Woodland Hills Juvenile Detention Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Woodland Hills Juvenile Detention Sexual Abuse Attorney

When your child is sent to a juvenile detention center for breaking the law, you would never expect them to be sexually abused while they are there. Unfortunately, though, it happens. The most effective resource you can use to advocate for your child is a Woodland Hills juvenile detention sexual abuse lawyer.

Hire a Juvenile Detention Sexual Abuse Lawyer With Over 20 Years of Experience

The DeMarco Law Firm represents juvenile sexual abuse clients. In fact, we have successfully handled over 400 cases in which the client was a survivor of abuse. We are professional, discreet, and aggressive in our approach. Our legal team understands how sensitive issues of juvenile sexual abuse can be. We can handle your juvenile detention sexual abuse case with attention and care.

A 2025 pending agreement to compensate over 6,800 claims of sexual abuse dating as far back as 1959 is evidence of the problem with the California juvenile detention system.

Juvenile Detention Sexual Abuse Laws in California

California defines child abuse in specific terms. The categories of child abuse include:

• Physical abuse. Any type of purposely inflicted bodily harm or injury against a child
• Emotional abuse. Any non-physical mistreatment of a minor that endangers their emotional or mental health
• Sexual abuse. Any type of sexual act against a child by a caretaker, parent, or household member, when a parent fails to protect their child from sexual abuse
• Neglect. Not providing food, shelter, clothing, medical needs, or supervision, but the child has not suffered from physical injury as a result of the neglect
• Severe neglect. Occurs when a child has suffered harm or injury, or their life is endangered as a result of neglect, such as malnutrition or a failure to thrive
• Exploitation. Coercing or forcing a child to participate in activities that are inappropriate, illegal, or degrading

Criminal Statute of Limitations for Reporting Sexual Abuse Against Minors

California is one of many states to eliminate limitations for reporting most felony-level sex offenses. This includes childhood sexual abuse. The law allows survivors of juvenile detention center abuse to report crimes of sexual abuse at any point, no matter how long ago the abuse took place.

The law has also extended the statute of limitations for any civil juvenile detention sexual abuse case. A knowledgeable Woodland Hills juvenile detention sexual abuse attorney can analyze your case and provide legal advice regarding how to proceed with your case.

California’s Code of Civil Procedure § 340.1 states that any time limit that formerly limited the reporting of sexual abuse has been eliminated. It explains that recovery for damages from childhood sexual assault no longer has a time limit. This means that acts of sexual abuse at former juvenile detention centers that were previously no longer eligible for compensation can now be reported on a claim for the recovery of damages.

If you believe you might have a sexual abuse claim against a juvenile detention center, talk to a Woodland Hills juvenile detention center sexual abuse lawyer to discuss your case.

Even if the facility where your abuse occurred is closed, you may still be able to file a sexual abuse claim. In 2023, many remaining former California Division of Juvenile Justice facilities were permanently closed, including the Ventura Youth Correctional Facility in Camarillo and the O.H. Close Youth Correctional Facility in Stockton. Survivors are still coming forward with accusations against the sexual predators who victimized them inside these institutions.

It is recommended that anyone with instances of past juvenile detention center sexual abuse hire a juvenile detention sexual abuse lawyer in Woodland Hills to help obtain compensation for their suffering.

FAQs

What Is the Sexual Abuse in Detention Elimination Act in California?

The Sexual Abuse in Detention Elimination Act in California is called the Prison Rape Elimination Act, or the PREA, which establishes standards for juvenile facilities. This federal law aims to prevent sexual assault in correctional facilities, including juvenile detention centers. This act sets national standards for sexual conduct in correctional facilities and a zero-tolerance policy for sexual abuse against anyone who is incarcerated.

What Is the California Victims Act?

The California Child Victims Act extends the statute of limitations for civil claims against acts of childhood sexual abuse. The act allows reporting up until the victim is age 40 or for five years following the time the victim became aware of the abuse, whichever is later. By amending this law, it has given more survivors the opportunity to seek justice. This is especially true in cases of juvenile detention center sexual abuse.

What Is Needed to Prove Sexual Abuse in a Juvenile Detention Center?

In a juvenile detention center sexual abuse case, the primary evidence to prove abuse occurred is the survivor’s testimony. Other pieces of evidence that can be beneficial in proving sexual abuse include institutional records, proof of negligence, like incident reports, and staff logs that show the ratio of staff to inmates was not compliant with state requirements. The policy manual and staff handbook from the facility can also be used to prove that the negligent environment contributed to abuse.

What Kind of Restitution Is Available for Survivors of Juvenile Detention Center Sexual Abuse in California?

Restitution for survivors of juvenile detention center sexual abuse in California is available through individual civil claims and large class settlements. Both economic and non-economic damage can be collected. This includes therapy costs, counseling, and lost earning capacity. It also allows for compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Non-economic damages have no cap. In some cases, victims may be eligible for restitution from the state’s Victim Compensation Board, also called the CalVCB.

Connect With a Top Woodland Hills Juvenile Detention Sexual Abuse Lawyer

The DeMarco Law Firm is fully prepared to represent you in your juvenile detention center sexual abuse case. We have the experience, skills, and resources you need to receive justice for your abuser. Contact our office and schedule a meeting with a member of our compassionate and attentive legal team.