Signs of Sexual Abuse in Toddlers in California

Recognizing the signs of sexual abuse in toddlers in California can be difficult, especially when a child is too young to describe what happened. As a California child sexual abuse law firm, our team at the DeMarco Law Firm helps families understand the warning signs, the legal implications, and the steps available when misconduct is suspected.

Families often come to our firm with unanswered questions, uncertainty, and observations that something no longer feels right. Acting quickly can protect the child and help identify the individuals who may be responsible.

Hire a Sexual Abuse Lawyer

The DeMarco Law Firm has decades of experience investigating child sexual abuse cases across California, including matters involving toddlers who could not report the harm themselves. We rely on verified medical findings, access records, and institutional policies to understand what occurred and who may be responsible.

Representing families in these cases requires precision, careful communication, and respect for how difficult the process can be. Families trust us because we work with documented evidence, collaborate with professionals, and pursue accountability through established civil-law procedures.

Toddler Sexual Abuse in California: How Cases Begin

An estimated one in four girls and one in thirteen boys in the United States will experience sexual abuse during childhood. If a toddler has been harmed, then the suspected offender is usually someone who had immediate access to the child.

In criminal cases in California, this can result in a violation of Penal Code §§ 288: lewd acts on a child, or 273a: child endangerment, depending on the circumstances and the police investigation, when family members notice a change in behavior, that can often be the initial trigger that leads to a report to the police or the child protective services.

During the initial phases of the criminal investigation, the police will usually examine anyone who had a duty to supervise the toddler. This will often include the caregiver or parents, daycare employees, family members, babysitters, or others who have had immediate and repeated access. Our firm assesses these same issues to determine who may be civilly liable for the failure to protect the toddler or for perpetrating the abuse.

Behavioral Signs Families May Observe

Toddlers are usually not able to report what has happened to them, so caregivers and parents should look for changes in behavior or symptoms. Sudden shifts in development or changes that have no clear explanation may be a sign that medical care or a call to Child Protective Services is in order. Some warning signs to watch for:

• Fear of people the child was previously comfortable with
• Regression in toilet use or sleep patterns
• Signs of pain or fear during diaper changes or bathing
• Bruises or other injuries with no explanation
• Genital pain that reoccurs or unexplained infections
• Behaviors or information that are not developmentally appropriate for the child’s age

Signs that raise concerns can be discovered by medical providers, though many symptoms and signs do not necessarily mean abuse has occurred. Injuries that are unexplained or issues such as repeated urinary complaints or genital pain should be investigated, and a second opinion is usually warranted. Families often consult with lawyers when multiple concerns are present, or a caregiver’s version of events is contradicted by the child’s actions.

Civil Investigation of Potential Offenders and Schools, Daycares

Civil cases on behalf of toddlers often turn on the same initial issues. These cases seek to answer who had access, what supervision was in place, whether a daycare or school ignored warning signs, and whether a mandated reporter followed reporting requirements.

Institutions are often potentially liable under California law if they did not protect a child, or if their hiring, training, or reporting practices failed to identify an offender or allowed the offender to remain near vulnerable children. Our firm is often brought in to evaluate these cases after a mix of medical findings, behavioral symptoms, and issues identified by the criminal investigation.

Our firm only represents child sexual abuse victims in civil cases, including toddlers who may not have been old enough to report the abuse. We work with parents to obtain records, review the timeline of events, and other evidence to determine who may be civilly liable.

FAQs

Can a Civil Case Be Filed if a Toddler Can’t Clearly Describe What Happened?

Toddlers are often not old enough to clearly articulate or describe what happened to them. California law accounts for this. Civil cases can proceed with the assistance of the pediatrician, an examining physician, other evidence, access and supervision failures, and other witnesses. This is one of the reasons why it is important to contact an attorney and an investigating agency that are experienced with these cases.

Can a Daycare or School Be Responsible for a Toddler’s Abuse?

A daycare, preschool, or early childhood program could be civilly liable if their hiring practices, supervision, or failure to report were factors. Schools and early childhood education programs are also required to follow California’s mandatory reporting laws. Civil attorneys will review the situation to determine whether policies and procedures were followed or if institutional conduct was a factor.

What If a Toddler’s Suspected Offender Is a Family Member?

Family members and those living in the home are two of the most frequent offenders. About 90% of child sexual abuse is by a person known and trusted by the child or by the child’s family members. Civil options may be available depending on the facts, even when a family member abused a child. Attorneys can investigate the access facts, previous concerns and reports, and whether an institution or other third party failed to report or otherwise stop an abuser.

Contact a California Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Toddler sexual abuse is one of the most upsetting circumstances that a family may have to confront, and it can be important to identify some of the earlier signs. Our firm reviews these cases carefully and tries to determine whether access, institutional response, and other factors may form the basis of a civil claim against an offender or a negligent party.

If you believe that a toddler in your care may have been harmed by a specific individual, contact the DeMarco Law Firm so that we can help you hold those responsible accountable.