ANDREOZZI + FOOTE
CALIFORNIA SEXUAL ABUSE LAWYER
Reviewed by:
Benjamin D. Andreozzi, Esq.
- Last Updated: May 21, 2025
On This Page
- Why Survivors of Sexual Abuse Across California Trust Andreozzi + Foote
- The Alarming Rise In California Sexual Abuse Cases
- Understanding California Sexual Abuse Laws
- Who Can Be Held Accountable for Sexual Abuse In California?
- What Compensation Is Available In California Sexual Abuse Cases?
- Contact Our Compassionate California Sexual Abuse Attorneys Today
- California Sexual Abuse FAQs
Seeking help after experiencing sexual abuse takes incredible courage, as the trauma abuse causes can be intense and isolating. By taking legal action against the institutions or organizations that enabled it, survivors can achieve a sense of justice and recover financial compensation for their suffering.
At Andreozzi + Foote, our California sexual abuse lawyers have years of experience advocating for survivors, combining innovation and a personal touch to help survivors reclaim their power and pursue the justice they deserve.
“It’s been our mission to obtain life-changing results for survivors and their families. Our experience and the results we have obtained for survivors are unparalleled”
Why Survivors of Sexual Abuse Across California Trust Andreozzi + Foote
As one of the nation’s leading law firms representing survivors of sexual abuse, Andreozzi + Foote has successfully litigated some of the highest-profile child sexual abuse cases within the last decade. Led by trauma-informed attorneys with 50 years of combined experience, Andreozzi + Foote is committed to creating life-changing results for victims and their families. With an emphasis on confidentiality, sensitivity, and unwavering client service, our firm serves survivors on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t pay us anything unless we win your case.
At Andreozzi + Foote, we exclusively handle sexual abuse cases. This narrow focus allows us to offer tailored strategies and unmatched insights to survivors. Some of our main practice areas include the following:
The Alarming Rise In California Sexual Abuse Cases
According to the California Department of Public Health, more than one in three women and one in four men in California report experiencing sexual violence in their lifetime. A 2024 report from the Newcomb Institute at Tulane University also pointed to rising rates of sexual assault and harassment against women in California. Since 2019, the percentage of Californian women who have experienced either harassment or assault has jumped to 88 percent, higher than the national average.
These increases in reported abuse represent a growing trend of survivors coming forward about the abuse they endured years or even decades after it occurred. Institutional abuse scandals involving schools, churches, and camps have rocked the nation. However, societal progress in supporting and believing survivors has led to important legislative changes nationwide to give survivors more rights and more time to pursue justice.
Understanding California Sexual Abuse Laws
Recent updates to California law mean that many survivors now have legal options for pursuing justice and compensation even years after their abuse occurred. Assembly Bill 218, which took effect in 2020, significantly extended the statute of limitations for childhood sexual assault survivors. Before AB-218, survivors of childhood sexual abuse only had until their 26th birthday or within three years of discovering the harm done by the abuse to file a lawsuit. Now, survivors have until age 40 or within five years of discovering the harm done to file.
AB-218 also created a lookback window from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2022, during which survivors whose claims were previously time-barred could file suits. This allowed survivors of abuse that occurred decades ago to seek justice.
Meanwhile, under Assembly Bill 2777, which became effective in January 2023, adult survivors of sexual abuse have ten years from the date of the abuse or three years from discovering the harm to file suit. This law also opens a temporary window for individuals sexually abused as adults since January 1, 2009, to file claims until December 31, 2026. Prior to this law, adult victims had just three years from the incident to file suit.
As for criminal cases in California, there is no statute of limitations for rape. For other charges over sexual abuse of a child, prosecutors can file charges until the victim’s 40th birthday. They can bring charges for sexual abuse of adult victims within ten years of the crime.
Who Can Be Held Accountable for Sexual Abuse In California?
Depending on the circumstances of a sexual abuse case, several parties may be held accountable, including individual perpetrators, institutions like churches and schools, and other organizations. Many sexual abuse cases extend beyond individuals and involve larger parties and institutions that failed to protect victims or covered up abuse. Pursuing justice against institutions that allowed abuse to occur, rather than just the individual perpetrator, can help hold negligent organizations accountable and encourage systemic change.
What Compensation Is Available In California Sexual Abuse Cases?
By filing a civil lawsuit against the parties that contributed to their abuse, survivors may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages and opportunities, pain, suffering, and more. Courts may also add punitive damages to be paid by the defendant if their behavior was particularly negligent, egregious, or harmful. California does not place a cap on compensatory or punitive damages in sexual assault cases, so there is no legal limit to how much you can recover in a civil sexual abuse case.
As a survivor, it’s important to understand that it is not greedy or wrong to seek compensation for sexual abuse. Making negligent institutions pay for their crimes can effectuate change and prevent future abuse. On an individual level, you deserve justice and healing after what you have endured. Compensation provides the victim with the resources needed to be made whole, including money for medical treatment, therapy, education, or other services necessary for recovery.
Contact Our Compassionate California Sexual Abuse Attorneys Today
At Andreozzi + Foote, our California sexual abuse attorneys have spent decades thoroughly researching and actively engaging state laws, regulations, rules, policies, and procedures nationwide to help you and your family pursue justice relentlessly. We promise to leave no stone unturned as we uncover evidence to support your story and hold negligent institutions accountable for their actions.
If you or a loved one survived sexual abuse in California, you’re not alone, and help is available. Andreozzi + Foote’s trauma-informed attorneys are prepared to handle your case compassionately and professionally. Together, we can fight for the safety and rights of survivors. To get started with a free, confidential consultation, contact Andreozzi + Foote online or by calling 866-311-8640.
“A million thanks for all you have done for me through this long process. The work you do helps people heal, thus changing their lives forever. Finally, standing up for myself has given me my life back. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, for helping me every step of the way!”
- – Client
California Sexual Abuse FAQs
Can I still file a sexual abuse lawsuit in California if the abuse happened years ago?
Depending on how many years ago the abuse occurred, you may still be able to file a sexual abuse lawsuit in California. The deadline depends on the age you were when the abuse occurred and the circumstances of the abuse. Typically, survivors of childhood sexual abuse have more time to file cases than adult survivors. It’s best to reach out to an experienced California sexual abuse lawyer to fully understand your legal options.
Can I sue an institution in California that failed to protect me from abuse?
Institutions that ignored, enabled, or covered up abuse can be sued for their role in contributing to the abuse. To be successful in an institutional abuse claim, you must prove that the institution’s negligence or misconduct enabled the abuse to occur.
Will my identity remain confidential if I file a lawsuit in California?
In California, victims can request to be anonymous in sexual abuse lawsuits through their lawyers, and most courts allow it. This also depends on the circumstances of the case.
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Empowering Survivors and Delivering Justice Nationwide
We understand the courage it takes to reach out for help, and we are here to listen. At Andreozzi + Foote, our trauma-informed attorneys are dedicated to providing compassionate, confidential support every step of the way. With extensive experience in advocating for survivors of sexual abuse, we are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where your voice is heard and your rights are fiercely protected. Contact us today for a free, in-depth consultation and take the first step toward justice.
