California Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer

California Child Sexual Abuse Attorney

Survivors of child sexual abuse must deal with the lasting consequences of their experiences, which can impact their psychological health, along with their ability to trust others and have a productive future. As the aftermath of such abuse can be pervasive and destructive, it is critical for survivors to get the justice they deserve. If you or a loved one has been abused as a child, a California child sexual abuse lawyer from the DeMarco Law Firm can work to pursue justice for your case.

At the DeMarco Law Firm, our team is highly experienced in dealing with child sexual abuse cases in California. We employ a client-centered approach, in which we center the story of the survivor first. Then, we work to address their questions and concerns. Based on their story, we can thoroughly investigate and collect evidence that supports their case. We can then launch a robust legal claim, holding institutions and people accountable for their wrongdoing.

Were you or someone you know molested as a child?

California’s exclusive child sexual abuse lawyer, Anthony DeMarco, can help.

Anthony DeMarco has earned a highly regarded reputation for his unprecedented successes as a child sexual abuse lawyer in Southern California. Because childhood sexual abuse law is all we do, we are able to provide support, protection, and guidance to our clients and their families.

We don’t simply practice law, we are fully dedicated to helping people of all ages who have been sexually abused along their journey towards justice and personal healing.

Sexual Abuse
by Clergy

Sexual Abuse by Clergy

Sexual Abuse
by Teachers

Sexual Abuse by Teachers

Sexual Abuse
by Coaches

Athletic Coach Abuse

Sexual Abuse
in Organizations

Youth Serving Organizations

The Only Fully Specialized Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Southern California

Childhood Sexual Abuse Cases Are Our Only Focus

For over 20 years we have specialized in California childhood sexual abuse law. Most Personal Injury lawyers in Southern California will take sexual abuse cases along with their other slip-and-fall, insurance liability, automobile, and wrongful death cases. Our practice, however, is 100% sexual abuse law. Legally representing clients and families who have experienced child sexual abuse is all that we do. And so, our ability and commitment to seeking justice for survivors of childhood sexual abuse ultimately affords our clients the benefits of our legal expertise as well as access to the national network of experts that we’ve established over the years.

Oftentimes, in childhood sexual abuse cases, organizations and perpetrators can be held accountable for their actions or inaction. Whether you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse as a child in a youth organization, religious group, or school, our dedicated team can fight passionately to ensure that these organizations are held liable for negligence. Strong legal action can also force these institutions to make clear organizational changes to keep instances of abuse from happening again.

What Should I Do If I Suspect That My Child Has Experienced Sexual Abuse?

If you believe that your child has experienced sexual abuse, this can be extremely troubling, and you are likely wondering what you can do to protect them. While each case is different, there are some general steps you can take to ensure your child’s rights, make sure that they are safe, and ultimately work to pursue justice, including:

• Remove your child from danger. Even if you only suspect that your child is facing sexual abuse, it’s important to remove them from any situation that could be particularly dangerous. This can help protect them until you are sure that they are not interacting with a potential perpetrator.
• Know the signs. Certain signs of child sexual abuse include increased agitation, lack of sleep, decreased performance in school and extracurricular activities, and isolation. As trauma from sexual abuse can manifest differently in every person, it’s important to work with a trusted and experienced psychological health professional to determine whether your child may have experienced abuse.
• Work to get medical attention. Work with a trusted physician to ensure that your child has not sustained any physical harm. Ideally, you should work with a physician who specializes in trauma-informed care so that the medical examination does not make the situation worse by bringing about further trauma.
• Inform law enforcement. If you suspect that one or more individuals could be responsible for child sexual abuse, it is important to alert the authorities as soon as possible. Law enforcement can ensure that the right protocols are in place to keep your child and others safe from further instances of abuse.
• Reach out to an experienced lawyer. A California child sexual abuse lawyer can work closely with you to understand the details of your case, helping you explore your options to protect your child and pursue justice.

It is never easy to recognize the signs that your child may be facing abuse, as this involves accepting a terrifying and uncomfortable reality. An experienced California child sexual abuse lawyer from the DeMarco Law Firm can help you identify these signs and act quickly to ensure that your child’s safety and rights are protected. We do not hesitate to move forward with an optimal legal strategy to hold the perpetrator or perpetrators accountable for their actions.

FAQs

Q: How Long Is a Sentence for Sexual Misconduct?

A: In California, a sentence for misconduct can vary, depending on the circumstances of the case. In certain situations in which individuals commit particularly severe crimes, such as aggravated sexual assault of a child, they may be sentenced to up to life in prison. Other crimes may come with shorter sentence periods, such as a few years. To understand how long your perpetrator may be sentenced to prison, it is critical to work with an experienced lawyer.

Q: Does the Victim Have to Press Charges in California?

A: In California, it is not required for victims of crimes to press charges. Even if a victim chooses not to actively participate in the prosecution, law enforcement, and prosecutors may choose to go forward with a case anyway. In this manner, the criminal justice system can independently pursue justice in this situation while respecting the needs and privacy of the victim. To understand your rights as a victim, it is important to work with a lawyer.

Q: What Is the Average Sentence for Child Molesters in California?

A: The average sentence that a child molester may have in California depends on various factors that are related to the case. Factors influencing the particular sentence of a child molester include the severity of the crime, the criminal history of the defendant, and whether there were mitigating or aggravating factors. To understand what the sentence for the perpetrator in your case might be, it’s important to work with an experienced lawyer.

Q: What Constitutes Grooming in California?

A: California law refers to grooming as an ongoing process where a perpetrator builds up their relationship with their victim. They establish a bond or trust with the minor to eventually exploit, abuse, or manipulate them. Grooming can involve gaining the young person’s trust, keeping them isolated from other people, showering the minor with gifts and compliments, and slowly bringing sexual behavior and conduct into the relationship.

Hold People and Institutions Accountable With a California Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer

If you or a loved one has faced child sexual abuse, this can be extremely challenging and troubling. Considering the long-term emotional and financial impacts that such experiences have on children and their families, deciding to initiate the long journey to justice can be hard. A dedicated child sexual abuse lawyer from the DeMarco Law Firm can help simplify the process for you, protecting your rights and fighting for justice along the way. Contact us today.