How to Identify Sexual Abuse and Take Legal Action in California

Sexual abuse can affect all ages. Whether a child, adult, or elder, knowing how to spot the warning signs and navigate your legal options is critical. Our experts break it down for you. 

Understanding Recent Sexual Abuse Cases in California

Two disturbing cases in July underscore systemic failures and the need for greater awareness: 

Child Sexual Abuse:

A Delta Air Lines co-pilot and his former partner face 24 felony charges for abusing a child between ages 6 and 10, reportedly involving long-term grooming and repeated assaults. 

Juvenile Hall Allegations:

Four teenage girls filed suit against Los Angeles County, claiming sexual abuse by staff at Central Juvenile Hall and Barry J. Nidorf between 2021 and 2023. Allegations include failure to enforce policies and negligent supervision. 

“These incidents are tragic reminders of just how far institutions can fall short when they ignore warning signs or silence complaints,” says Parham Nikfarjam, Senior Trial Attorney at J&Y Law. “We want to help give survivors their voice back. It’s not just about money, either. Survivors of sexual abuse want the truth, they want acknowledgment, and they want to stop the abuse from ever happening again.” 

Child Sexual Abuse: Signs and Prevention

Children may not speak up directly. Instead, look for: 

• Sudden changes in behavior: secretive, withdrawn, or anxious 

• Regressive symptoms: bedwetting, nightmares, clinginess 

• Age-inappropriate sexual behaviors or knowledge 

• Physical signs of injury or discomfort 

• Avoidance of specific people or locations 

Adult Sexual Abuse: Recognizing Patterns & Protecting Rights

In adult survivors, abuse can be less visible. Look for: 

• Emotional withdrawal, depression, or PTSD symptoms 

• Sleep disturbances or increased anxiety 

• Avoidance of certain situations or people 

• Unexplained physical marks or trauma 

• Hesitation to speak, even after obvious harm 

Under California law, victims can file civil claims even while criminal cases are pending. These may pursue institutional liability where grooming or prior complaints were ignored. 

Elder Sexual Abuse: Vulnerable Adults Need Safeguards

Older adults in care facilities or public settings face increased risk. Warning signs include: 

• Unexplained bruises, bleeding, or genital injury 

• Anxiety, fear, or agitation around certain caregivers 

• Sudden withdrawal or social isolation 

• Decline in personal hygiene or appetite 

• Statements such as “I don’t want to be touched” 

Institutions housing seniors owe a heightened duty to protect. That duty includes background checks, supervision policies, training, and swift response to complaints. 

“When an elder shows fear or flinches at a gentle touch, you have to ask why,” claims Justin Vitug, an Associate Attorney at J&Y Law. “The institutions that care for our elders owe a sacred duty, and safeguards aren’t optional. They are the bare minimum we owe to those who once protected us.” 

Legal Remedies & Reporting

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Perpetrators are directly responsible, but third parties (schools, camps, custodial agencies) may also face liability if they failed to prevent known or obvious abuse. 

How Long Do Victims Have to Sue?

• Childhood abuse:
  California law allows survivors to file claims until age 40, or within five years of discovering that psychological injury was caused by the abuse—whichever is later.
  A prior temporary “lookback window” allowed revival of expired claims but closed in 2022. 

• Adult survivors:
  For incidents of sexual assault occurring on or after January 1, 2019, survivors have 10 years from the date of the assault, or three years from the discovery of related harm – whichever is later. 

What Relief Is Available?

Victims may recover: 

• Medical and therapy costs 

• Lost wages or diminished earning capacity 

• Compensation for emotional trauma 

• Punitive damages in cases involving malice, fraud, or willful disregard for safety 

What Should a Victim or Guardian Do First?

1. Ensure safety and find a trusted ally 
2. Seek medical and mental health care promptly 
3. Document what you notice – dates, injuries, witnesses 
4. Report the abuse to authorities or mandated agencies 
5. Keep copies of any internal complaints, if available 
6. Consult a sexual abuse attorney before filing anything 

Why Awareness and Action Matter

Abuse is often hidden in plain sight. By understanding the signs across different age groups, we can stop cycles of harm. Civil courts offer more than compensation. They offer recognition, accountability, and a chance for survivors to reclaim their power. 

Need Help? You Are Not Alone

• According to the National Center for Victims of Crime, approximately 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 20 boys in the U.S. experience sexual abuse before the age of 18.  

• The California Department of Public Health reports that more than 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in California have experienced some form of sexual violence involving physical contact during their lifetime. 

• A study by the National Research Council found that approximately 0.9% of older adults living in the general community and as many as 1.9% in institutional care settings have reported experiencing sexual abuse. These numbers likely underestimate the true scale, as elder sexual abuse remains one of the most underreported forms of mistreatment. 

If you or someone you love experienced sexual abuse in California – whether as a child, adult, or elder – you may still be entitled to compensation. Contact J&Y Law for a confidential consultation. 

We win, and that’s no accident.