Take legal action for child sexual abuse in California

Holding schools, churches and other organizations accountable for abuse

Did you or your child experience educator misconduct, clergy abuse or another form of child sexual abuse committed by a person in a position of authority at an organization or institution? If you live in California, you may be able to take legal action through a sexual abuse lawsuit. You are invited to share your experience using the confidential form on this page.  

In California, for survivors of abuse that occurred before Jan. 1, 2024, the deadline to file a lawsuit is  the survivor’s 40th birthday, or within 5 years of the date they discovered a related psychological injury or illness, whichever is later. For cases in which the abuse occurred on or after January 1, 2024, there is no time limit to file.

If you or your child experienced sexual abuse or assault by someone affiliated with an organization — such as a school, church, youth group, or sports team — you may be eligible to file a claim. Taking legal action can help hold perpetrators and negligent organizations accountable, while also giving survivors a voice and a path toward closure.

Educator misconduct and teacher sexual abuse

Schools should be a safe place for children to learn, grow, and build positive relationships. Unfortunately, for some students, the classroom or an extracurricular activity becomes the setting for abuse.

Parents and guardians place enormous trust in teachers, coaches and other school staff, entrusting them with a child’s safety for hours each day. However, according to Psychology Today, research estimates that 1 in 10 students will experience some form of educator misconduct.

When teacher sexual abuse happens, both the individual perpetrator and the institution may be held accountable. Schools, districts and other educational organizations have a legal duty to protect students, and failing to act on warning signs or reports of educator misconduct can make them liable in civil court.

Sexual abuse in churches

Religious institutions also hold a position of deep trust in communities. Unfortunately, some faith-based organizations have been the setting for devastating acts of child sexual abuse.

Several denominations have faced significant allegations, including:

• Southern Baptist Convention
• Catholic Church
• United Methodist Church
• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (The Mormon Church)
• Jehovah’s Witnesses
• Church of Scientology
• Presbyterian Church

Survivors of church and clergy abuse have reported grooming, inappropriate touching, and worse. Many also allege that religious leaders or administrators actively covered up these incidents — sometimes using organizational structures to shield the accused and prevent public disclosure.

These allegations have led to sexual abuse lawsuits against both the individual perpetrators and the institutions that failed to protect children.

California statute of limitations for child sexual abuse lawsuits

No matter where the abuse happened, many survivors of child sexual abuse hesitate to take legal action because the abuse happened years — or even decades — ago. In California, however, recent changes to the law have given survivors more time to seek justice and compensation.

Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 340.1, the time limits for filing a civil lawsuit depend on when the abuse occurred:

• If the abuse happened before Jan. 1, 2024: Survivors can file a California child abuse lawsuit until their 40th birthday, or within 5 years of when they discovered, or reasonably should have discovered a psychological injury or illness caused by the abuse — whichever is later.
• If the abuse happened on or after Jan. 1, 2024: There is no statute of limitations. Survivors can file a sexual abuse lawsuit at any time, regardless of age.

In some cases, if an individual or organization actively covered up the abuse, survivors may also be entitled to treble damages (triple the actual damages) in their claim.

These changes mean that even if the abuse happened long ago, you may still have the right to hold those responsible accountable. Speaking with an attorney can help you determine if you still qualify to file a California child abuse lawsuit.

How to take legal action for child sexual abuse in California

If you or your child experienced sexual abuse while living in California, you may have the right to hold the alleged perpetrator — or the organization that allowed the abuse to occur — accountable. Legal action can help survivors seek compensation and ensure that responsible parties are held accountable.

To determine if you qualify to file a California sexual abuse lawsuit, please use the confidential form on this page to share your experience. A legal professional will review the information you provide and contact you with the next steps or additional questions.

Fill out the form on this page to see if you qualify for a free case evaluation.