
Children, teenagers, and adults often rely on therapists and similar professionals to help them navigate interpersonal conflicts, emotional trauma, and other deeply personal concerns. If you or a loved one was sexually abused by a therapist, you can trust a Hollywood therapist sexual abuse lawyer to pursue accountability for the harm you endured.
Even when it appears clear who committed the sexual abuse, experienced legal representation remains essential. The burden of proof in civil court falls on the plaintiff, and the courts consider the evidence, not solely accusations.
When you secure legal support from the DeMarco Law Firm, you gain the steady support of advocates who focus 100% of their time on holding pedophiles and sexual predators accountable for the harm they cause.
Our legal team prioritizes the privacy and comfort of our clients, and we understand the sensitive nature of cases that involve children. With legal support from our dedicated attorneys and support staff, you gain representation from an advocate and ally who is willing to work tirelessly on your behalf, seeking the justice and fair compensation that you and your family deserve.
The crime rate in Hollywood is 60.64 per 1,000 residents in a normal year, and sex crimes contribute to those numbers. Therapists, counselors, and other mental health practitioners often spend considerable one-on-one time with clients, who can range from young children to adults. In 2024, Ron Gad was indicted by a federal grand jury for passing out child pornography. The marriage and family therapist distributed images of pre-teen children.
In May 2026, federal authorities charged Joseph Toews with recording underage girls in a restroom and purchasing child pornography. After executing a search warrant, FBI agents discovered evidence of sexual abuse material. Some materials, according to an affidavit, appeared to be produced by Toews.
In 2025, Orange County prosecutors charged an in-home behavioral therapist with sexually abusing a 14-year-old boy with autism during a therapy session at the child’s home. Authorities believe that the child’s father discovered the abuse while checking on the session.
A shocking 88% of women and 44% of men have experienced sexual harassment or assault in their lifetime, and children are also frequently targeted by sexual predators. Under California Civil Code § 1708.5, survivors may have the right to file a civil claim against the individual responsible for the abuse.
Depending on the circumstances of the case, a claim may also be brought against a daycare, therapy practice, school, or other institution whose negligence allowed the abuse to occur. A successful civil claim can provide compensation for medical expenses, counseling, emotional distress, and other damages. It can also expose the misconduct and prevent further acts of harm by the defendant.
If you or a loved one was sexually abused by a therapist or counselor, you have the right to hire a therapist sexual abuse lawyer to manage your civil claim. A Hollywood therapist sexual abuse attorney brings years of experience and a deep understanding of therapist sexual abuse laws to each case. They can gather evidence to build a claim, which can impose therapist sexual abuse penalties on the abuser.
Sexual abuse lawyers can also explore whether a group or institution failed to prevent the sexual abuse. By documenting the harm and setbacks caused by the abuser, your lawyer can pursue compensation that reflects the full scope of the damage and emotional pain that resulted from the abuse.
As of 2025, California’s prison population is roughly 90,600, and not every sexual abuser ends up facing criminal charges. You can take legal action against a sexual abuser in California by gathering evidence and hiring an attorney. A skilled lawyer understands the steps that are needed to hold someone liable in civil court for sexual abuse.
Therapist sexual abuse is the same offense as any other type of sexual abuse. What defines these types of civil cases is where the abuse occurred and who committed the offense. These unlawful acts can involve sexual touching, sexual contact, coercion, grooming, or any sexual conduct that exploits the therapist-patient relationship. Therapists hold positions of trust, which makes these offenses particularly egregious.
Anyone seeking justice against a sexual abuser in Hollywood, CA carries the burden of proof in court. The plaintiff’s lawyer may rely on:
Legal support can be vital for building a claim that pursues meaningful compensation.
California has expanded the rights of many survivors to pursue justice through civil claims. Some childhood sexual abuse claims are no longer subject to a statute of limitations under state law. Because court filing deadlines are fact-specific, anyone seeking justice and compensation from an abuser should rely on the counsel of an attorney when pursuing a claim in court.
Whether the sexual abuse occurred in Hollywood Hills, Franklin Village, Beachwood Canyon, or elsewhere in Hollywood, the DeMarco Law Firm can provide you with the steady support and guidance you need to see your case through. Our law firm focuses exclusively on sexual abuse cases, and we have a Victim’s Advocate who is a survivor of sexual abuse.
When you work with our firm, you gain the support of an industry-leading law firm that has helped hundreds of sexual abuse survivors. Our seasoned law firm can manage your case while prioritizing your needs. Take the first step today by contacting our office. We can provide you with the skilled representation you deserve.