Sexual Abuse Survivors: Legal Action, Healing, and Justice

Sexual abuse is one of the most devastating violations a person can endure. It is a betrayal of trust, an act of violence, and a profound assault on personal dignity. Survivors may carry the weight of that trauma for years—often in silence. At The Christian Contreras Firm, we stand with survivors and empower them to break that silence. We fight to hold abusers—and the institutions that enabled them—legally accountable.

Whether the abuse occurred in childhood or adulthood, in a private setting or under institutional care, survivors deserve justice. And they deserve an attorney who will listen, believe, and fight alongside them every step of the way.

What Constitutes Sexual Abuse Under California Law?

Sexual abuse encompasses a wide range of non-consensual acts that are criminal under state and federal law. In the civil justice system, it also includes situations where an institution failed to prevent, report, or stop the abuse.

Common types of abuse include:

• Child Sexual Abuse: Molestation, exploitation, or inappropriate contact by a caregiver, teacher, religious leader, or coach.
• Institutional Abuse: Occurring in schools, detention centers, churches, hospitals, or group homes—often involving cover-ups or systemic neglect.
• Workplace Sexual Assault: Abuse of power by a manager, colleague, or company representative.
• Abuse by Authority Figures: Law enforcement officers, healthcare workers, and others in positions of trust who violate consent.
• Sexual Violence During Arrest or Detention: Assaults that occur in jails, prisons, or holding facilities.

No matter the form, survivors have the right to pursue civil justice—and we’re here to help them do just that.

Understanding the Legal Path: Criminal vs. Civil Action

While criminal charges against abusers are handled by prosecutors and result in jail time or fines, civil cases are brought by survivors directly and seek financial compensation and institutional accountability.

A civil lawsuit allows survivors to:

• Seek monetary compensation for pain and suffering, therapy, and lost income
• Hold the individual perpetrator personally liable
• Expose negligent institutions that allowed abuse to occur
• Demand transparency, reform, and public acknowledgment
• Move forward with a sense of closure and restored control

At The Christian Contreras Firm, we represent survivors in civil court even if criminal charges are not filed or do not lead to conviction. The civil standard of proof is lower, and survivors retain their right to pursue justice regardless of prosecutorial decisions.

Statutes of Limitation for Sexual Abuse in California

California has made significant reforms to support survivors through longer time windows for legal action. As of recent legislative changes:

• Adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse have until age 40, or five years after discovering the abuse and its effects, to file a claim.
• Adult survivors of adult-on-adult abuse generally have 10 years from the date of the abuse, or three years from discovering the psychological harm.
• The California Child Victims Act (AB 218) temporarily revived time-barred claims between 2020 and 2022—cases filed under that window may still proceed.
• Public entity claims still require notice within six months, so timing is crucial when the abuse occurred in schools, jails, or government-run programs.

Every case is unique, and deadlines may vary. If you're unsure whether you can still file a claim, our team can help evaluate your timeline confidentially.

Our Trauma-Informed Approach

We know that for survivors, simply telling their story can be re-traumatizing. That’s why our firm offers a trauma-informed legal process designed to support, not overwhelm.

This includes:

• Private, respectful consultations: You decide what to share and when.
• Survivor control: You set the pace. You choose whether to proceed and how.
• Partnerships with therapists and advocacy groups: We connect you to trusted resources.
• Experienced, sensitive attorneys: We’re trained to navigate the emotional complexity of abuse litigation with care and professionalism.

We are not just legal advocates—we are allies in your healing and empowerment.

Holding Institutions Accountable

Many survivors are harmed not only by a single abuser—but by institutions that ignored red flags, protected perpetrators, or silenced victims. We aggressively pursue claims against:

• Religious institutions that reassigned abusive clergy or concealed abuse
• Public schools or private academies that failed to act on reports
• Hospitals and nursing homes that hired known abusers without screening
• Police departments or correctional agencies that failed to protect detainees
• Youth organizations and nonprofits that prioritized reputation over safety

These institutions often have deep resources and powerful legal teams. We level the playing field by building strong, evidence-based cases and refusing to settle for token settlements or secrecy clauses that perpetuate silence.

What Compensation Can Survivors Seek?

Every survivor’s needs are different, but a successful civil lawsuit can result in:

• Payment for therapy, treatment, and recovery support
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Compensation for pain and suffering, PTSD, anxiety, and depression
• Damages for loss of trust, intimacy, or sense of safety
• Punitive damages to punish and deter repeat offenses

More than money, these claims are about truth, accountability, and change.

Why Choose The Christian Contreras Firm?

We are known for our work in civil rights and trauma-based litigation, and we bring that same passion, strategy, and care to every sexual abuse case. Survivors choose us because:

• We listen without judgment
• We believe your story
• We fight tirelessly—no matter the size of the opponent
• We never pressure you to settle or proceed before you're ready

Our firm stands at the intersection of legal advocacy and human rights. We use the law as a tool for survivor empowerment, institutional change, and social justice.

Begin the Healing Journey with Legal Support

You are not alone. If you are a survivor of sexual abuse, or if you are supporting someone who is, know that The Christian Contreras Firm is here to help. Your story matters. Your rights matter. Justice is possible.

Reach out today for a free, confidential consultation. We'll guide you through your options and walk beside you every step of the way—toward accountability, healing, and justice.