Los Angeles Sexual Abuse Attorneys

Sexual abuse can happen anywhere, and unfortunately, the City of Angels is no exception.

In L.A., TopDog Law provides access to qualifed, experienced sexual abuse attorney who deliver hope to those who endured unwanted sexual encounters in our city. 

If you or a loved one survived sexual abuse or assault, you can get help right now from the Los Angeles sexual abuse lawyers in our network. 

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If You Want Help... Call Us

It costs absolutely nothing to see if you have a case

Sexual violence, sexual assault, and sexual abuse

Often the terms sexual assault, sexual abuse, and sexual violence are used interchangeably, but there are notable differences.  Sexual violence is an all-encompassing term that includes sexual assault, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment.  Sexual assault is most often, but not always, a singular occurrence that involves any unwanted sexual act. This threatening, coercive, violent, or forced act does not involve consent. Sexual assault can include the following situations: 
  • Penetration of the body using objects or body parts (rape)
  • Attempted rape
  • Forcing sex acts (oral or penetrating the perpetrator’s body)
  • Fondling or unwanted sexual touch beneath clothing or above clothing
  • Any sexual contact with someone who cannot consent (underage persons, persons with physical or mental disabilities, or taking advantage of someone unconscious at the time of the act)
  • Sexual coercion (the tricking, pressuring, or forcing of sex in a nonphysical manner)
  • Sexual contact with a child
  • Incest
Sexual abuse is often, but not always, abusive sex acts that occur over time, most commonly including grooming behavior. 
  • Exposing oneself 
  • Masturbation in front of someone or forced masturbation
  • Forcing a child to watch or look at pornographic material
  • Obscene calls, texts, or online messages
  • Taking explicit photos of a child or someone without consent
  • Any other sexual behaviors that may damage a person physically, emotionally, or mentally.

What to do if you or someone you know has been sexually abused

Remember first and foremost, what happened is not your fault.

Make sure you are safe. Contact 911 or a friend or family member you trust to help you get to a safe place.

Once you are in a safe space, don’t immediately change your appearance or shower. This may seem counterintuitive after the horrific experience, but if you decide to press charges, much of the evidence may still be on your person. If possible, don’t eat, drink, smoke, comb your hair, or wash your hands/nails. If you need to change clothes, do not wash the clothes that you wore when the assault took place.

Seek immediate medical help. Doctors and nurses will medically assess the physical injuries and gather evidence if you do decide to press charges later. They can also refer you to medical professionals who specialize in sexual abuse or assault.

Find support and resources. Others are available to help you in the aftermath of sexual violence.

Contact the police and file a report with local authorities. If you plan to press charges, it will be helpful to have documentation of the incident. 

Call a Los Angeles sexual abuse lawyer. They can assist you through all of the above tasks, and they can file a claim seeking restitution for your damages.

Resources for survivors of sexual assault or abuse

In addition to offering legal help, we’ve compiled a list of resources for survivors of sexual assault or abuse. 

  • The National Sexual Assault Hotline provided by RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network) gives confidential 24/7 support in the form of an online chat hotline or call 800-656-HOPE (4673) for support. 
  • The National Organization for Victim Advocacy (NOVA) trains advocates to give victims the best professional care possible. 
  • The National Sexual Violence Resource Center aids survivors by connecting survivors with help, educating the public about sexual violence, and providing resources for survivors and the friends and families of survivors.  
  • The State of California Department of Justice has resources specific to California and California survivors of sexual violence.  
  • The Wings Foundation’s mission “supports adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse to transcend trauma and lead their fullest, healthiest lives.”
  • Planned Parenthood helps survivors access medical care such as STD testing, emergency contraceptives, HIV services, mental healthcare, pregnancy testing, and other sexual health concerns. 
  • Stop It Now! USA prevents the sexual abuse of children by giving parents, families, and communities resources to take action against child sexual abuse. They provide help and guidance through direct support, information, and resources for children, youth/teens, and adult survivors. 

Possible outcomes of a civil suit involving sexual abuse

In a civil sexual assault trial, if the accused is found liable for damages related to the sexual assault, the accused may have to pay the accuser and/or his or her family the damages.

Types of compensation include: 

  • Legal fees
  • Medical compensation
  • Compensation for psychological harm or emotional trauma (PTSD and anxiety)
  • Damages to relationships
  • Lost wages or other economic-related losses
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Contact a Los Angeles sex abuse lawyer

Contact TopDog Law today. Our network of personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles have experience in sexual abuse cases, and they have helped many clients regain their sense of security by attaining compensation from their abusers.

While money cannot take away the hurt and pain caused, it can aid in peace of mind, help with medical bills, and pay for therapies, counseling sessions, lost wages, legal fees, and offer compensation for your pain and suffering.

You are not alone.

Contact a Los Angeles sexual abuse attorney in our network for your free, confidential consultation at (323) 922-5650 or visit the website to set up a meeting today. 

James Helm, Personal Injury Lawyer

James Helm, Sex abuse Lawyer in  Los Angeles

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