Empowering Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse in California
The State of California has been at the forefront of sexual abuse victim litigation. Its courts and legislature have been very progressive in extending rights to those suffering the effects of a sexual violation.
And a recent experiment by the California Legislature provided dramatic proof of how society benefits when abuse victims bring civil lawsuits.
In 2002, the California Legislature amended its statute of limitations to allow victims to file claims during a one year "window", even if the limitations period had expired. This allowed civil lawsuits to be filed. These suits identified more than 300 perpetrators who had never before been identified, or listed on the state registry of sexual offenders. The litigation also unearthed evidence that religious organizations had aided and abetted the perpetrators.
The window is now closed in California, but child sexual abuse victims still have until their 26th birthday to file suit.
Scholars have lauded victim lawsuits for shining an important light on the sexual abuse epidemic. Professor Marci Hamilton, of Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, has written two important book about the subject: God vs. the Gavel: Religion and the Rule of Law and Justice Denied: What America Must Do to Protect Its Children. Albany Law School Professor has written a book about the important role civil lawsuits have had in disclosing abuse in the Catholic Church and forcing important reforms within the Church. Holding Bishops Accountable: How Lawsuits Helped the Catholic Church Confront Clergy Sexual Abuse. Even Cardozo Law Professor Lester Brickman, a long-time opponent of personal injury litigation, has conceded that clergy abuse litigation has produced positive gains for society.
We Have Helped Many Abuse Victims in California
If you have been abused in the state of California and are ready and willing to speak with a lawyer, contact us at the law firm of Hartley Hampton, P.C. Call our office toll free at 866-635-0811 to schedule a free initial consultation. We will handle your case with the respect and dignity that it deserves.
