Bill to Protect Child Victims of Sexual Abuse Passes California Senate
The effects of childhood sexual abuse go far beyond the physical pain. These young victims are also forced to deal with years of psychological and emotional distress as they work to process the trauma and move forward in their lives. Recognizing these challenges, California State Senator Henry Stern has introduced a bill that will make it easier for child victims of sexual abuse to receive the help and treatment they need.
The psychological effects of childhood sexual abuse
Sexual abuse generally involves the domination and exploitation of a victim, but it can occur in various ways. In cases involving children, the aggressor may be someone as close as a parent or as far removed as a complete stranger. These incidents may occur on a regular and frequent basis, or they may involve one isolated event.
When children are forced to have sexual relations before they are developmentally ready, the results are traumatic. The experience can impede childhood development and lead to a multitude of long-term psychological complications, including:
- Shame
- Self-loathing
- Anxiety
- Sexual problems
- Eating disorders
- Substance abuse
According to a study by the American Counseling Association, depression is the most common psychological effect of childhood sexual abuse. Left untreated, this condition can affect children into adulthood, negatively impacting their ability to lead productive lives, and even leading to suicidal ideations.
Providing childhood sexual abuse victims with the help they need
California Senate Bill 756 went into effect on July 1, 2017. Co-sponsored by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, as well as the Crime Victims’ Action Alliance, the legislation allows the payment of restitution to young victims for the purpose of providing them with necessary mental health treatments. These fees would be imposed on the perpetrator of the abuse and collected through the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
While restitution can be an effective tool in assisting child victims, an experienced Los Angeles sexual abuse lawyer understands that civil litigation may also be appropriate to provide the victim with a higher value of financial compensation. For instance, in cases involving school employees, the school district may be found responsible for the heinous actions of its employee, and held liable for monetary damages to the impacted child.
The lawyers of Taylor & Ring consistently demonstrate their commitment to helping child victims of sexual abuse. We provide our youngest clients with compassionate representation, while aggressively seeking to hold their abusers accountable. If your child was sexually abused, call us today at 310-776-6390 or complete our contact form to schedule a confidential consultation with a skilled Los Angeles attorney.
David Ring is a nationally renowned plaintiff’s personal injury trial attorney and has obtained multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements on behalf of seriously-injured individuals or families who have lost a loved one in a tragic accident. For more than 20 years, he has represented victims of sexual abuse, sexual harassment, assault, molestation and sexual misconduct in cases against a variety of employers and entities, including schools, churches and youth organizations.
He prides himself on providing aggressive, yet compassionate representation for children who have been sexually abused and women who have been sexually harassed or assaulted. Read more about David M. Ring.