Justice and Healing: Legal Options After Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is a deeply traumatic experience that leaves lasting emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical scars. For many who have been sexually abused, the pain doesn’t end with the assault – it continues in silence, isolation, and fear. Coming forward can feel overwhelming, especially when the legal system seems complex or intimidating. Yet, seeking justice through a legal claim is not only possible, it can be a powerful step toward healing and reclaiming control.

At RMD Law, a compassionate and experienced law firm specializing in sexual abuse claims, we understand the courage it takes to speak out. Whether the abuse happened recently or many years ago, California law offers protections and legal pathways for survivors to pursue accountability, compensation, and closure.

This blog is here to inform you of your rights, options, and the support available if you are considering filing a sexual abuse claim in California. You are not alone. And you deserve justice.

What Is Classified as Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse refers to any unwanted sexual contact or activity where consent is not freely given. Perpetrators may use force, threats, manipulation, or exploit a victim’s inability to consent. It encompasses a range of acts, including rape (non-consensual penetration), attempted rape, molestation or unwanted touching, sexual battery (non-consensual touching of intimate parts), sexual coercion, and even sexual harassment that involves coercive sexual behavior.

Non-consensual touching is often committed for the perpetrator’s sexual gratification, which is a key element in legal definitions. Under California law, these acts are considered a sex crime, including offenses such as rape and sexual assault, and highlight the importance of consent in distinguishing legal from illegal sexual acts.

In essence, any sexual act that a person did not or could not agree to is sexual abuse. Importantly, it’s never the victim’s fault – responsibility lies solely with the perpetrator.

Sexual assault can happen to anyone regardless of gender, age, or background. However, women and children are particularly vulnerable, and many abuses are committed by someone the victim knows (such as a family member, partner, teacher, or acquaintance). According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), an American is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds on average. These sobering statistics highlight how common this issue is and underscore the need for awareness, support, and justice for survivors.

Filing a Sexual Abuse Claim in California

Taking legal action after sexual abuse can be daunting, but it’s a path toward empowerment and accountability. Filing a sexual assault case in California initiates a sexual abuse case, which involves specific legal procedures. Filing an abuse claim generally involves both immediate steps for your safety and formal legal steps to pursue compensation.

Survivors are encouraged to pursue legal action if they wish to seek justice and accountability. A compassionate personal injury lawyer can guide you, and having a dedicated legal team ensures you have comprehensive support and advocacy throughout the process.

Ensure Your Safety and Health

First, get to a safe place and seek medical attention if needed. Medical professionals can treat injuries and perform a sexual assault forensic exam (rape kit) to collect DNA or other evidence. Your health and well-being are the top priority.

Report the Incident

Consider reporting the incident to law enforcement. While reporting to police is not required to file a civil claim, a police report can serve as important evidence later. Reporting the incident may also result in authorities deciding whether to file criminal charges against the perpetrator. If criminal charges are filed, this may lead to a criminal case against the perpetrator, which is separate from any civil claim you may pursue. However, the choice to report is personal – do what feels right for you. It can be uncomfortable, but it is a necessary step toward recovery and prevention of future incidents.

Reach Out for Support

Contact a trusted friend, family member, or counselor. Sexual abuse is traumatic, and emotional support is essential. There are numerous hotlines and organizations (listed at the end of this post) that offer confidential help, guidance, and resources tailored specifically for survivors. Connecting with others who understand your experience can provide comfort and strength during this difficult time.

Consult a Personal Injury Attorney

An experienced attorney can explain your legal options and help you move forward. In California, survivors of sexual assault can file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator and potentially against other responsible parties. For example, if the abuse happened due to a third party’s negligence (like an employer or institution that failed to prevent abuse), those parties can also be sued. Our law firm offers a free consultation to discuss your potential sexual assault claim in California.

Investigation and Filing the Civil Lawsuit

Once you decide to proceed, your lawyer will investigate and gather evidence to build your case. This may include medical records, photographs of injuries, forensic evidence from a rape kit, any communications or messages from the perpetrator, witness statements, and expert opinions. Establishing the timeline of the crimes committed is crucial, as it helps determine the applicable statute of limitations and strengthens your case. Your attorney will then file a complaint in civil court detailing the abuse and the legal claims (such as assault, battery, emotional distress, or negligence).

Legal Process

After filing, the lawsuit enters the pre-trial phase. Both sides (through their lawyers) exchange information and evidence in a process called discovery. Many sexual abuse claims are settled out of court, meaning a survivor may receive a negotiated compensation without a trial. If no settlement is reached, the case can go to trial where a judge or jury decides the outcome. Throughout this process, your lawyer will advocate on your behalf and handle the legal complexities, allowing you to focus on healing.

Every case is different, and the process can be complex – especially if multiple parties are involved or if the abuse happened long ago. A compassionate personal injury lawyer can guide you step by step, from filing the claim to resolution, while protecting your rights. Remember, you don’t have to navigate this alone.

What Compensation Can Survivors Seek?

A civil sexual abuse claim is primarily about obtaining financial compensation (damages) to help survivors recover and rebuild their lives. Compensation is available for survivors of sex abuse, including those harmed by individuals or institutions such as a school district. While no amount of money can erase the trauma, it can relieve the burdens that come in the aftermath. In California, survivors may seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, such as:

• Medical Expenses: This includes costs of emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, and ongoing medical treatment for injuries or health issues caused by the assault. For instance, if a survivor contracted a sexually transmitted infection or suffered physical injuries, the cost of treatment can be claimed.

• Therapy and Mental Health Services: Sexual assault often leaves deep psychological wounds. Survivors can claim the costs of counseling, therapy, psychological or psychiatric care for conditions like depression, anxiety, or PTSD resulting from the abuser. Ongoing therapy and support are crucial parts of healing.

• Prescription Medications: If a survivor needs medications (such as antidepressants or anxiety medication) due to the trauma, those costs can be included.

• Lost Wages or Income: Many survivors need time off work to recover, or may even be unable to continue in the same job or career because of trauma. You can claim compensation for lost income, including past lost wages and even future earning capacity if the abuse affected your ability to work.

• Relocation Expenses: In some cases, a survivor may need to move to feel safe (for example, to get away from an abuser who knows where they live). Costs of breaking a lease, moving, and setting up a new home in a safer area can be recovered.

• Pain and Suffering: Survivors endure profound pain – not just physically, but emotionally. Emotional distress damages compensate for the psychological anguish, trauma, humiliation, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the abuse. Physical pain and suffering damages recognize the bodily pain and injuries inflicted. While these are harder to quantify, they are a critical part of the claim given the life-altering impact of abuse.

• Punitive Damages: In particularly egregious cases, California law may also allow punitive damages. These are not meant to compensate the victim, but to punish the wrongdoer for extreme misconduct and deter others. Not every case involves punitive damages, but for example, under California’s AB 218 law, if an institution engaged in a deliberate cover-up of previous sexual abuse, a survivor of subsequent abuse by the same perpetrator can potentially recover treble damages (three times the actual damages). This provision aims to hold organizations, such as a school district, accountable if they concealed sex abuse and allowed it to continue.

• Legal Costs: The costs of pursuing justice, court fees and related expenses, can sometimes be recouped as well. Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee (no upfront cost, they only get paid if you win), and California courts may award attorney’s fees in certain cases, so the financial risk of filing a claim is reduced for survivors.

Every survivor’s situation is unique, and a lawyer can help evaluate which categories of damages apply in your case. The goal of compensation is not a windfall – it’s to provide resources for recovery and acknowledge, in a tangible way, the harm you suffered.

Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse Claims in California

Statute of limitations is the time limit for filing a lawsuit. Sexual assault statutes in California set the legal timeframes for filing claims, and recent changes have extended these periods. These laws are crucial: if you file too late, you could be barred from pursuing your claim.

The California legislature has recently enacted several California Assembly Bills, such as California Assembly Bill 2777 (AB 2777) and California Assembly Bill 218, to expand survivors’ rights and address issues related to expired statutes. California has made significant changes to extend these timeframes for sexual assault survivors, recognizing that it often takes years or decades for survivors to come forward.

For Adults (18 and older at the time of abuse)

Thanks to a 2019 law (Assembly Bill 1619), adult survivors of sexual assault now have 10 years from the date of the assault to file a civil lawsuit, or 3 years from the date they discover an injury or psychological harm from the assault, whichever is later.

In other words, if you immediately recognize the harm, you have 10 years to sue; if you only later connect your trauma or injuries to that assault, you have 3 years from that “discovery” date, even if the assault was long ago. This is a significant increase from the old law, which was only 2 years – reflecting an understanding that survivors often need more time to process trauma.

For Minors and Childhood Sexual Abuse (under 18 at the time of abuse)

Under the California Child Victims Act (Assembly Bill 218, enacted in 2019), survivors of childhood sexual abuse can file a lawsuit up until their 40th birthday, or within 5 years of discovery of the abuse or its effects – whichever is later. This extends the previous deadline (which was age 26 under older law). Childhood victims receive special legal protections under California law, including extended statutes of limitations to ensure they have a fair opportunity to seek justice. So, for instance, if someone was abused as a child but only in their 30s realized the psychological injury it caused, they could sue within 5 years of that realization even if they are over 40.

Additionally, AB 218 opened a special 3-year lookback window (from 2020 through the end of 2022) during which any victim of child sexual abuse, including those who suffered child sexual assault, could file a lawsuit, even if their case was previously expired under old time limits. Childhood sexual abuse cases often present unique emotional and legal challenges for victims, making these extended protections especially important. That window (which has now closed) led to thousands of older cases being filed and held institutions accountable for past abuse.

Complexities of Statute of Limitations

It’s important to note that calculating the statute of limitations can be complex. Factors like the survivor’s age, the type of claim, when the harm was discovered, and whether the defendant is a public entity (government agencies often have shorter notice deadlines) can affect the timeline. For example, claims against public institutions like schools or juvenile facilities may involve additional procedures or deadlines.

In fact, California recently even adjusted laws to help survivors sue public entities for old abuse cases (removing certain immunity that governments had). Because of these complexities, consulting with a knowledgeable attorney promptly is wise – they can determine exactly how long you have to file.

The bottom line is that California law gives survivors more time than ever before to seek justice. Even if the abuse happened years ago, don’t assume you have no recourse. You may still be within the time window to take legal action.

Date of Discovery and Revived Expired Claims

In California, the “date of discovery” rule is a critical protection for sexual assault victims, especially those who experienced childhood sexual assault. This legal principle acknowledges that many survivors may not immediately recognize the full extent of their trauma or connect their psychological injuries to the abuse they suffered. Under California law, victims have three years from the date they discover – or reasonably should have discovered – the harm caused by sexual assault to file a claim, even if the original statute of limitations has expired.

This provision is especially important for childhood sexual assault victims, who may only come to terms with their experiences later in life. The California Child Victims Act has further strengthened these protections. This means that even if you thought your opportunity to file a sexual assault claim had passed, you may still have legal options available.

Navigating these complex timelines and legal requirements can be challenging, but experienced sexual assault attorneys are well-versed in California law and can help you determine whether your claim is still viable. They can guide you through the process of filing a claim, gathering evidence, and seeking the compensation and accountability you deserve. If you are unsure about your rights or the timing of your claim, consulting with a knowledgeable attorney can help you make informed decisions about your path to justice.

Challenges in Pursuing a Sexual Abuse Claim

Filing a sexual abuse claim can be challenging for several reasons – emotional, social, and legal. Although taking legal action is crucial for holding sexual predators accountable and protecting others from future harm, that isn’t always the easiest path. Understanding these challenges can help you prepare and not feel discouraged.

Emotional Toll and Retraumatization

The process of recounting and reliving the abuse in statements, legal filings, or testimony can be extremely difficult. Many survivors fear that pursuing a case will reopen old wounds. This is a very real concern – talking about the trauma or facing the perpetrator again (even in a courtroom) can be retraumatizing. It’s important to have counseling or support systems in place as you consider legal action.

Fear and Stigma

Sadly, a social stigma still exists around sexual assault. Survivors may fear not being believed or worry they’ll be blamed for what happened. This fear can silence victims for years. In fact, it’s estimated that less than one in three sexual assaults are ever reported to authorities, often because survivors blame themselves or fear retaliation. Overcoming this internal and external pressure to “keep quiet” is a major challenge.

Delay in Disclosure

It’s very common for survivors to wait a long time before telling anyone or taking legal action. Trauma, shame, or even not fully processing what happened can lead to delays. Unfortunately, a delay can make legal cases harder: evidence may be lost or faded, memories of witnesses may become less clear, and it gives the defense an opportunity to question credibility (“why did you wait so long?” – even though we know there are valid reasons).

California’s extension of the statute of limitations acknowledges this reality, but the practical difficulties of proof can increase over time. For example, physical evidence might no longer exist years later, or witnesses might be hard to locate.

Legal Hurdles of Proof

Sexual assault cases can sometimes come down to one person’s word against another’s, especially if there was no eyewitness or immediate forensic evidence. The high burden of proof in civil cases (preponderance of evidence) still requires convincing evidence of what happened. Defense attorneys might try to argue consent (in adult cases) or that the events didn’t occur as alleged.

Overcoming these arguments often requires skilled lawyering and corroborating evidence (medical reports, police reports, prior complaints against the perpetrator, etc.). It can be done – but it’s not always easy.

Facing the Perpetrator or Institution

Challenging an abuser, particularly if it’s someone you once trusted, a family member, or a powerful person, is intimidating. Similarly, going up against an institution (like a school, employer, or church) can feel like a David vs. Goliath situation. Large institutions may have aggressive lawyers or insurance companies defending them. This imbalance of power can be stressful for survivors. However, remember that the law is on your side in protecting victims, and a good attorney will help even the playing field.

Privacy Concerns

Survivors often worry about their privacy when filing a claim. It’s possible to file a lawsuit as “Jane Doe” or “John Doe” in many sexual abuse cases to protect your identity, and courts often will issue protective orders for sensitive information. Nonetheless, the fear of public exposure or community gossip is a real challenge that can deter victims from coming forward.

Despite these challenges, many survivors do find justice through civil claims. The key is to go at your own pace and seek support. Therapists, support groups, and victim advocates can provide emotional strength, while experienced attorneys handle the legal heavy lifting.

The civil justice system is increasingly sensitive to survivor needs. For example, California law now explicitly disallows using a survivor’s sexual history to discredit them in most cases (rape shield laws), and courts can take steps to make the process less traumatic. While filing a claim is hard, survivors often say that holding their abuser accountable was an empowering step in reclaiming their voice.

Why You Should Consider Filing a Claim (Despite the Challenges)

With all the hurdles and the pain involved, one might wonder: Is it worth it to file a claim? While the answer is deeply personal for each survivor, there are important reasons why pursuing a legal claim can be beneficial – not just for you, but for others as well.

Accountability and Deterrence

Filing a claim holds the perpetrator (and any enabling institutions) accountable in a concrete way. Even if the person was acquitted in criminal court or never faced criminal charges, a civil suit can publicly establish their responsibility. This accountability can protect others – once a predator’s actions are exposed, it’s harder for them to harm someone else. As one California lawmaker said when extending the statute of limitations, “We shouldn’t be telling victims their time is up… we need them to come forward to protect the community from future abuse.” By coming forward, you could prevent what happened to you from happening to someone else.

Empowerment and Justice

Many survivors describe a civil claim as part of their healing journey. It’s a chance to turn the tables – to have your voice heard and assert that what was done to you was wrong. The civil justice process, for all its challenges, treats you as a party with rights, not just a witness to a crime. Standing up in court (even if through your attorney) can be empowering. A successful result can provide validation that yes, you were wronged and it wasn’t your fault. Even an out-of-court settlement can bring a sense of justice and closure, knowing the abuser (or liable institution) had to answer for their actions.

Compensation for Recovery

The financial compensation from a claim can be critical for rebuilding your life. Therapy, medical care, time off work – these things cost money. A settlement or judgment can fund your counseling, education, relocation, or other needs that help you move forward. Without a claim, many survivors struggle to afford the resources that aid in recovery. You deserve support, and a civil claim can provide the means to get it.

Sending a Message

When survivors file lawsuits and win, it sends a powerful message to society that sexual abuse will not be swept under the rug. Large verdicts or settlements grab headlines and can lead to reforms. Your individual case can contribute to a broader impact, showing other survivors that they are not alone and that perpetrators (no matter how powerful) can be challenged.

There is No Right or Wrong

Ultimately, the decision is the victims and only the victims. There is no “right” or “wrong” choice – healing can take many forms. But if you have the strength and support to pursue a claim, know that the law is increasingly on your side. California’s recent laws expanding time limits and allowing old cases show a trend: the state wants to give survivors their day in court. Many who have filed claims say they did so not only for themselves but to stand up for other survivors who couldn’t.

And remember, even if the legal system isn’t perfect, silence often allows abusers to continue, whereas taking action shines a light on the truth. As one research summary put it, when sexual assaults go unreported, it leads to “victims feeling guilt and worry about the perpetrator roaming free” and a greater risk of repeated crimes. Breaking that silence can be difficult, but it can also be incredibly courageous and impactful.

However, a sexual assault victim should never be pushed or encouraged to do anything they do not want to do. How one person heals and chooses to overcome their trauma is not how every victim will choose to move forward. This is an incredibly personal, highly-sensitive experience that should be handled with care and compassion.

Recent High-Profile Sexual Abuse Cases

In the past few years, we’ve seen several high-profile sexual abuse cases that demonstrate how civil legal action can bring justice and spur change. These cases show that no abuser – and no negligent institution – is beyond the reach of the law, and they highlight the importance of survivors speaking out.

• University of Southern California (USC) Gynecologist Case: One of the largest sexual assault settlements in U.S. history involved hundreds of women abused by a campus gynecologist. USC agreed to pay over $1.1 billion in settlements, highlighting the consequences institutions face when ignoring sexual misconduct.

• Boy Scouts of America Settlement: Following decades of abuse, the Boy Scouts established a $2.46 billion settlement fund in 2022 for thousands of survivors, made possible by laws allowing old claims to be filed. This settlement has prompted reforms in youth organizations.

• Catholic Church and Others: Numerous lawsuits against church dioceses, schools, and youth organizations in California have resulted in significant payouts, including over $1.2 billion by the Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles. In 2025, Los Angeles County approved a $4 billion settlement for nearly 7,000 victims abused in county-run foster homes and juvenile facilities—the largest sexual abuse settlement in U.S. history.

Each of these cases was driven by victims who bravely told their stories. The outcomes not only provided compensation, but also prompted institutional changes – from personnel firings and new policies to public awareness that hopefully prevents future abuse. High-profile cases like these encourage other survivors that justice is possible. They also put predators and negligent organizations on notice that they will be held accountable.

Settlement Ranges

The value of a sexual assault case in California varies widely, with settlements typically ranging from tens of thousands up to multi-millions. Factors influencing the amount include the severity of the abuse, victim’s age, extent of injuries, and institutional negligence. High-profile cases involving cover-ups or repeated failures to protect victims have resulted in jury verdicts exceeding $10 million.

These substantial settlements highlight California’s commitment to holding perpetrators and negligent institutions accountable, including school districts, youth organizations, and religious institutions.

Experienced sexual assault attorneys play a vital role in helping victims understand their claim’s value, gather evidence, and negotiate settlements or pursue trials, always prioritizing the survivor’s best interests. Consulting a knowledgeable attorney is crucial to assess options and seek the compensation needed for recovery.

Criminal Lawsuits for Sexual Assault

Criminal lawsuits for sexual assault in California allow survivors to seek justice through the criminal court system. The state prosecutes the perpetrator under specific statutes of limitations: charges can be filed up to the victim’s 40th birthday if the assault occurred as a minor, and generally within ten years for adult victims. These extended timeframes recognize the challenges survivors face in coming forward.

Criminal cases aim to hold offenders accountable through penalties like imprisonment or probation but do not provide direct financial compensation to victims. Experienced sexual assault attorneys can guide survivors through reporting, working with law enforcement, and understanding their rights, helping them navigate this complex process effectively.

The Role of Civil Court in Providing Justice

Civil court offers sexual assault victims in California a vital avenue to seek justice, accountability, and financial compensation for physical injuries, emotional distress, lost wages, and other harms caused by sexual abuse. Beyond holding perpetrators accountable, civil lawsuits can target institutions – such as schools, churches, or youth organizations – that enabled or concealed abuse.

Thanks to the California Child Victims Act, more survivors, especially child victims, can file civil lawsuits even years after the abuse occurred. With experienced sexual assault attorneys guiding survivors through the legal process, civil court can provide validation, closure, and resources needed for healing and rebuilding lives.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help Strengthen Your Sexual Assault Claim

Given the complexities of sexual abuse cases, having a skilled personal injury lawyer (especially one experienced in sexual assault claims) is invaluable. Here’s how an attorney can support and strengthen your case:

Legal Expertise and Guidance

An attorney will explain your rights and options in plain language. They know the specific laws in California that apply to your case. For example, which legal claims to bring (such as assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, etc.), and how to navigate any procedural requirements. They’ll also ensure your case is filed within the correct statute of limitations, using the extended timeframes available for survivors.

Investigation and Evidence Collection

Lawyers have the resources to thoroughly investigate what happened. They can gather crucial evidence that you might have difficulty obtaining on your own. This can include obtaining medical records that document your injuries, hospital or therapy records that show the aftermath, and arranging for forensic analysis of any available evidence.

If a rape kit was done, they will use the DNA results as powerful evidence linking the perpetrator to the crime. They may help secure any video surveillance (for instance, if the assault happened in a place with cameras) before it’s erased, and collect electronic evidence like emails, text messages, or social media posts that indicate guilt or cover-ups. In short, a lawyer will help build the strongest case possible with the available evidence.

Proving Liability of Third Parties

One key role of an experienced attorney is to identify all parties who may be legally responsible. While the perpetrator is obviously liable, there may be others. For example, if you were abused by a coworker or supervisor, your employer might be liable for failing to prevent or respond to the abuse. If a child was molested by a teacher or coach, the school or youth organization might be liable for negligent hiring or supervision.

Successful cases often hinge on proving that someone besides the abuser had a duty to protect you and failed to do so. This is also important for insurance coverage – intentional acts by the perpetrator alone might not be covered by insurance, but if you can show a negligent third party (an entity) was partly at fault, their insurance may cover the damages. A lawyer’s analytical skills in connecting the dots to a broader institutional failure can greatly increase the chances of a meaningful recovery.

Handling Communications and Negotiations

Once you have a lawyer, they will handle all communications with the defendant or their insurance company. This protects you from potential intimidation or manipulative settlement tactics. Attorneys are skilled negotiators – they will fight for a fair settlement and can often obtain a much higher compensation than a victim would on their own. If the other side offers a settlement, your lawyer will advise you if it’s reasonable or if you should hold out for more or proceed to trial.

Advocacy in Court

If your case goes to trial, having a lawyer is absolutely essential. They will present your story to the judge or jury in a compelling way, introduce evidence, question witnesses, and counter the defense’s arguments. Sexual abuse trials are delicate – a good attorney knows how to handle sensitive topics so that jurors understand the impact on you.

They may use expert witnesses (for example, psychologists to explain how trauma affects memory and behavior) to support your case. Essentially, your lawyer is your voice and shield in the legal arena.

Emotional Support and Confidentiality

While a lawyer is not a therapist, a trauma-informed attorney will conduct the process with compassion and understanding. They will prepare you for what to expect and can often connect you with victim advocates or support services. They will also work to protect your privacy (such as using Jane Doe pseudonyms) whenever possible. Knowing that a professional is handling the legal side can lift a huge weight off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on self-care and recovery.

No Upfront Costs

The RMD Law attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and they only get paid if they win or settle your case. This arrangement allows survivors of all financial means to get quality legal representation. It also aligns the attorney’s interests with yours – they are motivated to maximize your compensation.

Additionally, reputable law firms will advance the costs of litigation (for investigators, filings, expert witnesses, etc.), so you are not out-of-pocket. If the case is successful, those costs may be recovered from the defendant as part of the settlement or judgment.

Overall, a personal injury lawyer is not just a legal representative – they are an advocate for your rights and your story. At our firm, we have handled many sensitive cases with the utmost care and dedication. A good lawyer will believe you, stand by you, and fight to get you the justice you deserve. You don’t have to go through this alone; having an experienced attorney in your corner can make a profound difference in the outcome of your claim and in your peace of mind throughout the process.

Support and Resources for Survivors

Pursuing legal action is just one aspect of healing. Equally important is getting the emotional and practical support you need as a survivor of sexual abuse. Here are some resources available to help survivors in California (and nationwide):

• RAINN – National Sexual Assault Hotline: RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) operates a 24/7 confidential hotline for survivors. You can call 800-656-HOPE (4673) to be connected with a trained counselor who will listen, provide support, and help you find local resources. You can also chat online via RAINN’s website if you prefer not to talk on the phone. This service is free and anonymous; you don’t have to give any identifying information. Whether you need advice on what to do next, help processing what happened, or just someone to talk to, RAINN is there for you at any hour.

• Local Sexual Assault Crisis Centers: California has many rape crisis centers and sexual violence programs (often one in each county). These organizations offer counseling, support groups, advocates to accompany you to court or hospital visits, and other services for survivors. For example, in California you can reach out to the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CALCASA), now known as Valor, which can direct you to member agencies throughout the state. Many college campuses also have victim advocacy offices. All these services are typically free or low-cost and specialize in supporting sexual assault survivors.

• Victim Compensation Program (CalVCP): California has a victim compensation fund that can help pay for expenses related to violent crime, including sexual assault. If you reported the crime to law enforcement (even if you don’t pursue a civil case), you may be eligible to have costs like therapy, medical bills, or relocation reimbursed by the state. Your local victim advocate or attorney can help you apply for these benefits.

• Therapy and Support Groups: Consider seeking a therapist who specializes in sexual trauma. Professional counseling can be incredibly helpful in coping with PTSD, anxiety, depression, or other effects of abuse. Support groups (in-person or online) can connect you with fellow survivors so you realize you’re not alone and can share strength with others who understand. Hospitals, community centers, and nonprofits often run such groups.

• Law Enforcement and Legal Aid: If you wish to report the crime, local police departments have special sexual assault units with detectives trained for sensitivity. Many counties also have a Victim/Witness Assistance Center in the District Attorney’s office, where advocates help victims understand the criminal justice process and can accompany you to court. If you need legal help outside of personal injury (for example, family law issues or a restraining order), legal aid organizations or clinics may assist.

• Self-Care and Personal Support Network: Finally, don’t underestimate the power of personal support and self-care. Lean on friends or family you trust. Engage in activities that make you feel safe and empowered – whether that’s yoga, art, journaling, or simply taking walks in nature. Healing is a journey, and there’s no timeline or “correct” way to do it. Be kind to yourself and acknowledge your strength in surviving and seeking help.

You are not alone. There are people and organizations ready to help you navigate both the emotional aftermath and the legal process. Whether you decide to file a claim or not, these resources are here for you. And if you do choose to pursue a legal claim, combining these support systems with a strong legal advocate can provide a comprehensive path to healing and justice.

You Have Options, RMD Law is Here For You

Going through sexual abuse is unimaginably hard, and seeking justice afterward can feel overwhelming. Yet, many survivors in California have found a path to healing through the civil justice system  – holding perpetrators accountable, securing funds for treatment and recovery, and turning their pain into power.

If you’re considering a sexual assault claim, know that it’s normal to have doubts and fears, but also know that California’s laws are on your side, and help is available at every step. At RMD Law, we have seen firsthand the resilience of survivors and are committed to pursuing justice with compassion and expertise. Filing a claim is a personal choice, but whatever you decide, we stand with survivors and support your right to a safe, healthy future.

If you have questions about your legal options after sexual abuse, our team at RMD Law is here to listen and help. We offer free and confidential consultations where we’ll answer your questions and discuss possible next steps, with no obligation. You deserve to have your story heard and your rights protected. Justice and healing are possible, and you don’t have to seek them alone.

Remember: help is available. You survived the abuse – and with the right support, you can survive the recovery and reclaim your life. Stay strong, and don’t hesitate to reach out for the healing you deserve. Contact RMD Law at (949) 828-0015 whenever you’re ready.