Sexual Abuse

Los Angeles lawyers fight to protect victims from sexual abuse throughout Los Angeles. We believe you. We will fight for you. We will help you get justice.

According to RAINN, every 92 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. Every 9 minutes, that victim is a child. Most victims of sexual violence are female.

Sexual abuse and assault are atrocious acts that have long lasting effects on victims. The emotional pain and the toll of sexual violence leaves victims hurt, traumatized, and with a feeling of helplessness. At Aarons Ward, we have a history of fighting for victims of sexual assault and abuse. We help our clients navigate through the process so they can achieve justice on their path to healing. If you are a survivor of sexual abuse or assault, call our caring and compassionate lawyers to see if we can help you to achieve justice.

What is sexual abuse? Sex abuse of a child is any type of sexual interaction or activity with a minor. A child cannot consent to this type of activity, and it does not have to be physical, non-physical conduct can be child abuse as well. Sexual abuse of a child includes the following:

• Obscene phone calls, text messages, or digital interaction
• Exhibitionism, or exposing oneself to a minor
• Fondling
• Masturbation in the presence of a minor or forcing the minor to masturbate
• Producing, owning, or sharing pornographic images or movies of children
• Sex of any kind with a minor, including vaginal, oral, or anal
• Any other sexual conduct that is harmful to a child's mental, emotional, or physical welfare

Many victims of sexual violence delay out of fear, anxiety, shame, or denial. Some even blame themselves. Victims of sexual abuse should know: what happened to you is not your fault.

If you are a victim of sexual assault or abuse, or a parent or guardian of a victim, it is important to know that there are timelines to bringing a lawsuit. Sometimes, claims need to be filed to preserve your right to file suit later on. Some claims have to be filed within 6 months, while others can be filed later. In some instances with civil sexual abuse claims, a victim can file a case within eight years of the age of majority, which means they may have until they are 26 years old in California to file suit. In other cases, civil sexual abuse claims may also be brought if sexual abuse was discovered within the last three years. While you may not be ready now, you will want to preserve your right to file a claim and be aware of those deadlines. If you don’t file a claim or lawsuit within the time allowed by law, then no recovery can be sought no matter how righteous your claim may be.

Also, delay can cause serious damage to your case. Memories fade. Evidence gets lost, damaged, or destroyed. Physical evidence needs to be collected and preserved. Delay can cause further harm to the victim by not getting the emotional support, therapy, or other treatments they need.

Sexual abuse cases happen in a variety of institutions. At school, by teachers, coaches, or other students. Sexual abuse can occur in the medical profession by doctors, therapists, nurses, or other medical professionals. By caregivers for dependent adults or the elderly in care facilities or nursing homes. It occurs in religious institutions by religious leaders, youth group leaders, or others. On college campuses, in dating or marital relationships, and in the home. Sexual abuse can happen in the workplace as well.

At Aarons Ward, we represent any child who has suffered from abuse at the hands of an adult or another student. We represent adults who have been the victim of abuse or sexual violence. We are here to support all survivors and help them reclaim their power.

Through the civil justice system, survivors can speak out, stand up, and bring about meaningful change in our society.

• RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
• Strength United