Legal Rights for Male Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse in California

For decades, men have been conditioned to stay silent about childhood sexual abuse experiences due to stigma and fear. The first step in getting the justice you deserve is to understand your legal rights as male survivors of childhood sexual abuse in California.

Male survivors of childhood sexual abuse face unique obstacles when it comes to coming forward about their abuse, and a child sexual abuse attorney can help you fight for your future.

The Right to File a Legal Claim

The right to file a civil claim is one of the most significant for male survivors. California lawmakers understand that some survivors are unable to process their trauma and/or are not ready to disclose abuse until they are adults.

For that reason, survivors have until age 40, or five years from the date they discover the psychological impact of the abuse, to file a claim under California’s child sexual abuse laws, like Assembly Bill 218.

Survivors can file a legal claim, even if criminal charges are not an option. A civil claim can provide the following:

• Therapy costs
• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Emotional pain and suffering

One in four girls and one in 13 boys is sexually abused before age 18. 64% of adults say they had at least one adverse childhood experience, including sexual abuse, by age 18. If you are a male survivor, you have the right to file a claim and take a step towards getting justice by holding abusers and institutions that enable abuse accountable.

The Right to Privacy

Male survivors are entitled to privacy during the reporting and legal process. The courts and attorneys involved understand that talking about abuse is an intensely personal and traumatic process. The law also provides protections for survivors so that sensitive information remains private and is sealed from the public record when possible.

Survivors filing claims in Southern California at courts, including the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in Los Angeles, may ask their attorney to request protective measures from the court for their identity and dignity during legal proceedings. Privacy is important to ensure male survivors feel safe reporting abuse and feel comfortable exercising their legal rights.

The Right to Criminal Justice

Male survivors can also file a criminal complaint against their abuser. California imposes strict punishment for child sexual abuse through prison time and significant fines, while also requiring offenders to register as sex offenders.

Extended statutes of limitations allow victims to file criminal complaints even after many years have passed since the offense. These apply when the abuse involved a minor or when it went unreported at the time. Taking a criminal case against your abuser may give you a sense of justice and relief. However, it’s important to remember that this process is separate from a legal claim.

The Right to Challenge Authority Figures

Child abuse survivors often report that their abuse was committed by someone affiliated with organizations like schools, churches, or sports programs. If you are a male survivor of childhood sexual abuse, you may be able to file a claim against these organizations for their failure to protect children.

In California, survivors can file institutional abuse claims even if the abuse took place many years ago. There have been several high-profile institutional abuse cases in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California, showing how important it is to make institutions responsible for their actions.

Equal Rights for Male Survivors

Sexual abuse is different for men and women. Males and females face distinct challenges, such as social stigma and differences in reporting and disclosure. However, in California, the law is clear about how it views survivors, regardless of their gender.

Male survivors receive equal legal protections and compensation rights as their female counterparts. Survivors can initiate civil legal action against institutions while also pursuing criminal prosecution for their case.

Hire a Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer

DeMarco Law Firm represents only survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Anthony DeMarco has been a leading child molestation lawyer in Southern California since 2002, offering survivors unparalleled legal skill with compassion and care.

The firm limits its size by choice to provide every client with the personalized attention and sensitivity required. Guided by a survivor in the office and a national network of professionals, we battle to bring predators and the institutions that enable them to justice and empower male survivors to use their voice to seek justice.

FAQs

What Is the Adult Survivor Act in California?

The Adult Survivors Act in California is called the Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act. The act provides a legal avenue for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse to bring civil claims despite the expiration of the statute of limitations. It acknowledges the impact of trauma on delayed reporting and empowers survivors to pursue justice.

Can I File a Claim for Sexual Assault Years Later?

You can file a claim for sexual assault years later. California law allows a longer time to file a claim if the sexual assault took place during childhood. Victims may not report the abuse until many years later. They may have until age 40 or five years of discovery, whichever is later, to file a civil claim.

What Is the Sexual Survivors Bill of Rights?

The Sexual Survivors Bill of Rights is a list of rights guaranteeing that survivors of sexual abuse are given information, support, and legal rights. Survivors are entitled to prompt medical attention and counseling services, along with timely notifications of hearings and legal actions, while maintaining their right to pursue civil action.

What Is the Child Victims Act in California?

The Child Victims Act extended the civil statute of limitations for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file a claim even if the statute of limitations has expired. The act allows survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file a claim against their abusers and the institutions that may have enabled them. This act also supplements the child sexual abuse penalties in California, so that abusers are punished both civilly and criminally.

California Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Coming forward with child sexual abuse is rarely easy, but the DeMarco Law Firm is here to help you through the process. We can help you seek justice. Contact us today to get started.