Sexual Abuse Lawyer San Francisco, CA

Compassionate Legal Representation For Sexual Abuse Survivors In San Francisco

At Kellogg & Van Aken LLP, we understand the immense courage it takes to come forward after experiencing sexual abuse. Our San Francisco, CA sexual abuse lawyer is committed to providing survivors with compassionate, respectful, and effective legal representation. With significant experience in handling sensitive cases, we're here to amplify your voice and advocate for your rights.

As a survivor, you have the right to seek justice and hold your perpetrator accountable for their actions. We understand the weight of what you have gone through and know that it may feel scary and overwhelming to figure out what the next step may be. Our legal team is here to help you understand your rights and options. Whether it's pursuing a civil lawsuit for damages or supporting you through a criminal case against your offender, we're here to support you every step of the way. At our firm, we're more than happy to handle the legal work so that you can dedicate the necessary time and energy to healing and recovery. Contact us today to get set up with a free and confidential consultation. 

 

Types Of Sexual Abuse Cases We Handle

The emotional, psychological, and financial toll of sexual abuse can follow survivors for years—often for a lifetime. We understand that pursuing justice isn’t easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Kellogg & Van Aken LLP, our San Francisco, CA sexual abuse lawyer team is here to help you hold individuals and institutions accountable under California law, including under Civil Code § 52.4, which grants survivors the right to pursue damages through civil litigation regardless of criminal charges.

Abuse In Religious Institutions

Survivors of abuse by clergy members or religious leaders often face unique barriers to coming forward—fear, stigma, and institutional pressure. We’ve handled cases involving long-standing patterns of misconduct shielded by church leadership. Our legal team understands how to uncover the truth and pursue claims not just against individual perpetrators, but also the entities that enabled their behavior.

School And Youth Organization Abuse

Schools, summer camps, and youth groups are meant to be safe environments. Sadly, we’ve seen how negligent hiring or supervision can lead to tragic consequences. Whether the abuse occurred at a private academy or a national youth organization, our team can investigate and pursue claims against both the abuser and the organization responsible for failing to protect your child.

Workplace Sexual Assault And Harassment

Employees should never have to endure unwanted sexual advances, coercion, or assault at work. We handle cases where coworkers, supervisors, or clients engaged in abusive conduct, and where employers ignored or covered up complaints. Survivors may be entitled to compensation under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act in addition to civil remedies for assault and battery.

Institutional Abuse In Group Homes And Facilities

People in group homes, foster care, or mental health facilities are among the most vulnerable—and often the least believed. We've advocated for survivors abused by staff or fellow residents in institutions that failed to act on warning signs. These cases often involve regulatory violations and a breach of duty by facility administrators.

Delayed Disclosure And Repressed Memories

It's not uncommon for survivors to come forward years after the abuse took place. Thanks to California’s extended statute of limitations under the Childhood Sexual Abuse Accountability Act, survivors have more time to file claims—even decades after the abuse. If you’re just now remembering what happened or only recently found the strength to speak, we can still help.

Abuse By Trusted Family Friends Or Caregivers

When abuse is committed by someone close—a coach, neighbor, babysitter, or family friend—it’s especially devastating. The betrayal runs deep, and the emotional fallout can be profound. Our attorneys take great care to handle these cases with sensitivity, confidentiality, and unwavering support as we build a case that reflects the harm done.

Our approach always centers on the survivor’s story, not just the facts. With over 25 years of combined experience and recognition in California’s legal community for our advocacy, Kellogg & Van Aken LLP brings both compassion and courtroom strength to every case. If you’re unsure where your experience fits or whether it qualifies, we invite you to explore our survivor advocacy page. Whatever your story, you deserve to be heard—and to have skilled, trauma-informed legal allies on your side. If you're ready to talk with a San Francisco sexual abuse lawyer who will listen and fight for you, contact us through our secure web form today.

Survivors’ Rights In California

If you or someone you love has been sexually abused, holding the perpetrator and any enablers accountable can be an important step toward healing. Abusers can be brought to justice by getting criminally prosecuted or by being held civilly liable. Here's a breakdown of the difference: 

• Criminal Charges: Criminal charges involve the state or federal government prosecuting the abuser with the aim of punishing the abuser. If the abuser is convicted, the abuser may face jail time, probation, or other criminal penalties. Criminal charges require meeting a higher burden of proof: “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
• Civil Lawsuit: A civil lawsuit is a separate legal action where a sexual abuse survivor can seek financial compensation for the harm they have suffered. A civil lawsuit addresses the personal impact of the abuse, including emotional distress, trauma, and other damages. The burden of proof in a civil lawsuit is by a “preponderance of the evidence,” which is a lower burden of proof than in criminal cases.

Through a civil lawsuit, sexual abuse survivors may be entitled to compensation for medical services, mental health services, physical injuries, pain and suffering, emotional distress, therapy and counseling, medications, lost income, relocation, and other costs. Punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the wrongdoers and deter future misconduct. Although a financial award cannot undo the harm that was caused, it can provide validation, closure, and the means to heal. Our San Francisco sexual abuse lawyer can help you hold perpetrators and the institutions that protect them accountable.

Who Can Be Held Liable For Sexual Abuse?

According to report from the U.S. Department of Justice, less than 35 percent of sexual abuse cases are reported to the police. In many cases, the only justice a sexual abuse victim gets is by filing a lawsuit against the offender and any other parties that could be held liable under California law.

Although the abuser is typically the most obvious target, at times, other entities or persons who failed in their duty of care toward you can also be held responsible, including: 

• The company, organization, or workplace that hired the abuser or provided the abuser with access to victims; and 
• The venue, institution, school, business, camp, or other locations where the abuse took place.

At Kellogg & Van Aken LLP, our objective is to hold any and all responsible parties accountable for the sexual abuse perpetrated against our clients.

Contact Us For A Free And Confidential Consultation

Your path to healing and justice matters deeply to us. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse in San Francisco or the greater Bay Area, we encourage you to reach out to us. Contact our compassionate team at (415) 849-3102 or fill out our confidential online form to schedule your free consultation.

San Francisco Sexual Abuse Infographic

Sexual Abuse Statistics

According to national statistics, one in five girls and one in 20 boys are sexually abused before the age of 18. Multiple studies show that 20 percent of adult females and up to 10 percent of adult males report at least one sexual abuse or sexual assault incident.

For more information and to learn what legal recourse you may have, call our office to speak with a sexual abuse lawyer.

FAQs

At Kellogg & Van Aken LLP, we believe in empowering our clients with the right information. Below are some key questions and answers that can guide you in seeking justice.

What Are the Statutes Of Limitations For Sexual Abuse Survivors In California?

The legal time frames for initiating sexual abuse claims in California vary based on the age of the victim at the time of the abuse and the date the abuse occurred. Recent legislative changes in California have extended the statutes of limitations for both child and adult victims of sexual abuse, allowing for the possibility of filing a claim even if a significant amount of time has passed since the incident.

• Childhood Sexual Abuse (Before January 1, 2024): Victims who were under 18 years of age at the time of the abuse have the option to file a civil lawsuit before they turn 40 years old, or within 5 years from the date they realize their psychological harm or illness is a result of the sexual abuse, whichever comes later. 
• Childhood Sexual Abuse (After January 1, 2024): For childhood sexual abuse cases occurring on or after January 1, 2024, there is no statute of limitations, allowing claims to be filed at any time. (Refer to Code of Civil Procedure section 340.1 for more details.)
• Adult Sexual Abuse (Between January 1, 2009, and January 1, 2019): The Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act (California Assembly Bill 2777), which came into effect on January 1, 2023, provides a specific window for legal action. Adults who experienced sexual abuse between January 1, 2009, and January 1, 2019, can bring a civil lawsuit from January 1, 2023, until December 31, 2026. (For more details, see Code of Civil Procedure section 340.16(b)(3).)
• Adult Sexual Abuse (After January 1, 2019): For victims who were over 18 years old at the time of the abuse, and if the abuse occurred after January 1, 2019, they have up to 10 years from the date of the last incident to file a lawsuit. Alternatively, they can file within three years from the date they discover or should have reasonably discovered that their injury or illness was a consequence of the assault, whichever is later. (See Code of Civil Procedure section 340.16(a) for further information.)

What Qualifications Should I Look For In A Sexual Abuse Lawyer?

When searching for a sexual abuse lawyer, the most important qualifications to consider are experience and specialization. A lawyer with specific experience in sexual abuse cases will be more skilled at addressing the complex legal and emotional nuances of such cases. Look for someone who has a proven track record in handling similar cases and is knowledgeable about the specific laws and statutes pertaining to sexual abuse in your jurisdiction. 

What Is The Role Of Confidentiality In Sexual Abuse Legal Cases?

Confidentiality is paramount in sexual abuse cases. It serves to protect the privacy of the survivor and any sensitive information related to the case. Our sexual abuse lawyer will make sure that all communications, documents, and strategy discussions are kept confidential. This level of discretion is crucial not only for the protection of the survivor’s personal and emotional well-being but also for maintaining the integrity of the legal process. 

How Long Does A Typical Sexual Abuse Legal Case Take?

The duration of a sexual abuse legal case varies widely depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the legal processes involved, and the jurisdiction in which the case is being pursued. Some cases may be resolved in a matter of months, while others could take several years, especially if they involve extensive investigations, multiple parties, or go to trial. 

What Are The Risks Of Pursuing A Legal Case For Sexual Abuse?

Pursuing a legal case for sexual abuse involves several risks. These include the emotional impact of revisiting traumatic experiences, potential public exposure, and the uncertainty of the legal outcome.

It’s essential to have legal representation who can help you weigh these risks against the potential benefits of seeking justice and compensation. Our San Francisco sexual abuse lawyer can also provide support and resources to help manage the emotional toll of the legal process.

What Support Services Do Attorneys Provide For Their Clients?

Sexual abuse lawyers offer a range of support services to their clients, beyond just legal representation. These include emotional support, guidance through the medical and psychological impact of abuse, and connections to counseling and support groups. 

Kellogg & Van Aken LLP, San Fransisco Sexual Abuse Lawyer

One Sansome St 35th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94105

Contact Our Compassionate Team

Our legal team helps victims of sexual abuse just like you every day. We listen to your story, and most importantly – we believe you. Our goal is to help you secure the compensation you deserve from the person or entity that harmed you. We fight diligently for your rights and provide the thoughtful legal advice you need to make the right decisions for yourself. Call Kellogg & VanAken, LLP today for a free, confidential consultation.