CALIFORNIA SEXUAL ABUSE
LAWYERS

What Is Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse is not confined to non-consensual physical acts. The definition is far broader and includes a wide range of behaviors. Sexual abuse includes, but is not limited to: 

• Rape  
• Non-consensual penetration 
• Coercive behavior  
• Violating personal boundaries 
• Exploitation 
• Threats and manipulation 
• Controlling behavior

A single act can constitute sexual abuse in California. Or, the perpetrator(s) may subject the survivor to repeated violations over a period of time. Some survivors endure weeks, months, or even years of abuse. And the May Firm is here to help every single one of these survivors get the justice they deserve.

Not sure if you have a case? Do not hesitate to reach out to our compassionate team. Our California sexual harassment lawyers can determine if you have a case.

Examples of Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is a complex area of the law. It’s not always easy to define when an act took place. However, here are some common examples of sexual abuse in CA: 

• Elder sexual abuse: Elder abuse means causing distress or harm to individuals over 65. This includes unwanted sexual contact, threats, or coercive behavior. Contact our California elder sexual abuse lawyers if you have concerns.   
• Boy scouts sexual abuse: As California boy scouts sexual abuse lawyers, we know how vulnerable children are. Leaders may abuse their position of trust over young boys and humiliate, exploit, or otherwise harm them emotionally. They may also force children into unwanted sexual contact. 
• Sexual abuse in sports: Sports sexual abuse includes verbal abuse, sexual coercion or bullying, unwanted physical contact, and abusing a position of trust over an athlete. Our California youth sports sexual abuse lawyers are waiting to help survivors today. 
• Workplace sexual abuse: Sexual abuse is a sad reality in some workplaces. From unwanted touching to explicit messaging, these acts can be insidious but emotionally draining.  
• School sexual abuse: Children may face unwanted sexual contact, bullying, and emotional manipulation on campus. Given their age, children may be frightened to report these issues for fear of retaliation. Our California school sexual abuse lawyers want to protect our youngsters. Call today for urgent legal advice.  
• Clergy sexual abuse: It’s not unheard of for clergy to abuse their position of trust. They might manipulate individuals into sexual acts. They may exploit someone’s vulnerability and use their position to exercise control.

If you’re an abuse survivor, you may be unsure whether you have legal rights. We can assure you that you do. Whether you need a California sexual abuse in sports lawyer or a workplace attorney, we can help.

Civil vs Criminal Court Cases

You can make a civil claim for damages for sexual abuse in California. But sexual abuse may constitute a crime, depending on what happened. Can you have both a civil and criminal case? 

Yes. The criminal and civil processes are different, and you’re entitled to pursue both actions. You’re entitled to damages for pain and suffering, but this doesn’t affect your right to pursue a criminal case.

If you win your civil case, this doesn’t automatically mean you’ll win the criminal case. Your lawyer can explain how the processes work.

We believe that every sexual abuse survivor deserves justice for what they’ve endured. And our California sexual abuse lawyers will not rest until they have secured the compensation you deserve. Whether you need a boarding school sexual abuse attorney in California or other assistance, we’re a phone call away.