NAPA CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE ATTORNEY
MICHAEL REHM - (707) 416-2021
FREE CONSULTATIONS
Providing representation to victims of School/Teacher/Counselor/Coach sexual assault, Clergy/Pastor/Priest childhood sexual abuse, Boy Scouts sexual abuse, and other institutional abuse matters in Napa, American Canyon, Calistoga, St. Helena, and Yountville, CA.
The prominence of childhood sexual abuse is disheartening and unconscionable. Unfortunately, it is a reality that many people must face. Over the years, there has been pressure for organizations, churches, and schools to take responsibility when someone under their supervision sexually abuses a child in their care. Until January 2020, these organizations were off the hook if the statute of limitations had passed. In an interesting turn, California implemented a new law that gives survivors a 3-year window to file a civil claim against their abusers and the organizations that played a part, regardless of how old the survivor is and when the abuse occurred. If you have questions about initiating a claim, Attorney Michael Rehm is here to help. To schedule a free and confidential consultation, contact The Law Office of Michael Rehm today at (707) 416-2021 .
Cover-Ups
The unfortunate reality is that the Catholic Church has consistently covered up childhood sexual abuse allegations against priests. The new California law implemented in 2020 not only opened the 3-year window for claims to be filed against childhood sexual abusers, but it also implemented harsher penalties for organizations that covered up or attempted to cover up the abuse. If the case goes to trial and the court determines that the defendant was engaged in a cover up, the plaintiff is entitled to 3x the damages that were awarded.
While monetary fines may not solve the problem, it is clear that something else needed to be done. The negative press surrounding the Catholic Church certainly has not eliminated the abuse and the abhorrent tendency to shuffle priests around instead of reporting them for abuse, so it was time to try something else. With the 3-year window and extra financial penalties, hopefully this patterns changes going forward.
Dioceses Release Lists of Abusers
In the last few years, a significant number of dioceses have released lists of accused childhood sexual abusers who were formerly or are currently within their organization. It would be great if this list came willingly, as it would show that the Catholic Church is truly dedicated to putting an end to the horrific patterns of covering up sexual abuse allegations. However, this is not the case. The lists were released as a result of a 2018 grand jury report naming hundreds of priests that were being investigated for abuse. Regardless, the fact that the list is out there is a step in the right direction. A significant number of these priests served the Napa area.
Contact The Law Office of Michael Rehm
While some of the responsibility being taken is forced, it is better than no accountability at all. The California Victims Act has the opportunity to help survivors take back control and find justice and closure in their journey. If you have any questions or would like to discuss initiating a claim, Attorney Michael Rehm is here to assist you. He provides representation on childhood sexual abuse cases, and does so with care, compassion, and dedication. Call (707) 416-2021 to schedule a free and confidential consultation with the Law Office of Michael Rehm.
MICHAEL REHM - (707) 416-2021
FREE CONSULTATIONS
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