Call Us (866) GO-SEE-SAM
Call Us (866) GO-SEE-SAM
Sep 27, 2024
Dordulian Law Group’s child sexual abuse lawyers have put together the following Q&A for parents, survivors, and advocates.
In a criminal lawsuit, the government takes action against the person who committed the crime to punish them. This could mean putting them in jail or placing them under strict supervision to protect the community and children. A civil lawsuit, on the other hand, is when the victim sues the person who hurt them to get financial compensation and justice for the suffering they endured. This type of case is brought by private lawyers like D Law Group, not the government.
Settlements in child sexual abuse cases are usually not made public. This means that if a case ends with a settlement, the child’s name and details stay private. Only if the case goes to trial does it ever become part of public record. Additionally, it’s important to note that the vast majority of child sexual abuse cases reach a settlement without ever going to trial.
The best place to start is usually a children’s hospital. These hospitals have professionals who specialize in helping children and can provide guidance and support. Even if you’re an adult dealing with childhood abuse, they can connect you to therapists who can help. Additionally, you may wish to discuss your child’s case with an experienced and compassionate sexual abuse attorney.
The first step is to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor. If you’re unsure where to find one, reach out to a lawyer who deals with childhood abuse cases. They can recommend experts and resources to help you.
You might have to go to court if you decide to file a lawsuit. However, most cases are settled outside of court, meaning they are resolved through an agreement before reaching trial.
No, lawyers have strict rules about keeping client information private. They are not required to report anything you tell them without your permission, so you can share your story without fear of it being reported.
In many states, you can use a pseudonym like “John Doe” or “Jane Doe” when filing a case to keep your real name out of public records. This way, your identity is protected even if the case goes to court.
It’s normal to feel torn between your feelings for your church and the need to report abuse. If your church truly supports you, they will want to protect you and others. It’s important to report the abuse to both church leaders and law enforcement.
Talk to the school authorities, like the principal, and report your concerns. You should also contact law enforcement and ask to speak with someone in their child abuse unit. Additionally, consider taking your child to a psychologist who specializes in child abuse cases.
This is a serious issue. Make sure your child gets evaluated by a professional who is trained to handle such situations. The school should also be working to ensure the safety of other students and must report the incident to law enforcement.
If your child is showing unusual behaviors and you suspect abuse, it’s important to have them speak with a professional like a child counselor or therapist. An expert can ask the right questions without leading the child to say things that might not be true.
Some churches may try to keep abuse cases quiet, but it’s important to report this to the police. Sexual abuse is a crime, and it needs to be addressed, no matter what your church advises.
Yes, it is. Even if you felt like it was consensual at the time, it’s still considered abuse when a minor is involved. It’s important to seek help and report it, as this can have long-lasting effects on your life.
Many states now understand that it can take years to come to terms with childhood sexual abuse. The laws in California have been updated to allow more time to bring a case – with survivors able to file claims until their 40th birthday (or within five years of discovering an injury resulting from the abuse like PTSD). If your sexual abuse happened after 2024, you actually have no deadline for filing a civil lawsuit. The Justice for Survivors Act (or California AB 452) eliminated the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse civil lawsuits if the crime occurred after 2024. If you’re dealing with the question of how to file a claim as an adult, it’s a good idea to talk to a lawyer about your options.
If you want to take legal action, you can start by reporting the abuse to the police. They will investigate, and if there is enough evidence, the abuser may be prosecuted. You may also be able to file a civil lawsuit for financial compensation by contacting D Law Group’s dedicated childhood sexual abuse lawyers at 866-GO-SEE-SAM.
Dordulian Law Group is a compassionate and trusted Los Angeles child sexual abuse firm representing survivors in all case types. We offer a unique type of full-service legal representation which includes access to a group of dedicated professionals known as the SAJE Team.
D Law Group clients have 24/7 access to all four divisions of the SAJE Team support network:
D Law Group’s California child sexual abuse lawyers offer proven results and an unparalleled track record. We recently secured a $2 million settlement for a child sexual abuse survivor as well as a $1 million settlement for a teacher sexual abuse survivor who suffered emotional trauma when her teacher would constantly brush up against her chest whenever he handed her something in class. These are just two of several examples of how survivors of childhood sexual abuse have obtained justice on their own terms under new California laws expanding the deadline for filing civil claims.
With a 98% winning record and more than $200 million in settlements and verdicts secured for our clients, D Law Group’s child sexual abuse lawyers are the best option for survivors, parents, and victims alike.
Some additional DLG sex crime victories obtained recently include:
Our Sexual Assault Justice Experts are here to help survivors secure justice. Contact our top-rated attorneys online or by phone for a free consultation today.
At D Law Group, our California child sexual abuse lawyers work only on a contingency fee basis. This means that there is never any cost to you until after we’ve won your case and secured a damages award on your behalf. There is no financial risk or upfront expense to your family when you choose D Law Group to fight for justice in your child’s sexual abuse case. If we don’t win, you don’t pay; it’s that simple.
Contact us today to set up a free and confidential childhood sexual abuse case consultation with a member of DLG’s SAJE Team.
Sam Dordulian is an award-winning sexual abuse lawyer with over 25 years' experience helping survivors secure justice. As a former sex crimes prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney for L.A. County, he secured life sentences against countless sexual predators. Mr. Dordulian currently serves on the National Leadership Council for RAINN.
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