Sacramento Child Molestation Lawyer
Child molestation is a disgusting crime that is difficult to think about, especially as a parent. It is critical to consider this possibility if your child is showing signs of sexual assault or abuse, however, so that you can get your child the help that he or she needs. It is also important to come forward with a child molestation claim in Sacramento if you or a loved one is a victim of this crime.
Filing a lawsuit can bring a pedophile to justice and potentially protect other children from the same perpetrator in the future, as well as give you the closure and financial compensation that you deserve. Speak to a child molestation plaintiff’s attorney in Sacramento today at no cost or obligation to learn more about your legal rights. Contact Manly, Stewart & Finaldi to request a confidential case review.
What Is Child Molestation or Child Sexual Abuse?
Child molestation is the crime of engaging in sexual activities, conduct or stimulation with a child or adolescent. It is also referred to as child sexual abuse or sexual assault. No minor (person under the age of 18) may legally give his or her consent to sexual activity in California. Any type of sexual contact with a child is against the law. Doing any of the following acts with a child for the purpose of sexual gratification, arousal or pleasure is molestation:
- Touching a child’s genitals, anus or female’s breasts
- Inappropriate kissing, hugging, fondling or groping
- Lewd or lascivious acts
- Exhibitionism, or displaying one’s genitals
- Watching a child get undressed, bathe or go to the bathroom
- Taking pornographic photos of a child
- Exposing a child to pornography
- Forcing a child to touch someone else’s genitals
- Forced oral copulation
- Putting objects inside of a child
- Rape or sodomy
- Statutory rape
Child molestation often involves an imbalance of power between an adult or older adolescent and a younger child. Children are often groomed, or prepared for sexual acts, by pedophiles from a young age. The perpetrator may be someone the child or parents trust, such as a priest, teacher, coach, babysitter or family member. It may involve the use of force, violence, threats, intimidation or incapacitation. It can also refer to sexual acts that an adolescent agrees to, as he or she legally cannot give consent.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
Child molestation is an extremely difficult thing to come to terms with. Survivors of child sexual abuse are often unable or unwilling to come forward for many years after the trauma that they endured. Many survivors block these memories out or repress them without meaning to, while others are aware of what happened to them but reluctant to come forward for a variety of other reasons.
California lawmakers recently updated the statute of limitations on child sexual abuse cases after recognizing how difficult it is for survivors to report this crime and take legal action. Today, under AB-218, child sexual abuse survivors have until their 40th birthdays to file civil lawsuits in California. The statute of limitations can be tolled, or paused, if the survivor does not connect his or her mental health issues with child molestation until later in life. In this case, the victim has 5 years from the date of discovery to bring a lawsuit.
Speak to a Sacramento Child Molestation Lawyer Today for More Information
If you are a survivor of child molestation or suspect that your child is a victim of this heinous crime, don’t hesitate to contact Manly, Stewart & Finaldi for a confidential case review in Sacramento, California. We are a team of dedicated sexual assault and abuse attorneys with over 25 years of legal experience. We have what it takes to help you and your family during this difficult time. We can keep your identity anonymous throughout your lawsuit if desired. Learn more today during a free case evaluation. Call (800) 700-8450 to speak to an attorney today.