YOLO COUNTY CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE ATTORNEY
MICHAEL REHM - (916) 233-7346
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 Davis, West Sacramento, Winters and Woodland, California.
Childhood sexual abuse is one of the most heinous crimes that can be committed against a person. Various factors such as shame, guilt, and confusion often keep victims from speaking out about the abuse. Fortunately, California is providing victims another chance to speak out and file a claim against their abuser. Money won't change what happened, but receiving monetary compensation from your abuser can be part of holding them accountable. For a free and confidential consultation, contact The Law Office of Michael Rehm today at (916) 233-7346
The Revival of Childhood Sexual Abuse Claims
In 2019, The Child Victims Act was implemented, allowing any survivor of childhood sexual abuse to file a civil lawsuit against their abuser for a period of 3 years, ending on December 31, 2022. This gives hundred to thousands of people the possibility of seeking justice if they previously missed this chance and let the statute of limitations lapse.
Schools, Churches, and Other Organizations Could be Liable
In many situations, it's not only the abuser that can be held legally responsible for the abuse. Schools, churches, and many other organizations are often liable for the sexual abuse that was inflicted on a child. For example, schools are required to perform a number of actions when hiring and supervising employees in order to keep students safe, including the following:
- School districts must appropriately vet all employees before hiring them. This includes criminal background checks and checking references from previous schools or workplaces.
- Teachers should receive child abuse training where they are taught how to identify grooming behavior.
- Any sexual abuse allegations of students should always be investigated thoroughly. This includes rumors from students and parents or accusations from students, parents, faculty, or other community members.
- When child sexual assault allegations are corroborated, schools must take appropriate actions. Schools that ignore these findings or simply give the teacher a slap on the wrist are not following through with their duty to keep the students safe. As mandated reporters, this also includes reporting the teacher to the appropriate authorities.
Increased Damages for Coverups
The fact that many school districts, churches, and other organizations cover up sexual abuse allegations and findings instead of reporting them and appropriately disciplining the perpetrator is unconscionable. Unfortunately, this happens far too often. The Child Victims Act decided to address this issue as well. In the case of a coverup, the responsible party can be required to pay you 3 times the awarded compensation. While money won't solve everything, this is just one way to start holding institutions accountable. This will hopefully act as a deterrent to future coverup situations.
Contact Attorney Michael Rehm Today
Childhood sexual abuse is a serious crime that impacts the victim's wellbeing throughout their lifetime. For that reason, victims may be able to recover monetary compensation to help with the harm they suffered, which almost always includes physical and emotional damage, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and emotional pain and suffering. If you or a loved one experienced this and are looking for an attorney, it's important to find someone who is experienced and understands how to handle these delicate cases. Attorney Michael Rehm handles all his cases with patience, competence and understanding. For a free and confidential consultation, contact The Law Office of Michael Rehm today at (916) 233-7346.
Confidential Voicemail - (800) 978-0754 - Contact Email Page
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