Sexual Abuse

Minors rely on parents and the adults who educate and care for them to protect them from sexual abuse. California mandates that many of the adults that minors spend time with report any reasonable suspicion of sexual abuse. Minors and their parents and guardians can seek protective orders against the people who commit the abuse.…

Sexual abuse takes place in many different places away from the home, including: Sexual abuse in schools Sexual abuse by teachers Sexual abuse by coaches Sexual abuse by students Sexual abuse in youth organizations Sexual abuse in religious organizations When sexual abuse of your child does occur, you need an experienced sexual abuse lawyer on…

In a recent legal case involving the Church of Scientology, David Miscavige, its leader, had a judge removed from a lawsuit where a woman accused the organization of sexual abuse and coercing children into marriage. The Church attempted to leverage an arbitration contract against the case, but the judge’s efforts to block it resulted in…

The recent announcement of the closure of a woman’s prison in Dublin, California, due to ongoing reports of sexual abuse incidents, including rape, bought relief and joy to many. However, our focus now shifts to impending federal investigation, as we believe that justice must be served for those responsible for these heinous crimes. Facts behind…

Steven Schapansky, a teacher at Santa Barbara Charter School, has been arrested for allegedly placing secret recording devices around the school, including in areas where the children change their clothes. The devices were discovered following a report to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office. Schapansky, who has been with the small K-6 school for seven…

Thousands of young individuals participate in school sports across Los Angeles. They are coached by various coaches and sports trainers who profess their love for the sport and desire to help athletes reach their full potential. Whether basketball, football, soccer, baseball, or any other sport, coaches are trusted to be there for young athletes. However,…

Police officers are mandated to uphold the rights of all individuals in the United States while executing their official duties. Any abuse or deprivation of these rights by law enforcement constitutes a color of law violation. Thus, if an individual is sexually assaulted by a law enforcement officer, it constitutes a breach of the color…

According to Psych Central, revenge porn is the sharing of private sexual materials of someone without their consent and with the intent to embarrass that someone or cause that person distress. The materials include photos and videos and are often posted on the internet. The posting is more than just psychologically damaging. Victims often feel…

California has eliminated the statute of limitations for people to file lawsuits over allegations of child sexual assault, under a new law Gov. Gavin Newsom signed in October 2023. The new law won’t apply to instances of sexual assault that occurred before the bill took effect, on January 1, 2024. However, it does eliminate an…

As attorneys who represent survivors of sexual abuse, some of the most complex cases we handle involve school districts. Parents expect that their children will be at least relatively safe from harm when they’re in school, so these cases – ones involving abusive teachers and schools engaged in coverups – can be particularly challenging for…

The International Churches of Christ (ICOC) is facing a series of lawsuits that allege child sexual abuse and cover-ups within the organization. The Guardian reported in mid-March that five women have filed lawsuits against the religious group in California, with accusations ranging from sexual assault to rape of minors, and claims of a conspiracy to…

After decades of sexually abusing minors, Larry Nassar was officially sentenced to prison in 2017 for all that he had done. He started his career in the late 1970s as an Athletic Trainer and was later appointed as the National Medical Coordinator for the USA Gymnastics team. Larry Nassar held that position since 1996—and it’s…

On March 10, 18 individuals were arrested by the Sacramento Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, in collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, for allegedly engaging in activities related to attempting to contact a minor for sex and other related crimes. The arrest announcement was made by California Attorney General Rob Bonta…

Nick Carter is making headlines again, but not for his musical career. Another sexual assault allegation has been filed against him, and the plaintiff is a woman with cerebral palsy and autism. Carter is not new to sexual assault allegations, but this new lawsuit brings to light a challenge that many people in the world…

Like schools, hospitals are a place where we are meant to feel safe. We trust physicians with the most private aspects of ourselves. That is why, when that trust and safety are betrayed, the repercussions for such actions need to be justly and swiftly handled. Unfortunately, California has had its fair share of doctors who…

As a parent, how would you feel if the payment processing company you used were associated with child pornography? If your credit card company is Visa, you may need to give it some thought.  A recent lawsuit regarding distribution of child sex abuse materials names the company as a defendant along with other websites like…

The violence of prison culture has long been celebrated in pop culture. Television, film, and music glorify acts of rape, murder, and assault in the name of entertainment. But there is nothing “entertaining” about real acts of violence perpetrated against real people. An Associated Press investigation into the federal correctional institution in Dublin, California revealed…

Although sexual abuse is a form of abuse that often occurs with children, anyone can become a victim of sexual abuse at any age. Sexual abuse is any unwanted sexual activity from perpetrators using force, using threats, or taking advantage of the victim. Sexual abuse is a crime where the victim and the perpetrator may…

Sexual abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, race, or sexual orientation. Still, there are significant issues that male victims of sexual abuse endure when deciding to publicly speak out about their abuse. Some victims experience guilt and shame, believing that they should have been “strong enough” to fight the perpetrator. Some men experience…