San Bernardino Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Cases of Sexual Abuse in San Bernardino: Legal Representation
San Bernardino, as well as many other areas in California and across the nation, has had a high number of serious sexual abuse cases, whether from a Catholic priest, other religious worker, educator, or any other individual who takes advantage of the innocent. Criminal abusers should face the consequences of their actions and be forced to pay damages in civil court. A San Bernardino sexual abuse attorney from Manly, Stewart & Finaldi has gained prominence through their zealous representation of survivors of priest sexual abuse. With many high profile cases already settled in multi-million dollar lawsuits, the firm has gained a deep insight into all the aspects of sexual abuse cases and how to proceed in seeking compensation for survivors of sexual abuse.
What Is Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse and violence can refer to many types of sex crimes committed against an individual. Any kind of sexual contact with another person without that person’s consent constitutes sexual assault. While women are sexually abused at a higher rate than men, both can be victims. Children are often targeted and groomed by perpetrators and pedophiles from a young age to prepare them for sexual abuse. Common examples of sexual abuse include:
- Child molestation
- Child pornography
- Forced oral sex
- Indecent exposure or public masturbation
- Nonconsensual touching of a person’s intimate parts
- Object penetration
- Rape and statutory rape
- Sodomy
- Stalking
- Unwanted touching or kissing
- Verbal sexual assault or harassment
Although often used interchangeably, sexual abuse and sexual assault are two different things on a legal level. In general, sexual assault refers to an isolated incident while sexual abuse describes an ongoing pattern of sexual misconduct against a victim. Sexual abuse occurs when someone touches, penetrates, rapes or otherwise uses another person for the purpose of sexual gratification, arousal or abuse. Sexual abuse can involve the use of force, intimidation, violence or incapacitation.
Our Sexual Abuse and Assault Practice Areas
With over 25 years of legal experience, our sexual abuse lawyers can handle any type of case, no matter how challenging. Our firm represents clients in all types of sexual abuse cases, including those involving:
- Child sexual abuse
- Sexually abused in school
- Coach sexual abuse
- Foster care abuse
- Boy Scout abuse
- Sexual abuse in sports
- Sexual abuse at work
- Government sexual abuse
- Clergy sexual abuse
- Incest
- Sexual harassment
- Sexual harassment in school
- Clergy sexual harassment
- Child sexual harassment
- Sexual harassment in sports
- Coach sexual harassment
- Elder sexual harassment
- Government sexual harassment
- Foster case sexual harassment
- Boy Scout sexual harassment
- Sexual harassment at work
- Sexual hazing
- School sexual hazing
- Work sexual hazing
- Government sexual hazing
- Sexual hazing on sports teams
- Sexual bullying
- Internet sex crimes
- Online sexual harassment
- Cyberstalking
- Cyberbullying
- Sex with a minor
- Rape
- Spousal rape
- Sexual assault
- Social media sexual harassment.
We fight for justice in clergy abuse cases in the Diocese of San Bernardino, in addition to many other types of sexual assault cases on behalf of our clients.
Clergy Abuse and Other Sexual Abuse Cases in San Bernardino
Those who have suffered abuse from Catholic priests face serious emotional issues, usually for the rest of their lives. If you suffered abuse as a child, or if your child has been the target of an abuser of any type, our legal team at the firm can help you bring your case forward in a lawsuit against the criminal party. These claims are filed in civil court and seek damages for the client. Our legal team is a preeminent group of attorneys, led by lead counsel John Manly with many impressive verdicts and settlements for our clients, including achieving results in the recent $100 million settlement against the Diocese of Orange, a $660 million settlement against the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and a $150 million settlement against the Diocese of San Diego. If you are a survivor of clergy abuse in San Bernardino, our law firm should be contacted at once.
What to Do if You’ve Been Sexually Abused in San Bernardino
It is normal to feel scared, overwhelmed and confused about what to do after experiencing sexual abuse or assault. Know that you are not alone and that help is available. Take the following steps to protect yourself as a survivor of sexual assault in San Bernardino:
1. Prioritize your safety. Get to a safe place, such as a friend or family member’s house.
2. Call 911. If you are in need of urgent help, call 911 to contact the police immediately.
3. Tell someone. Talking about your experience can help you overcome this trauma.
4. Report the crime. Even if the assault occurred long ago, you can contact the authorities to file a report.
5. Dial a hotline. If you want confidential support, call the national sexual assault hotline at (800) 656-4673.
6. Get medical care. Go to a hospital in San Bernardino for care for any injuries that you suffered, as well as a sexual assault forensic exam.
7. Cope with what happened. Continue to get ongoing support for your mental and emotional health.
8. Consider your legal options. Contact a sexual assault lawyer in San Bernardino to discuss your right to file a civil lawsuit.
At Manly, Stewart & Finaldi, we believe you. Seeking justice starts with a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. We will listen to your story and connect you to resources that will help you achieve long-term recovery. When you’re ready to take legal action against your abuser or an institution in San Bernardino, we can represent you during settlement negotiations or a trial.
Statute of Limitations on Sexual Abuse and Assault Cases in California
Lawmakers in California recognize that it often takes survivors a long time – decades, in some cases – to report sexual abuse. They recently passed Assembly Bill 218 to extend the statute of limitations on sexual abuse and assault lawsuits. Currently, survivors of child sexual abuse have until their 40th birthdays to bring civil lawsuits in California.
The deadline can be tolled, or extended, if the survivor did not make the connection between his or her mental health problem and child sexual abuse until later. In this situation, the victim has 5 years from the date of discovery to file. If you suffered sexual assault as an adult, you have 10 years from the date of the incident or 3 years from the date of discovery to file. Contact our attorneys as soon as possible to avoid missing your deadline.
San Bernardino Resources
Contact a San Bernardino sexual abuse lawyer from our firm for the highest quality, proven legal representation in any sexual abuse case in the San Diego area.