Los Angeles Private School Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Los Angeles Attorney for Sexual Abuse in Private School

Private schools should be safe havens where children can learn and grow, but this trust is broken when a student is sexually abused. The impact of that abuse can last a lifetime. At the DeMarco Law Firm, we represent survivors of abuse in private schools throughout Los Angeles and Southern California. If you or someone you love was abused, contact a Los Angeles private school sexual abuse lawyer right away.

Why Hire a Private School Sexual Abuse Lawyer From the DeMarco Law Firm?

The DeMarco Law Firm only handles childhood sexual abuse cases. Headed by Anthony DeMarco, one of the most seasoned child molestation lawyers in Southern California, our firm has helped more than 400 victims seek justice and compensation. We can walk you through the process from beginning to end, including filing in court, commonly at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in Downtown Los Angeles.

What Is Child Sexual Abuse?

Child sexual abuse includes sexual acts between adults and minors or between minors themselves in instances where power imbalances or coercion occur. Child sexual abuse can be contact or non-contact. Contact sexual abuse encompasses molestation, rape, and fondling. Non-contact sexual abuse can include pornography, sexualized dialogue, grooming, voyeurism, or other behavior that is sexual in nature.

Children often have a much harder time expressing the abuse that happened to them than adult survivors do. Many victims may withhold the abuse, thinking it was their fault or that no one will believe them. Child sexual abuse is one of the most egregious violations of a child’s trust and often results in long-term emotional, psychological, and physical harm.

About one in 20 minor boys under the age of 18 experiences some form of sexual assault, and this number is even more prevalent for girls. About 90% of child sexual abuse is committed by someone close to the victim, such as a teacher or family member. Also, one in three adult female rape victims experienced their first rape in childhood, between the ages of 11 and 17.

The Unique Nature of Private Schools

Private schools are known for being prestigious and exclusive. However, when abuse occurs, some private schools have been known to neglect their duty to protect children in order to protect their reputations. Private school sexual abuse cases often remain undiscovered due to bureaucratic barriers, along with secrecy and concerns over reputational harm.

Private schools are not regulated by local or state educational systems in the same way as public schools are. As such, they may not adhere to the same standards when it comes to hiring practices, supervision, or reporting abuse. In some cases, teachers or staff members accused of abuse were quietly transferred to other schools rather than investigated or terminated. Some schools have even coerced victims into silence or had them sign non-disclosure agreements.

Private schools benefit from greater financial capabilities, which include access to private legal counsel and liability insurance. Survivors often face intimidation because they believe they will be blamed or ignored.

How to File a Child Sexual Abuse Claim

Filing a child sexual abuse claim against a private school can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. A skilled private school sexual abuse attorney can help you through the legal process. In order to file a claim, consider doing the following:

• Hire a private school sexual abuse lawyer. At the DeMarco Law Firm, we are knowledgeable about the Los Angeles private school sexual abuse laws and can approach your case with the attention it needs.
• Gather evidence. Meet with your lawyer for a case evaluation and gather as much evidence as you can to support your claims. Your lawyer can also begin the investigation and gather the necessary information that may have been withheld from you.
• File the claim. Once we discover that the school was negligent or allowed the abuse to occur, we can file a claim on your behalf. This is separate from a criminal case. A civil claim allows you to seek financial compensation for the damages your family has suffered.
• Go to trial. Many cases can reach a settlement without going to court. However, if a settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to advocate for you in court.

FAQs

What Type of Abuse Should Be Reported in Private Schools?

All types of abuse should be reported. This includes sexual abuse, physical abuse, and emotional abuse. Mandated reporters in California must report even a suspicion, if reasonable. This can include injuries without an explanation, signs of sexual trauma, neglect, and signs of malnutrition. A common belief is that it is better to report something, even if further investigations dispel your suspicion, than to do nothing and allow potential abuse to continue.

Are Reports of Sexual Abuse Confidential in California?

In California, reports of suspected child abuse or neglect are confidential under state law, and the identity of a mandated or voluntary reporter is privileged to prevent attempts at retribution and to encourage complete and honest reporting. The person being reported on does not have the right to know the reporter’s identity by law.

When Should I Report Sexual Abuse at a Private School in California?

You should report sexual abuse in California as soon as you see evidence that abuse has occurred, especially if you are a mandated reporter. Legally, mandated reporters must contact authorities immediately if they know that abuse has happened to a child. This can protect the child from additional harm and hold the responsible party accountable.

What Is Penal Code 11165.7 in California?

Under California Penal Code § 11165.7, mandated reporters must report suspected instances of child abuse. The primary mandated reporters consist of teachers, therapists, clergy members, doctors, and school personnel who encounter children on a routine basis.

A mandated reporter must report suspected abuse as soon as possible and in writing within 36 hours. Mandated reporters who fail to make a report can be criminally charged and face fines and possible jail time.

Contact the DeMarco Law Firm Today

If your loved one has been subjected to private school child sexual abuse in Los Angeles, the DeMarco Law Firm can help you seek justice. Contact us today to get started and hold the right parties accountable.