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Oct 2, 2024
On Sunday, Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill aimed at extending the statute of limitations for victims of California juvenile hall sexual abuse. The move has brought the sensitive topic of child sexual abuse to the forefront, and Newsom’s decision will undoubtedly have significant implications for both victims seeking justice and local governments grappling with potential financial burdens.
A shocking number of lawsuits have been brought recently by victims of sexual abuse at California’s juvenile facilities. In fact, it is estimated that more than 5,000 adults have filed claims alleging they were abused as children in juvenile detention centers, shelters, foster homes, and probation camps.
Accordingly, California juvenile center sexual abuse lawsuits have become a pressing issue throughout the state, with Newsom’s veto sparking increased debate and controversy.
In 2020, California enacted a law known as AB 218 that opened a three-year window for victims to file lawsuits in cases where the statute of limitations had expired. This change led to a surge of legal actions against various organizations, including the Catholic Church, school districts, and local governments. The law particularly impacted L.A. County’s juvenile facilities, which saw a significant increase in sexual abuse claims.
Under the current statute of limitations, victims of sexual abuse that occurred before 2024 can sue until they turn 40 or within five years of discovering a mental health condition or injury related to the abuse. However, many survivors of abuse in juvenile facilities have found themselves out of time to seek legal recourse.
Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) introduced a bill that would have created a one-year window within the statute of limitations for individuals to sue over sexual abuse that occurred at juvenile detention facilities and probation camps across California. Despite passing through the state Assembly and Senate with ease, Governor Newsom vetoed the bill on Sunday.
Newsom’s decision to veto the bill has angered victim advocates who argue that it prioritizes financial concerns over justice for survivors. The governor justified his veto by stating that the bill would encourage similar efforts to set aside the statute of limitations, potentially leading to cases where key evidence has been lost.
This decision stands in contrast to Newsom’s previous actions, where he signed legislation providing similar windows for lawsuits from victims of USC’s George Tyndall and UCLA’s James Heaps, both gynecologists accused of widespread sexual abuse.
D Law Group’s president, Los Angeles juvenile hall sexual abuse lawyer Sam Dordulian, called the veto by Newsom “an affront to every survivor.”
“With the staggering number of victims and sheer scope of abuse that’s been reported throughout California’s juvenile facilities, it’s extremely frustrating to see the governor’s veto. With the stroke of a pen, he’s essentially taken the opportunity for justice from the hands of countless survivors.”
Dordulian added that the veto belies Newsom’s previous actions which have opened windows for California survivors of both child sexual abuse and adult sexual assault to file civil claims and get justice.
“It’s hard to not infer that this decision prioritized the state’s bottom line over victims of juvenile hall sexual abuse,” Dordulian said.
The vetoed bill aimed to address a gap in the current statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases. By proposing a one-year window specifically for juvenile facility cases, it sought to provide an opportunity for victims who had been unable to come forward within the existing time frame.
Proponents of the bill argued that many survivors of abuse in juvenile facilities face unique challenges that may prevent them from reporting or seeking legal action within the current statute of limitations. These challenges can include trauma, fear of retaliation, lack of resources, or insufficient understanding of their legal rights.
The impact of the 2020 law change is particularly evident in Los Angeles County, where thousands of adults have come forward with allegations of sexual abuse in county juvenile facilities. The number of plaintiffs and the potential costs associated with these cases have raised significant concerns for county officials.
L.A. County Chief Executive Fesia Davenport reported that the number of plaintiffs has grown from an estimated 3,000 to more than 5,600. This increase in cases has led to projections of potential settlement costs ranging from $1.6 billion to $3 billion or more.
County lawyers face challenges in litigating decades-old cases, as records to corroborate even basic allegations may no longer exist. The Los Angeles Times reported that this situation creates a complex legal landscape where balancing the pursuit of justice with practical limitations becomes increasingly difficult.
The financial implications of these lawsuits are a major concern for L.A. County officials. Davenport has warned that resolving the sexual abuse claims could force the county to reduce services and potentially lay off workers. The settlements, which need to be accounted for in the next budget cycle, are expected to require more significant budget cuts than those experienced during the pandemic-related revenue shortfalls.
This financial strain comes at a time when many local governments are still recovering from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Critics of the vetoed bill argue that the potential for these lawsuits to affect county services and employment adds another layer of complexity to an already challenging situation.
The debate surrounding the vetoed bill and the broader issue of sexual abuse in juvenile facilities highlights the challenging balance between providing justice for victims and maintaining the financial stability of local governments.
Advocates for victims argue that the opportunity for survivors to seek justice should take precedence over financial concerns. They contend that accountability for past abuses is essential for healing and preventing future incidents.
Conversely, county officials continue to express concern about the potential long-term consequences of massive settlements on public services and employment. Unfortunately for survivors, they argue that addressing past wrongs should not come at the cost of compromising current and future public services.
Despite the veto, the issue of sexual abuse in juvenile facilities remains a critical concern that requires ongoing attention and action. Some potential steps to address this issue include:
With Governor Newsom’s veto, it’s clear that finding a solution which addresses both the needs of juvenile hall victims and the financial realities of local governments will require creative thinking and collaborative efforts from all stakeholders involved.
While Governor Newsom’s veto has temporarily halted efforts to extend the statute of limitations for juvenile facility abuse cases, the conversation around this issue is far from over. The growing number of lawsuits and the stories of survivors continue to shed light on this dark chapter in California’s juvenile justice system.
As the state grapples with these challenges, it is crucial to maintain focus on preventing future abuses while also finding ways to provide justice and support for past victims. This may involve exploring alternative forms of resolution, such as truth and reconciliation commissions or dedicated victim compensation funds.
Ultimately, addressing the issue of sexual abuse in juvenile facilities will require a multifaceted approach that combines legal reform, improved oversight, and a commitment to creating safer environments for young people in the care of the state. But there are still options for many survivors who wish to pursue justice.
When it comes to sexual abuse cases, experience is critical. Dordulian Law Group’s expert juvenile facility sexual abuse lawyers have over a century of combined experience helping survivors secure justice. Led by former Los Angeles County sex crimes prosecutor and member of RAINN’s National Leadership council, sexual abuse lawyer Sam Dordulian, our team has the knowledge, skill, and experience needed to help you secure justice through maximum financial compensation.
D Law Group is unique in that we provide survivors with a multiple-person team comprising a 24/7 support network of juvenile hall sexual abuse professionals:
Known as the SAJE Team (Sexual Abuse Justice Experts), this four-tiered group is available to all D Law Group Los Angeles juvenile hall sexual abuse clients 24/7. We’re committed to fighting tirelessly for justice on your behalf and are available to discuss your case at any time. To schedule your free and confidential Los Angeles juvenile hall sex abuse lawyer consultation, contact us today at 866-GO-SEE-SAM.
There is never any upfront fee or out-of-pocket expense to worry about when you secure D Law group’s experienced Los Angeles juvenile facility sexual abuse lawyers. If we don’t win, you don’t pay; it’s that simple. Reach out to us today to take the first step towards securing justice for your Los Angles juvenile hall sexual abuse case.
According to recent reports, the number of plaintiffs has grown to more than 5,600.
County officials have estimated that resolving the sexual abuse claims could cost between $1.6 billion to $3 billion or more.
County officials warn that the financial burden of these lawsuits could force reductions in services and potential layoffs of county workers.
For sexual abuse that occurred before 2024, victims can sue until they turn 40 or within five years of discovering a mental health condition related to the abuse. For child sexual abuse occurring after 2024, the statute of limitations has been eliminated, and survivors can bring claims whenever they are ready to do so.
Newsom argued that the bill would encourage similar efforts to set aside the statute of limitations, potentially leading to cases where key evidence has been lost.
County lawyers face difficulties in these cases as records to corroborate even basic allegations may no longer exist, making it challenging to verify claims.
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.
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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