Resources for Victims of Sexual Assualt in California

Unfortunately, sexual abuse occurs all too often in today’s society. In the wake of sexual abuse allegations, you might decide to pursue criminal charges against your assailant. Many victims struggle with the idea of confronting their attacker in open court or fear retaliation after reporting the identity of the perpetrator to law enforcement.

Even if you decide to file charges against your attacker, that doesn’t necessarily mean he or she will receive a guilty verdict and face time behind bars. The outcome of criminal cases rests in the hands of the jury or the judge in the event the case goes all the way to trial.

However, many people don’t realize there are multiple sexual assault resources that can help you hold the perpetrator accountable for their actions. One way involves bringing a sexual abuse civil lawsuit against the perpetrator for damages incurred as a result of the abuse.

If you or a loved one suffered from sexual abuse or harassment, contact Silva Injury Law, Inc. to start your free consultation.

California’s Sexual Assault Resources

If you or a loved one suffered or are suffering from sexual abuse, know that you’re not alone. Sexual abuse resources in California can help you escape your dangerous situation or obtain counseling for your trauma. Some of these sexual assault resources include the following organizations and programs. 

The National Domestic Violence Hotline

The National Domestic Violence Hotline operates 24/7 throughout the year and provides crucial support for domestic violence survivors. Compassionate assistance, information, and education are available in over 200 languages. 

Its mission emphasizes empowering those affected by relationship abuse through support and shifting power dynamics. Generous donations, corporations, foundations, and a significant federal grant fund the Hotline. It is dedicated to spreading education and awareness about domestic violence.

Contact them at 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) or visit The Hotline website. 

The National Teen Dating Helpline (Love is Respect)

Love is Respect is a national resource aimed at helping teens get out of and prevent unhealthy relationships and intimate partner violence. It empowers young people aged 13 to 26 through resources, support, and education, ensuring an inclusive and equitable approach. 

Operating under the National Domestic Violence Hotline, it provides 24/7 information, support, and advocacy via phone, text, and live chat to young people and their friends, family, teachers, and service providers concerned about romantic relationships. Its offerings include comprehensive education through quizzes, interactive pages, testimonials, and training for educators and parents to foster healthy relationships and prevent abuse.

Contact the National Teen Dating Helpline at 1-866-331-9474 or visit the Love is Respect website. 

National Sexual Assault Hotline 

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline. It offers confidential support and services 24/7 to individuals affected by sexual assault. By calling 800.656.HOPE (4673), callers are connected to local RAINN affiliate organizations based on their phone number or entered ZIP code. Services include support from trained staff, assistance in finding local health facilities for survivors, help to discuss the incident, local resource guidance, referrals for long-term support, legal information, and medical concern advice. 

The hotline is part of a decentralized network of independent sexual assault service providers, ensuring confidentiality and support tailored to the caller’s location.

WEAVE 

WEAVE (When Everyone Acts Violence Ends) serves as the primary crisis intervention provider for survivors of domestic violence and the Rape Crisis Center for Sacramento County. Offering a comprehensive array of multilingual, survivor-centered, and trauma-informed services, WEAVE works under the belief that the survivor knows what’s best for themselves. 

It provides individual and group counseling, safety planning, legal assistance, and education on violence prevention. By focusing not only on intervention but also on prevention through education, WEAVE aims to disrupt the cycle of violence and foster a future free from abuse.

Contact the support line at 1-866-920-2952 or visit the WEAVE website. 

The California Victim Compensation Program (CalVCB)

The California Victim Compensation Program (CalVCB) assists victims of violent crimes by covering crime-related expenses. As the “payer of last resort,” CalVCB steps in after all other sources of reimbursement are exhausted. It can include coverage for various costs such as medical treatment, mental health services, and income loss.

Victims can apply for compensation through CalVCB’s online platform, county victim witness assistance centers, or a paper application. Advocates are available to guide victims through the application process and connect them with additional resources​.

Contact them at 1-800-777-9229 or visit the California Victim Compensation Program website. 

What Forms Of Sexual Abuse Authorize A Civil Lawsuit?

When people discuss civil lawsuits surrounding sexual abuse allegations, most think about serious crimes like rape or attempted rape. However, many other sex crimes victims qualify to bring a civil lawsuit as well. The term “sexual abuse” covers crimes including:

• Rape,
• Attempted rape,
• Sexual assault,
• Sexual battery,
• Statutory rape,
• Sexual bullying, and
• Sexual harassment in the workplace.

Crimes like prostitution, human trafficking, and possession of child pornography can also give rise to a sexual assault civil lawsuit.

Who Can File A Sexual Abuse Civil Lawsuit?

Obviously, the victim of the sexual abuse can file a civil lawsuit against the attacker. However, California allows family members of the victim to sue for damages if they meet one of the following requirements:

• The sexual assault/abuse resulted in the victim’s death;
• The family member witnessed the assault/abuse; or
• The assault/abuse resulted in a loss of moral support, intimacy, or companionship to a spouse or domestic partner of the victim.

If the family member satisfies one or more of these requirements, he or she may bring a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator of the crime.

What Should I Do If I’m Sexually Assaulted?

We understand that the moments following a sexual assault are overwhelming and often devastating. Here are some steps you can take from the beginning to preserve valuable information about the incident and increase your chance of recovering civil damages.

Get Medical Attention

Even if you didn’t suffer any obvious injuries, you should seek medical attention immediately. A lot of times, the physical evidence of sexual abuse disappears quickly if steps aren’t taken to preserve it. Give the medical professional details about the attack, even if it feels uncomfortable. Medical professionals are trained to assist individuals dealing with sex crimes and can offer specialized treatment to preserve evidence of the attack.

Report the Abuse

We understand that reporting sexual abuse might be the most difficult step you have to take. However, it’s crucial to document what happened. Try to provide as much information as you can remember. Additionally, you could receive guidance on California’s sexual abuse resources when you make the report.

Collect Evidence from the Attack

Even if you’re unable to report the abuse right away, keep any physical evidence you have that is relevant to the attack. This could include text messages, the clothing you were wearing, or statements from your attacker after the fact. Having this evidence can mean the difference between being able to prove your sexual abuse civil claim and having your case thrown out.

Contact a Sexual Abuse Attorney

Sexual abuse civil lawsuits can help you recover compensation for any suffering caused as a result of the sexual abuse you endured. However, you have to prove several factors and demonstrate the monetary value of the harm you suffered. Our sexual abuse lawyers at Silva Injury Law, Inc. can help you file your claim and determine what damages you’re entitled to.

Victim Of Sexual Assault or Abuse in California? Contact Silva Injury Law, Inc. Today

Many victims of sexual assault or abuse feel like the incident was all their fault. At Silva Injury Law, Inc., we know that’s not the case. Your attacker bears total responsibility for the harm you endured, not you. We realize that many victims of sexual abuse suffer serious psychological trauma after their attack, and we are ready to provide whatever support you need. Our sexual abuse legal team will aggressively pursue the party responsible for your sexual abuse so they pay for the suffering that you endured.

We believe that our duty goes beyond achieving large monetary awards for our clients. We strive first to be decent human beings who seek not to stir up fights but to solve problems. We know that winning a civil settlement won’t take away the pain and heartache you went through, but it can be a step in the right direction. At Silva Injury Law, Inc., our compassionate approach is what sets us apart. Contact our office today to find out for yourself.

Find Out How We Can Help

At Silva Injury Law we promote healing through compassionate advocacy. With each case tailored to the individual, we look our for your best interests by evaluating your unique circumstances. Contact us today for a free in-person or remote consultation.