survivors, family members, and advocates. While no legal action can erase the trauma, these laws offer a structured path to accountability, recognition, and recovery, providing survivors with the opportunity to confront their abuser, obtain justice, and access the support necessary for healing.

The Sacramento sexual abuse lawyers from Kellogg & Van Aken LLP have more than a decade of legal experience advocating for sexual abuse survivors. Contact our office today for a free consultation to discover what legal recourse may be available to you.

Long-Term Impacts Sexual Abuse Has On Survivors

Sexual abuse is a deeply traumatic experience that can leave lasting scars on victims, affecting nearly every aspect of their lives. The consequences of sexual abuse extend far beyond the immediate physical and emotional harm, often creating long-term challenges that impact mental health, relationships, physical well-being, and social functioning. Survivors frequently face a complex journey of recovery, and understanding the long-term impact is crucial for families, advocates, and society as a whole. Kellogg & Van Aken LLP understands that no amount of money will ever make up for the harms a survivor has suffered; however, in many cases, these civil actions are often the only justice available.

Psychological And Emotional Trauma

One of the most profound effects of sexual abuse is enduring psychological trauma. Survivors often experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and feelings of shame or guilt. Nightmares, flashbacks, and intrusive thoughts are common, making it difficult for victims to feel safe or maintain a sense of normalcy. Emotional trauma can persist for years, affecting self-esteem, emotional regulation, and overall quality of life.

Difficulty In Forming And Maintaining Relationships

Sexual abuse can severely impact a survivor’s ability to trust others, often leading to difficulties in personal and intimate relationships. Victims may struggle with attachment, fear of intimacy, or avoidance of relationships altogether. Trust issues and feelings of vulnerability can create barriers to forming healthy connections with family, friends, and partners, sometimes resulting in social isolation.

Physical Health Consequences

The long-term impact of sexual abuse is not limited to mental health. Survivors often experience chronic physical conditions such as headaches, gastrointestinal disorders, and sleep disturbances. Research indicates a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and other stress-related illnesses among survivors, linking prolonged psychological stress to physical health deterioration.

Substance Abuse And Self-Harm

Many survivors turn to alcohol, drugs, or self-harming behaviors as coping mechanisms to manage the overwhelming emotional pain caused by abuse. Substance use can provide temporary relief but often exacerbates long-term mental and physical health issues. Self-harm, including cutting or suicidal ideation, is unfortunately more common among survivors, reflecting the severity of psychological distress.

Academic And Career Challenges

The impact of sexual abuse can extend into education and professional life. Survivors may experience difficulty concentrating, reduced motivation, or learning challenges, which can lead to academic underachievement. In the workplace, the emotional and psychological burden of abuse may affect performance, career advancement, and professional relationships, limiting opportunities for personal growth and financial stability.

Generational And Societal Effects

Sexual abuse not only affects the individual; it can have ripple effects on families and communities. Survivors may struggle with parenting, emotional availability, and establishing safe environments for their children. Societally, untreated trauma can contribute to cycles of violence, mental health crises, and increased demand on healthcare and social services.

You Are Not Alone

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse, it is critical to seek legal help immediately to learn what legal options you have for financial justice. The Sacramento sexual abuse lawyers at Kellogg & Van Aken LLP understand how sensitive and complex these cases are, and have the focus and legal experience it takes to navigate through the California justice system to get our clients the damages they deserve.

Sacramento Sexual Abuse Infographic

Sacramento Sexual Abuse Statistics

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men report experiencing some form of sexual violence in their lifetime, including completed or attempted rape, sexual coercion, or unwanted sexual contact. These statistics highlight the widespread prevalence of sexual abuse and the urgent need for prevention, support, and intervention programs.

Children are particularly vulnerable, with data from the National Children’s Alliance indicating that nearly 1 in 7 children will experience sexual abuse before the age of 18. Such abuse can lead to long-term physical, emotional, and psychological consequences, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and difficulties in forming trusting relationships.

Sexual Abuse FAQs

Sexual abuse is a deeply traumatic experience, and survivors often face lasting physical, emotional, and psychological consequences. Beyond criminal prosecution, survivors in California and across the United States have the option to pursue civil lawsuits against their abuser to seek compensation for the harm they have suffered. These lawsuits can help cover medical expenses, provide financial relief, and offer a sense of justice. Understanding the types of damages available is essential for survivors considering legal action.

What Are Compensatory Damages For Physical Injuries?

Compensatory damages for physical injuries are intended to reimburse the survivor for medical treatment related to the abuse. This includes expenses for emergency care, hospital visits, surgery, ongoing medical treatment, therapy for sexual trauma, and rehabilitation services. Survivors may also recover compensation for future medical care that is reasonably anticipated due to the abuse, such as continued counseling or treatment for chronic conditions caused by the trauma. These damages directly address the tangible physical consequences of the assault and provide financial support for the survivor’s recovery journey.

What Are Compensatory Damages For Emotional And Psychological Harm?

Emotional and psychological damages compensate survivors for the non-physical impact of sexual abuse, such as trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health conditions. Courts recognize that sexual abuse often leaves deep emotional scars, which can affect daily functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life. Expert testimony from psychologists or therapists is often used to quantify these damages. Compensation may include costs for ongoing therapy, psychiatric care, and emotional support services to help survivors cope with the long-term effects of the abuse.

Can Survivors Recover Economic Or Financial Losses?

Yes, survivors may be entitled to economic damages that compensate for financial losses directly caused by the abuse. These may include lost wages if the survivor was unable to work due to emotional distress, therapy appointments, or physical injuries. Survivors may also seek reimbursement for property damage, relocation expenses, or other financial burdens resulting from the assault. Economic damages are intended to restore the survivor to the financial position they would have been in had the abuse not occurred.

Are Punitive Damages Available In Sexual Abuse Cases?

Punitive damages are designed to punish particularly egregious or malicious conduct and deter future misconduct. In sexual abuse cases, courts may award punitive damages if the abuser’s actions were intentional, reckless, or grossly negligent. These damages are separate from compensatory damages and serve as a public statement that abusive behavior will not be tolerated. The availability and amount of punitive damages vary by case and jurisdiction but can provide additional financial relief and accountability for the abuser.

Can Survivors Recover Damages Against Third Parties?

In some cases, survivors may pursue claims against third parties, such as institutions or organizations, that failed to protect them. This is often relevant when the abuse occurred in schools, religious organizations, or other institutions responsible for supervision. Claims may be based on negligent supervision, premises liability, or failure to report abuse. Recovering damages from third parties can cover similar compensatory and economic losses and may be pursued alongside claims against the direct abuser.

Sexual Abuse Glossary

If you're searching for a Sacramento, CA sexual abuse lawyer, it's often because you or someone close to you is facing an incredibly difficult situation. We’ve created this glossary page to help clarify some of the specific legal terms used in sexual abuse civil cases. These terms are important for understanding how the legal process works and what your rights are under California law. Below are key phrases and definitions that apply directly to the types of cases we handle, especially those involving survivors of abuse in Sacramento and the broader region.

Civil Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

A civil sexual abuse lawsuit is a legal claim filed by a survivor against a perpetrator or institution in civil court. Unlike criminal cases, where the government prosecutes the offender, civil lawsuits are initiated by the survivor. The main purpose of these suits is to seek financial compensation for harms suffered, including psychological trauma, medical bills, and disruptions to daily life. Civil claims can be brought even if a criminal prosecution was unsuccessful or never pursued. This legal route is often one of the few available options for survivors seeking meaningful accountability from individuals or organizations that allowed abuse to occur.

In California, survivors may file civil claims against abusers and third parties such as schools, religious institutions, or employers. These cases are typically supported by evidence such as therapy records, witness testimony, or institutional failures. Outcomes may include compensation, formal acknowledgment of harm, and in some instances, systemic change within the institution involved.

Look-Back Window

The “look-back window” refers to a period of time temporarily enacted by California law during which survivors of sexual abuse can file civil claims, regardless of when the abuse occurred. This legal mechanism was created to address the fact that many survivors do not disclose or process their abuse until years later—often well beyond the usual legal deadlines for filing a claim.

For example, California Assembly Bill 218 opened a three-year look-back window that ended in December 2022, allowing survivors to sue even if the statute of limitations had expired. While that particular window has closed, new legislation continues to adjust or reopen these windows depending on public policy decisions. These legal changes are especially significant for those abused in childhood who never had the opportunity to file due to fear, shame, or coercion.

Confidentiality Protections

California law provides several tools to help survivors maintain privacy during legal proceedings. Confidentiality protections include the ability to file a case using initials or a pseudonym, request closed hearings, and obtain protective orders limiting what the other party can share publicly. In sexual abuse cases, these measures are crucial for protecting survivors from additional harm such as retraumatization, media exposure, or retaliation.

These options are especially important in high-profile or institution-involved cases. For minors, the law includes extra safeguards to preserve their identity and mental well-being throughout the process. Survivors often find these protections help them feel safer and more in control while pursuing justice.

Institutional Abuse

Institutional abuse occurs when sexual abuse is committed or allowed within an organization responsible for the safety and care of others. Examples include abuse in schools, churches, sports teams, and foster care systems. In these cases, the survivor may bring legal action not only against the individual abuser but also against the institution that ignored, enabled, or concealed the abuse.

Legal claims tied to institutional abuse often center on failure to supervise, failure to report, or policies that discouraged victims from coming forward. In civil court, survivors can hold these entities accountable for allowing abuse to happen under their watch. These cases frequently uncover patterns of behavior and may involve multiple victims.

Third-Party Legal Responsibility

Third-party legal responsibility applies when someone other than the direct abuser—usually an organization or supervisor—is held liable for failing to prevent abuse. In sexual abuse cases, this typically includes employers, religious leaders, school officials, or organizations that had a duty to protect others from foreseeable harm.

For example, if a youth program failed to conduct background checks or ignored prior complaints about inappropriate behavior, they might be considered legally responsible. These cases can be complex but often play a key role in addressing systemic failures that allow abuse to continue unchecked. Survivors may be eligible for compensation from these third parties alongside claims against the primary abuser.

At Kellogg & Van Aken LLP, we take these issues seriously. Our goal is to pursue justice for survivors through civil legal actions that expose wrongdoing and help our clients reclaim their power. If you’re ready to speak with a Sacramento, CA sexual abuse lawyer, our team is here to listen and act on your behalf.

Contact us for a private consultation. You don’t have to go through this alone—our team is ready to help you move forward.

Kellogg & Van Aken LLP Fight For Survivors

Pursuing a civil lawsuit as a sexual abuse survivor can be an essential step in obtaining justice, financial support, and closure. Each case is unique, and damages must be carefully documented and presented to maximize recovery. Legal guidance from experienced attorneys ensures that survivors understand their rights and the full range of damages they may be entitled to pursue.

If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse, it is crucial to contact a qualified Sacramento sexual abuse lawyer promptly. Taking action not only aids in healing but also holds perpetrators accountable for their actions. The attorneys at Kellogg & Van Aken LLP have extensive legal experience helping survivors navigate the complex legal process, protect their rights, and pursue compensation for the full extent of their suffering. Contact our office to schedule a free and confidential consultation.