Sexual abuse can affect a person long after the abuse ends. Survivors may wrestle with fear, anger, or self-doubt, even years later. Reaching out to a lawyer can feel heavy, especially when the abuse involved someone who was trusted.
A Santa Rosa sexual abuse lawyer from our firm helps survivors decide what happens next and pursue accountability for the harm they suffered. Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys approaches these cases with respect, patience, and care, keeping the focus on the person rather than the process.
Our Santa Rosa personal lawyers come with decades of experience between us. We listen, stay involved in your case, and treat you like family. We answer questions, explain each step, and remain involved from the first conversation through the end of the case. Call us for a free consultation.
Our Santa Rosa Sexual Abuse Attorneys Will Protect Your Claim
Sexual abuse cases differ from other injury claims. Survivors often worry about privacy, safety, and being believed. Many fear being forced to relive painful events. Our role centers on protecting you while holding the right parties responsible.
A sexual abuse attorney in Santa Rosa from our firm will explain your options in plain language, handle communication with defendants and insurers, and take steps only when you are ready. We move at a pace that respects your comfort and your story, and we focus on accountability. For many people, that recognition matters as much as financial recovery.
Omega Law Group has spent decades representing injured people and has achieved case results in a wide range of legal matters. We will fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Sexual Abuse Means Under California Law
In California, the law recognizes sexual abuse as harmful conduct that crosses personal boundaries. It can involve unwanted sexual contact, sexual behavior, or sexual exposure. Physical force does not have to be present.
The focus is on whether the conduct occurred without someone’s valid consent. Consent must be freely given and informed. When someone feels pressured, afraid, or unable to say no, consent is not present. Children cannot legally give consent under any circumstances.
How Sexual Abuse Can Occur
Sexual abuse does not always look the same from one situation to the next. It may involve unwanted touching, sexual activity with a minor, or sexual behavior that happens because someone feels pressured rather than willing.
In other situations, abuse occurs when a person in a position of trust or authority uses that role to cross boundaries. Fear, implied consequences, or promised favors can all influence whether someone feels able to say no. Survivors often wonder whether their experience qualifies under the law.
We will review your situation and advise how the law affects your case.
(310) 526-8383Sexual Abuse Claims We Handle in the Santa Rosa Area
Sexual abuse can occur in many settings. Each situation carries different legal duties and sources of responsibility. Our attorneys handle cases involving abuse in the following environments:
- Abuse in schools and educational programs: We pursue claims against school districts, private schools, and programs that failed to protect students or ignored warning signs.
- Abuse in churches and religious organizations: We hold religious institutions accountable when leaders or staff members abuse trust or when leadership covers up reports.
- Abuse in youth sports and camps: We represent survivors harmed by coaches, volunteers, or staff in sports leagues, camps, and after-school programs.
- Abuse in foster care and group homes: We take action against agencies and facilities that placed children in unsafe environments or ignored known risks.
- Abuse in medical or care facilities: We handle claims involving abuse by doctors, nurses, caregivers, or staff in hospitals, clinics, and care homes.
- Abuse in the workplace: We represent adults harmed by supervisors, coworkers, or clients when employers failed to act or protect employees.
- Abuse in residential or rental housing: We pursue property owners and managers who ignored known dangers or allowed unsafe conditions to continue.
Each case starts with a careful review of what happened and who allowed it to occur. Responsibility can go beyond the individual abuser.
Who Can Pursue a Sexual Abuse Claim in Santa Rosa?
Children and adults may bring civil claims for sexual abuse. In some cases, parents or guardians may act on behalf of a minor. Survivors can pursue claims even if no criminal case occurred or if charges were never filed.
Civil cases focus on harm and accountability, not punishment. The goal is acknowledgment, financial recovery, and change.
(310) 526-8383Who Can Be Held Responsible in a Sexual Abuse Case?
Legal responsibility often reaches beyond the person who committed the abuse. Claims may involve:
- Employers
- Schools or school districts
- Religious organizations
- Property owners
- Care facilities or agencies
- Youth organizations
These entities have duties to screen staff, respond to reports, and protect people in their care. When they fail, the law allows survivors to seek damages from them.
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(310) 526-8383 Survivors Can File Claims to Recover Various Damages
A civil claim can address the real costs that follow sexual abuse, including:
- Therapy or other mental health support the survivor receives
- Medical care related to the abuse
- Missed work or long-term limits on earning income
- Ongoing mental and emotional distress
- Changes to daily life, relationships, or personal safety
A claim for damages helps show how the abuse changed your life. Financial recovery cannot undo what happened, but it can help support accountability and someone’s path to healing.
California’s Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse Claims
California law has changed significantly to expand access to justice for survivors.
- Abuse that occurred on or after January 1, 2024: There is no statute of limitations for civil sexual assault claims. Survivors may file at any time.
- Adult survivors of past abuse: California has opened a temporary revival window that allows many claims that were previously time-barred to move forward. This window remains open until December 31, 2026.
- Childhood sexual abuse: Separate laws extend or remove deadlines depending on the timing and facts of the case.
The rules under Code of Civil Procedure § 340.1 are complicated and depend on dates and circumstances. We review timelines carefully and explain how the law applies to your situation.
What to Do If You Are Considering Legal Action for Abuse
There is no single right way to move forward after sexual abuse. Some people take steps immediately, while others wait. What matters is choosing what feels manageable for you.
If and when you feel ready, it may help to:
- Address physical or emotional concerns with medical care or counseling.
- Write down or record the details of anything you remember, even if your memories feel incomplete.
- Keep texts, emails, reports, or other records connected to the abuse.
- Limit contact with the person who caused harm and with anyone acting on their behalf. An attorney can handle communications with them or their lawyer if necessary.
- Talk with a Santa Rosa sexual abuse attorney from our team who can handle your claim.
You decide what comes next. We are ready to help you. You can start with a free consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sexual Abuse Claims
People often have questions about privacy, timing, and what a civil claim involves. Below, we address common concerns we hear from survivors and families considering legal action.
Do I Have to Go to Court?
Many parties resolve their cases through settlement. Some move to trial when defendants refuse responsibility. We explain each stage before decisions are made.
Will My Identity Stay Private?
We take steps to protect survivors’ privacy. We also raise confidentiality concerns early and work to limit exposure.
What if the Abuse Happened Years Ago?
Recent law changes allow many older claims to move forward. Time alone does not end your rights.
What Does It Cost to Hire Your Firm?
If there is no recovery of damages, there is no fee. We receive payment only if you recover damages.
Our Santa Rosa Sexual Abuse Lawyer Will Help You — Call Us
You deserve clear answers and control over what happens next. Our team will listen to your concerns, explain your options, and respect your pace.
When you reach out for help from our sexual abuse lawyer serving Santa Rosa, we keep the conversation centered on you and what’s right for your situation. At Omega Law Group, we stay in touch, return your calls, answer questions, and explain what is happening at every stage of your claim.
We treat clients with the same care we give our own families. From start to finish, we stand beside you. To review your legal options and next steps with our team, call us today for a free, confidential consultation.
