California child sexual abuse lawsuit investigation

Filing a lawsuit over child sexual abuse in California

Were you or a loved one sexually abused or assaulted as a minor? You may be able to seek justice and financial compensation.  

In 2019, the state of California extended the statute of limitations on child sexual abuse lawsuits. By doing this, the state is giving a second chance at justice to countless individuals who were assaulted. If you or your child experienced sexual abuse or assault, you may be eligible to file a claim.

Statute of limitations on child molestation and abuse 

When it comes to seeking justice or compensation, some people may be hesitant because the abuse happened years or even decades ago. The state of California recently changed the laws surrounding the statute of limitations on child molestation, giving people more time to file a claim or pursue criminal charges.  

In 2019, California passed laws that extended the statute of limitations for civil child molestation claims. This legislation states that individuals who were assaulted have until their 40th birthday to file a civil lawsuit. There is an exception in this law if the individual is diagnosed with psychological injury after their 40th birthday. From the day they are diagnosed, they have five years to file, no matter how old they are. 

Sexual abuse in the church 

Most people see religious organizations as an opportunity to share their faith and commune with like-minded congregants. Churchgoers often develop a strong sense of community with other church members. 

However, several religious organizations have faced accusations involving sexual abuse in children, 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

The Truth Project is a large part of the independent inquiry that examined child sexual abuse. In 2019, they published a report titled “Child Sexual Abuse in the Context of Religious Institutions.” This report included first-hand accounts of nearly 1,700 abused children. Of these, 183 said that the abuse was perpetrated by someone associated with the religious organization they attended. Other church members and church staff were some examples of the perpetrators. 

While every story is different, there are some commonalities, according to the Truth Project. Many of these children did not report the abuse at the time. This was due to shame or embarrassment. Another similarity was that many of these individuals knew of other children who were facing the same abuse.  

In addition to accusing the individual perpetrators, many are now alleging that religious organizations are cultivating a culture that covers up instances of abuse instead of holding the abuser accountable. Many of the larger organizations may use a complex structure to conceal allegations and protect individuals who have been accused. For example, reports indicate that the Mormon church’s abuse hotline has been used to silence the abused rather than expose the abuser.  

Boy Scout sexual abuse

In addition to ongoing allegations against the church, the Boy Scouts of America are also facing legal action. Hundreds of former scouts have reportedly experienced sexual abuse while participating in the program. Nearly 8,000 Boy Scout leaders have been accused of sexually abusing children, according to The New York Times.

With cases in almost every state, this is a widespread issue that involves dozens of perpetrators. Time magazine estimates that more than 12,000 kids were impacted, but many more will likely come forward as the cases progress through the court system.       

Signs of sexual abuse in children 

Whether you are an adult with children, work with kids, or simply have children in your life, it is important to remain vigilant and look for the signs of sexual abuse in children. These signs are not necessarily easy to detect, but looking for them is crucial. 

One of the biggest physical signs of sexual abuse in children is physical trauma. This usually appears as bleeding or bruising in the child’s genital area, according to RAINN. Additionally, if a child tests positive for any sexually transmitted infections, there is a strong possibility that they have been abused.

Beyond the physical, a child’s behavior could also reveal that they have been sexually abused. For example, an abused child may be unwilling to undress for a bath or to change their clothing. If your child or a child you know does not want to be alone with a certain individual, especially if this comes as a sudden change to their normal disposition, it can be a strong indicator of child sexual abuse or assault. 

If a child has knowledge of sexual topics or shows overt sexual behavior at an inappropriate age, it can signal sexual abuse. They may also exhibit specific emotional signs, some of these include but are not limited to: 

• Excessive fearfulness
• Decreased confidence
• Excessive worry
• Changes in eating habits   
• Nightmares 
• Changes in mood
• Self-harm

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