Legal Question in Sexual Harassment in California

I have been in therapy for the past couple of years for PTSD being sexually abused by my stepfather as a child. I am 26 now. In the state of california is it too late to sue my stepfather in order to have him on the sexual offenders list? I want to make sure he does not hurt other children and my young nephew is currently living in the same house with him.


Asked on 7/20/12, 8:06 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

The law says, "In an action for recovery of damages suffered as a result of childhood sexual abuse, the time for commencement of the action shall be within eight years of the date the plaintiff attains the age of majority [18] or within three years of the date the plaintiff discovers or reasonably should have discovered that psychological injury or illness occurring after the age of majority was caused by the sexual abuse, whichever period expires LATER..."

Unfortunately, the statute of limitations has probably passed, UNLESS you can prove you just 'discovered' you were 'damaged' and that the abuse occurred. If you have previously told anyone of the abuse and trauma,sought counseling, etc., you do not likely fit the legal description.

IF you think you can prove you fall within that definition, and IF it makes economic sense to spend the time and money to sue the person, then feel free to contact me.

Suing him would not place him on the offender list, only a criminal conviction does that. You could TRY to file criminal charges, but face time limits there as well.

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Answered on 7/23/12, 11:30 am


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