San Diego Lawyer for Sexual Assault in the Church Setting

Sexual assault within the context of religious institutions, particularly in churches, is a deeply troubling reality that can leave survivors grappling with profound trauma and seeking avenues for justice. In San Diego cases where individuals have experienced such abuse within a church setting, they may have legal recourse to pursue civil claims against not only the perpetrator but also the church itself for its failure to prevent or address the abuse adequately.

At Walton Law Firm, we understand the complexities and sensitivities involved in these cases, and we are committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive legal support to survivors seeking restitution and accountability. If you or someone you know has been a victim of San Diego sexual assault in a church environment, our experienced team is here to help navigate the legal process and advocate for your rights.

Timing of Sexual Abuse in Church Cases

Even if the sexual assault or harassment occurred several years ago, there may still be time to take legal action. For context, in October 2019, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new law called Assembly Bill 218. The law took effect January 1, 2020, and it made big changes that give more rights to abuse survivors and changes the timeframe to pursue a case involving childhood sexual abuse. Consulting with a San Diego sexual assault in the church setting lawyer is imperative.

Here's what's new because of California AB 218:

• More Time to File Lawsuits: AB 218 gives survivors more time to sue their abusers or the people or organizations that let the abuse happen. Now, survivors can file a lawsuit until they're 40 years old, or within five years of finding out about the abuse, whichever comes later.
• Chance for Adults Abused as Kids: For adults who were abused when they were children, AB 218 creates a three-year period where they can file a lawsuit, even if too much time has passed under the old laws.
• Bigger Compensation for Hiding Abuse: If someone tried to hide or cover up sexual abuse, AB 218 says the victim can get triple the amount of money in compensation.

This new law is a huge win for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. It changes some important parts of the legal system to help survivors get justice. It's like laws passed in other states, such as the New York Child Victims Act, that are also trying to give more support to survivors and hold people and organizations accountable for not stopping abuse.

AB 218 encourages also survivors to come forward with their stories by giving them more time to speak up. It also sends a strong message that anyone who tries to hide evidence of childhood sexual abuse will face serious consequences, including having to pay significantly more in damages.

The impact of AB 218 is more than just a technical change in the law. It's about protecting survivors from being hurt again by laws that stop them from seeking justice. And it's about making sure communities are safer by not letting abusers get away with what they did. AB 218 is all about making giving survivors more rights and making sure those responsible for abuse are held accountable.

If you want to talk to a San Diego lawyer about sexual assault in the church setting, Walton Law Firm provides free and confidential consultations.

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