CA Child Victims

As of January 1, 2020, the California Child Victims Act (CCVA) permits all California residents who have unfortunately experienced past acts of childhood sexual abuse a statutory opportunity to file a civil lawsuit against their abusers and/or responsible entities regardless of whether or not the prior time limit for such claims had expired.  This “look back window” provision allows victims of childhood sexual assault to file a claim for a period of three years beginning January 2020. 

Additionally, the natural statute of limitations for filing a claim of childhood sexual abuse will be expanded going forward to age 40, or until five years after the survivor becomes aware of the traumatic injuries stemming from past acts of sexual abuse—whichever is later. The CCVA has also redefined the term “childhood sexual abuse” to “childhood sexual assault” so as to encompass and more accurately depict the horrific conduct innocent children were forced to endure. 

A CCVA claim may be asserted against any private or public institution that had been involved in allowing or permitting the sexual abuse to occur. The institutional liability flows through the bad acts of the abuser, who can take the form of a coach, teacher, clergy member, counsel or doctor—among a multitude of other capacities. Importantly, the CCVA has also removed the requirement for a “notice of claim”, which was required under the prior law before a lawsuit could be commenced.  

Under the CCVA, abuse victims may seek recovery for: 

• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Psychological trauma
• Loss of employment
• Loss of income

Slater Slater Schulman LLP is dedicated to the confidential representation of individuals who were abused as a child in California.  If you or someone you love has suffered this form of abuse and wishes to file a claim, please contact Slater Slater Schulman LLP for a free, confidential consultation by filling out the form on this page or by calling our office at (800) 251-6990.