2024 was a landmark year for the rights of child sex abuse victims in California. In October 2023, Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 452 into law, which eliminates the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse survivors to pursue civil claims against perpetrators. This new law went into force on January 1, 2024, and covers all who experience childhood sexual assault after this date.
Allred, Maroko & Goldberg is committed to helping survivors of child sexual abuse and their families understand their rights under California law. Led by Gloria Allred, a lawyer renowned for fighting for the rights of victims of all kinds of abuse, we are proud to offer you the way to justice you need.
We use a trauma-informed approach to help survivors of childhood sexual abuse through the legal process. The civil process allows survivors to seek compensation and hold perpetrators and enabling organizations accountable. It is our hope that this new law enables more survivors to pursue justice. Call us to speak with an experienced legal advocate about your case.
The Background to AB 452
Before the passing of AB 452, survivors generally had to bring a civil case for childhood sexual abuse by a certain age . Prior reforms had extended the statute of limitations such as a 2019 law that increased the deadline to file a suit from 26 to 40 years of age.
These time limits failed to recognize a crucial fact: delayed disclosure. According to research from Child USA, the vast majority of child sex abuse victims may take decades to come forward. The psychological impact of complex trauma–including fear, shame, dissociation, and manipulation by the abuser–often silences victims well into adulthood. Yet, for years, the law imposed arbitrary time limits on when a victim could seek justice, failing to account for the realities of trauma and the fact that many victims simply do not feel safe or able to disclose what they endured until much later in life.
What 2024 Reforms Mean for Child Sexual Abuse Survivors
The newly enacted Assembly Bill 452 completely removes the statute of limitations for civil claims arising from child sexual abuse in California. This means that for future cases, there will be no deadline for filing a civil case.
Potential defendants
The most obvious defendant in a child sexual abuse case is the perpetrator. However, he or she is not the only one.
It may also be possible to seek compensation from organizations whose negligence led to situations where sexual abuse could take place. If the victim encountered the abuser through school, then the school may also bear a measure of liability. Other common examples include:
- Schools or school districts
- Employers
- Summer camps
- Religious institutions
- Youth sports organizations
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, California’s 2019 child abuse statute reforms led to many more civil claims against churches, schools, and the Boy Scouts.
Possible damages
Victims of child sexual abuse that occurred after January 2024 can seek economic and non-economic damages from any party legally responsible for their abuse. Compensation could include:
- Medical expenses: From conditions relating to physical and mental health conditions that resulted from the childhood sexual abuse
- Lost income: If the abuse caused health problems that kept survivors away from work, they can seek compensation for lost earnings
- Emotional distress: The trauma of childhood sexual abuse may result in long-term emotional and psychological conditions that require compensation
If you’re unsure about your rights, now is the time to speak to an experienced and compassionate Allred, Maroko & Goldberg child sex abuse attorney.
Filing a Claim for Incidents of Abuse From Before 2024
Realistically, most child sexual abuse survivors reading this are likely to have been assaulted before January 1, 2023. If that describes you, then the previous statute of limitations still applies (filing before your fortieth birthday). However, if you did not know you were harmed, and could not reasonably have known, then the statute does not run until you learn of the harm.
If you are not sure whether your claims are timely, when you feel ready, you can discuss your case with a child abuse lawyer at Allred, Maroko & Goldberg to explore your legal options.
Impact of the New Law on Criminal Charges
Child sexual abuse is a very serious crime. However, it is important to understand that the civil statute we are discussing is distinct from criminal laws and that AB 452 does not apply to the deadline for criminal charges.
California’s criminal laws regarding the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse are complex. Some criminal charges for sex crimes against minors already have no statute of limitations, while others must be filed before the victim’s 40th birthday.
Survivors may choose to pursue both criminal cases and civil claims, but they have different goals. Criminal proceedings focus on punishing the offender for breaking the law, which can include imprisonment, while a civil case helps survivors seek financial compensation for their harm. A free consultation with a local law firm will clarify how to resolve your case in your state.
What Allred, Maroko & Goldberg Child Abuse Attorneys Can Do For You
At Allred, Maroko & Goldberg, we have decades of experience in winning landmark cases against institutions and individuals and countless confidential settlements for child sexual abuse victims. Here is how we pursue justice:
- We listen: Our attorneys understand that child abuse survivors need confidentiality, sensitivity, and understanding. We take a trauma-informed approach when speaking with a prospective client and we take the time to help you feel safe. As your advocates, we seek to understand the full impact of your abuse.
- We investigate: We comprehensively evaluate your case and explain your chances of success. If we believe your case has a strong chance of holding the perpetrator or institution accountable, we will use all resources at our disposal to uncover evidence to build a compelling argument for justice.
- We fight: Whether we aggressively pursue a negotiated settlement or represent you in court, we battle hard to seek the best resolution for your case.
We recognize your case is about more than just seeking compensation. It is about healing and taking control of your life. We can help connect you with additional resources, including support services, to prioritize your well-being as we work together to pursue justice.
Now Is Your Moment to Seek Justice
The elimination of the statutes of limitations for child sex abuse in California is a huge breakthrough in recognizing the se. It is an acknowledgment that survivors deserve justice on their own timeline, not the court’s. If you or your child has experienced childhood sexual assault since January 2024, you now have the ability to pursue legal action without the barrier of an arbitrary deadline.
Whenever your sexual abuse occurred, we want to hear your story. Call Allred, Maroko & Goldberg today at 323-746-1853 to speak confidentially with an experienced child abuse attorney who is ready to listen. If it is easier to make the initial contact online, please complete our confidential contact form, and we will contact you by phone or email, as you prefer.