SAN BERNARDINO CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE ATTORNEY
MICHAEL REHM - (800) 978-0754
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 San Bernardino, Fontana, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Victorville and Rialto CA.
The effects of child sexual abuse can be both short-term and long-term. The fact that many survivors suffer in silence and organizations responsible try to cover up the abuse only makes the road to recovery even more difficult. In the short-term, victims may experience physical injuries, such as bruises or cuts. They may also experience emotional trauma, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In the long-term, victims may suffer from chronic emotional problems, such as low self-esteem or difficulty trusting others. They may also struggle with substance abuse or develop eating disorders. Child sexual abuse can have a lasting impact on every aspect of a victim's life. If you're a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and you want to take action, Attorney Michael Rehm can help. For a free and confidential consultation, contact The Law Office of Michael Rehm today at (800) 978-0754.
The California Child Victims Act and Cover Ups
The California Child Victims Act went into effect on January 1, 2020, and significantly changed the landscape for childhood sexual abuse survivors in California. The Act provides a three-year window for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to bring claims against their abusers, regardless of when the abuse occurred. This is a major victory for survivors, who have long been silenced by statutes of limitations that have prevented them from seeking justice.
However, the fight for justice is far from over. Despite the passage of the The Act, many childhood sexual abuse survivors are still facing roadblocks in their pursuit of compensation. One major obstacle is the cover-up of childhood sexual abuse by institutions like the Catholic Church, Boy Scouts of America, and others. These organizations have been accused of harboring abusers and protecting them from accountability. As a result, many survivors are unable to bring claims against their abusers because they cannot identify them. Fortunately, the California Child Victims Act attempts to address this as well by providing significant extra damages if it's determined that an organization tried to cover up the abuse.
Child Sexual Abuse Cases in San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County has settled a lawsuit for $7.8 million alleging that the county foster care system did not protect a boy from sexual and physical abuse by his older brother. The older brother had previously been accused of abusing other children, but the county placed him in the same home as his younger brother.
The lawsuit alleges that former San Bernardino County Child and Family Services social worker Deborah Kay did not conduct a proper investigation. This led to the brothers being able to remain in close contact with each other. She also did not conduct separate interviews. It's alleged that Kay also lied about the older child's prior history when the parents were considering adopting the boys. She told the younger child to not speak of the sexual abuse so it wouldn't act as a deterrent for them to be adopted.
According to the attorney who filed the lawsuit, the problem doesn't just lie with this one social worker. At the time that this occurred, foster children in San Bernardino County were not required to have private interviews with social workers, despite state law requiring each foster child to be questioned and spoken to privately and separately. These are the type of cases that unfortunately occur, and The Law Office of Michael Rehm applauds the victims for their courage in coming forward.
Contact The Law Office of Michael Rehm
Childhood sexual abuse is a horrific thing. Just as bad, if not worse, is the organizations that hide the abuse. These cover-ups are inexcusable. The organizations involved need to be held accountable for their actions. And the only way to do that is by filing a civil suit against them. If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, don't wait any longer to get the justice you deserve. Contact Attorney Michael Rehm, who can help you file a claim under the California Child Victims Act. Contact The Law Office of Michael Rehm today at (800) 978-0754 to schedule a free consultation.
San Bernardino School/Teacher Sexual Abuse Attorney - Fontana Priest/Clergy Abuse Lawyer
Free, Confidential Consultations - Confidential Voicemail - (800) 978-0754.
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