Los Angeles Juvenile Detention Center Sexual Assault Lawyers

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The Powerful Los Angeles Juvenile Detention Center Sexual Assault Lawyers Helps You Break The Silence Against Child Sexual Abuse
A harsh reality, sexual abuse in juvenile detention centers is a distressing and widespread concern in the United States, affecting thousands of children each year. Survivors of this alarming issue frequently experience sexual assault at the hands of detention staff, who are surprisingly responsible for a large percentage of these cases. At Arash Law, we are committed to being your ally in the fight against sexual predators in youth detention facilities. You can start your legal journey with our Los Angeles juvenile detention center sexual assault lawyers by calling us at (888) 488-1391 or completing our online form.
Our experienced team understands the sensitive nature of juvenile detention sexual assault cases. We are dedicated to providing compassionate legal representation for personal injury cases, seeking justice for survivors, and holding negligent parties accountable for their actions. Do not hesitate to contact us today. Through legal action, our Los Angeles juvenile detention center sexual assault lawyers aim to contribute to the prevention of further violence within these facilities.
2019: $27M confidential settlement in a case involving multiple plaintiffs.– BRIAN BEECHER
What Los Angeles Juvenile Detention Center Sexual Assault Lawyers Can Do To Help You
If you’ve suffered sexual abuse in a detention center in LA, our personal injury lawyers can guide you through the legal process. The Los Angeles child sexual assault lawyers at Arash Law will carefully listen to the specifics of your case, understand the extent of the abuse you’ve experienced, and then devise a personalized strategy to address your situation effectively. Through collaborative discussions, your sexual assault lawyers will work with you to develop a strong case against the abuser.
For a free case evaluation, contact Arash Law. Our sexual abuse lawyers are dedicated to supporting and fighting for you. We are a leading California law firm with a proven track record in handling significant sexual abuse and personal injury cases against influential organizations. We assure you that we will pursue justice and maximum compensation for victims who have experienced sexual abuse in juvenile detention facilities. If you’re a survivor seeking answers about your rights and the way forward, our team is here to assist you.
What Is the Role of Juvenile Detention Sexual Abuse Attorneys in Los Angeles?
Fighting Against Sexual Abuse in Los Angeles Juvenile Detention Centers
History of Child Sex Abuse in Los Angeles Youth Detention Centers
The history of sex abuse within California’s juvenile detention centers has come to light through recent lawsuits, revealing a disturbing pattern of power abuse, misconduct, and negligence.
In 2010, the Los Angeles Times investigated juvenile probation officers in Los Angeles County. They discovered that at least 11 officers had been convicted or disciplined for inappropriate actions with current or former probationers, including cases of molesting or beating the youths they were supposed to care for. Between 2007 and 2010, there were 102 allegations of officer misconduct involving young people in the county’s halls and camps.
Similar lawsuits have been initiated against the Department of Juvenile Justice and counties across the state. In a report from 2018, CBS News revealed over 500 cases of alleged sexual abuse at kids’ camps in the U.S. over the past 55 years. At least 21 of these cases came to light in 2018.
Between December 2022 and June 2023, nearly 600 survivors filed lawsuits alleging sexual abuse and harassment in Los Angeles County’s juvenile facilities. These lawsuits target L.A. County and more than 200 unnamed officers, citing abuse over 20 years at various facilities. The claims suggest that officers and facility officials routinely harmed and threatened young inmates to keep them silent. Additionally, they allege that staff provided forbidden items to inmates in exchange for sexual favors, retaliated against those who reported incidents, and failed to train staff or investigate suspected abuse adequately.
In May 2023, six men filed a lawsuit claiming sexual abuse by guards in San Diego’s juvenile detention centers. The lawsuit includes allegations of abuse at different facilities dating back to the 1990s.
What is Sexual Assault?
According to California Penal Code Section 243.4, sexual assault is when someone touches another person’s private parts without their consent to get sexually aroused or satisfied. The potential legal consequences vary, with sexual assault charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies based on the specific circumstances surrounding the incident.
Statistics of Child Sexual Abuse
Determining the extent of child sexual abuse (CSA) is challenging because it often goes unreported, with experts acknowledging that reported cases likely represent only a fraction of the actual incidents. Here are key findings from research on CSA:
- A 1986 study found that 63% of women who suffered sexual abuse by a family member also reported a rape or attempted rape after the age of 14. Subsequent studies in 2000, 2002, and 2005 confirmed similar results.
- A 2003 National Institute of Justice report highlighted that 3 out of 4 adolescents who experienced sexual assault were victimized by someone they knew well.
- In 2010, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Children’s Bureau reported that 9.2% of victimized children experienced sexual assault.
- Studies by David Finkelhor, Director of the Crimes Against Children Research Center, reveal that 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 20 boys become victims of child sexual abuse. Self-report studies indicate that 20% of adult females and 5-10% of adult males recall childhood incidents. In one year, 16% of U.S. youth aged 14 to 17 were sexually victimized, and over their lifetime, 28% of U.S. youth in the same age group experienced sexual victimization. Vulnerability to CSA is highest between the ages of 7 and 13.
- According to a Bureau of Justice Statistics report, 1.6% (sixteen out of one thousand) of children aged 12-17 were victims of rape/sexual assault.
- Children who experienced rape or attempted rape in their adolescent years were 13.7 times more likely to face such incidents in their first year of college.
- Prolonged sexual abuse in childhood often results in low self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness, and distorted views of sex, leading to withdrawal, mistrust of adults, and suicidal tendencies.
- Children not living with both parents and those in homes marked by parental discord, divorce, or domestic violence have a higher risk of sexual abuse.
- In cases with credible evidence of child penetration, only 5-15% of those children exhibit genital injuries consistent with sexual abuse.
- Child sexual abuse extends beyond physical contact, including non-contact forms such as exposure, voyeurism, and child pornography.
- According to a study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, young males with a history of sexual abuse were five times more likely to cause teen pregnancy, three times more likely to have multiple sexual partners, and twice as likely to engage in unprotected sex compared to those without a history of sexual abuse.
Reports of Child Sexual Abuse in Juvenile Detention Centers
Sexual assault is a grave concern that affects countless individuals, yet it remains a topic that is often kept in silence. A series of data, starting in 2008-2009 reported by the victims, provide estimates of sexual assault among youth and staff misconduct in juvenile facilities. The data covers the frequency of sexual assault, the nature of incidents, and estimates at the national, state, and facility levels. The data is collected from the 2018 National Survey of Youth in Custody, conducted between March and December.
- Around 5.8% of youth disclosed incidents of sexual misconduct by facility staff, and approximately 2.1% reported staff misconduct involving force or coercion.
- About 1.9% of youth reported sexual assault by other youth, specifically involving force or coercion.
- Out of 113 facilities eligible for facility-level rankings, 12 were classified as high-rate and 14 as low-rate based on reported youth sexual abuse statistics.
- Among states meeting criteria for state-level estimates with a response rate of at least 50% among eligible sampled youth, the reported rates of sexual victimization by youth ranged from 0.0% to 12.3%.
Maisha's Courageous Testimony and Its Impact on Empowering Victims to Speak Up
Only sixteen at the time, Maisha found herself in a Los Angeles juvenile hall, where an officer’s attention took an unexpected turn. Initially friendly, he began assigning her errands, like delivering paperwork to his office. However, when no one else was around, his behavior escalated to groping and sexual assault.
What Are The Types of Sexual Assault?
- Fondling private parts, whether the child is clothed or not, such as touching genitalia, breasts, anus, or other body parts.
- Oral contact, like kissing, having the child place their mouth on the adult’s genitalia, or the adult putting their mouth on the child’s genitalia or other body parts.
- Rape or penetration using an object or body part, such as penile penetration of the child’s anus, vulva, or vagina, or using an object for penetration.
- Female genital mutilation involves surgically removing or cutting the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, or vulva for nonmedical purposes with parental consent.
- Showing child pornography.
- Indecent exposure or flashing body parts to a child.
- Using sexually suggestive language.
- Masturbating in front of a child.
- Forcing a child to masturbate in front of an adult.
- Violating the child’s privacy, like watching them while bathing or dressing.
- Making the child participate in sexual acts through the phone.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Sexual Assault in Los Angeles Juvenile Detention Centers?
As of January 1, 2023, the Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act came into effect in California. This act provides a unique opportunity for survivors by reopening civil claims until December 31, 2023, specifically in cases where one or more entities are responsible for damages and there has been a discernible “cover-up.” This signifies that survivors now have a one-year window to file civil claims against entities involved in a “cover-up” of sexual assault, even if the statute of limitations had previously expired.
Marin v. East West Building Services (settled on 8/2/2023) – Third Party Compromise and Release settlement involving a window washer who sustained a traumatic brain injury and other trauma when he fell from a height. Workers’ Compensation contributed $1,325,000 as part of this global settlement.– TINA ESHGHIEH
Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse Lawsuits in Los Angeles
California stands out as a progressive state when it comes to enacting laws that enhance the rights of sexual assault survivors. A significant stride was made in 2019 with the introduction of California Assembly Bill 218 (AB 218). This landmark legislation created a three-year lookback window, providing survivors of childhood sexual abuse the opportunity to file claims for damages. The revival window established by AB 218 enabled any survivor of childhood sexual abuse to initiate a civil lawsuit against a perpetrator, be it an individual or an institution, regardless of the time that has elapsed since the occurrence of the crime.
The Enactment Of California Assembly Bill 452 (AB-452) Eliminates The Statute Of Limitations On Childhood Sexual Abuse Claims
On October 10, 2023, California Governor Gavin Newsom approved legislation that eliminates the statute of limitations on civil lawsuits related to childhood sexual abuse. This significant move is made possible by California Assembly Bill 452 (AB-452), allowing child survivors of sexual abuse to file civil claims for financial compensation without any time restrictions, targeting both individual perpetrators and responsible entities.
Other Laws Governing Sexual Assaults in Los Angeles
- Revenge Porn (AB 2065) – Assembly Bill 2065, commonly known as the Revenge Porn Law, is an essential piece of legislation. It specifically targets the unauthorized distribution of intimate images, providing survivors with legal recourse against the malicious sharing of private content. This law acknowledges the need to protect individuals from the emotional and psychological harm caused by the non-consensual dissemination of such images.
- Stealthing or Nonconsensual Condom Removal (AB 453) – Assembly Bill 453 addresses the alarming issue of stealthing, which involves the nonconsensual removal of a condom during sexual intercourse. This legislation recognizes the violation of consent and aims to provide legal protection for those who have experienced this form of sexual assault. It contributes to fostering a culture of consent and accountability.
- Rape Kit Tracking Portal (SB 215) – California’s State Bill 215 (SB 215) introduces a pioneering initiative by implementing a rape kit tracking portal. This online platform allows survivors of sexual assault to monitor the status of their DNA rape kits (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner exams) in real-time. This legislation addresses concerns about extended wait times, often caused by case backlogs in local police departments. The tracking website not only enhances transparency but also empowers survivors by providing them with timely information about the progress of their cases.
What Are The Warning Signs of Sexual Assault?
Observing changes in their child’s behavior is crucial for parents and guardians. Look for signs like increased withdrawal, depression, or anxiety. Have their grades suddenly dropped? Do they exhibit secretive behavior? Has there been a noticeable shift in their demeanor around adults or a specific person? It’s essential to recognize that abusers may be individuals we trust.
- Low self-esteem – Sexual abuse can deeply impact a person’s self-esteem, leading to feelings of shame, guilt, and worthlessness. The violation of personal boundaries and the emotional trauma associated with abuse can contribute to a significant drop in self-worth.
- Aggressive Behaviors – Research shows not only that sexually abused children are at risk of displaying subsequent aggressive behavior but also that such behavior may persist beyond childhood.
- Abuse of Alcohol and Drugs – Individuals who have experienced sexual abuse may turn to substance abuse as a way to cope with emotional pain and distress. Alcohol and drugs are maladaptive coping responses to the psychological impact of the abuse.
- Risky Sexual Behaviors – Exposure to inappropriate sexual experiences can lead to excessive knowledge and behaviors that are not developmentally appropriate. Children and teens may act out sexually as a result of imitating or reenacting what they’ve experienced or witnessed.
- Nightmares and Sleep Issues – Nightmares and sleep disturbances can be indirect manifestations of the emotional turmoil caused by sexual abuse. The trauma can deeply impact the survivor subconsciously, leading to recurring nightmares and disrupted sleep patterns.
- Fear of Touching – A sudden aversion to physical touch can be a clear indicator of discomfort and fear related to sexual abuse. Victims may develop a heightened sensitivity to touch, associating it with the traumatic experiences they have endured.
Long-Term Effects of Sexual Assaults On Children
Significant Toll on Physical Health
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Sleep difficulties
- Increased jumpiness or easy startle response
- Trouble concentrating
Irreversible Trauma on the Brain
Sexual assault leaves a profound mark on the brain, impacting and even changing key structures:
- Amygdala – Responsible for emotion regulation, it becomes hyperactive after trauma, contributing to increased alertness and emotional changes.
- Hippocampus – Involved in learning and memory, it may shrink, particularly when the assault occurs during the stages of brain development.
- Prefrontal Cortex – Governing decision-making, planning, and more can be affected.
Life-Long Mental Health Struggles
- Depression – Persistent sadness, loss of interest, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, and recurrent thoughts of death are potential indicators.
- Anxiety – Constant worry, restlessness, concentration difficulties, fatigue, and physical symptoms can manifest, requiring therapy and sometimes medication.
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, mood changes, and heightened arousal are characteristic symptoms requiring professional diagnosis and intervention.
- Substance Abuse – Coping through substance use is common, necessitating therapy and support.
- Eating Disorders – Disordered eating patterns may emerge, leading to severe conditions like anorexia or bulimia. Treatment involves psychotherapy, medication, and medical guidance.
- Self-Harm and Suicidal Thoughts – Survivors may resort to self-harm or harbor thoughts of suicide. Urgent intervention through helplines, such as 988, is crucial.
- Violent Tendencies – Many sexual abuse survivors experience anger management issues and violent outbursts after they were molested.
What Parents Can Do to Prevent Juvenile Detention Center Sexual Assaults in Los Angeles?
- Does the camp or detention center conduct background checks on staff members before hiring?
- Do the detention center administrators provide staff with training on preventing sexual assault and appropriate ways of interacting with campers?
- Does the camp detention center educate detainees about what to do if they ever feel unsafe?
- Is there a system or procedure in place to monitor the behavior of detainees and staff members?
- Who enforces rules and regulations within the facility?
- Does the camp and detention center adhere to the licensing requirements set by its state?
How Do Criminal and Civil Charges Against Sexual Predators Differ?
Criminal Case Involving Sexual Assault on a Child
Presenting compelling evidence in cases of child sexual abuse poses several challenges. Obtaining medical evidence is difficult in criminal cases, as indicated by a 2019 study from the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS), revealing medical evidence in less than 5% of reported child sexual abuse cases.
Sexual Assault as a Cause of Civil Litigation
Compensation Following Child Sexual Abuse in Juvenile Detention Centers in Los Angeles
Compensatory Damages
These cover all losses, both economic and non-economic, suffered by victims of camp sexual abuse post-incident. Sexual assault lawyers play a vital role in meticulously itemizing these losses and determining the estimated value for each incurred damage.
Monetary Damages
- Medical Treatment Costs – These are expenses for post-abuse medical care, ongoing treatment, and anticipated future medical needs. This category covers costs such as hospital visits, doctor consultations, stays, pain medication, surgery, clinical or lab tests, and transportation to and from the hospital. Out-of-pocket medical-related costs during the treatment period are also included.
- Counseling Costs – Victims and their families often require counseling to address the psychological impact of the abuse. The claim should encompass incurred costs and anticipated future expenses, recognizing that trauma recovery may take an extended period.
- Therapy Costs – Long-term therapy is often necessary for sexual abuse victims to achieve full recovery.
Non-monetary Damages
Punitive Damages
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take To Settle Sexual Assault Case?
While some cases may reach resolution within a few months, the reality is that achieving a comprehensive resolution may extend over one or more years. The nature of the legal action, specifically in sexual assault cases, significantly influences the timeline for settling your claim. A personal injury claim, often associated with sexual assault cases, typically concludes within two years or less. However, the intricacies involved in a class action lawsuit, addressing the broader implications of sexual assault, make the resolution process more complex, often taking two years or more.
Arash Law’s primary focus is to swiftly resolve your claim, aiding you in moving forward from this distressing chapter in your life. Simultaneously, our Los Angeles juvenile detention center sexual assault lawyers are committed to securing a settlement that justly reflects the harm you have endured.
What Is The Average Compensation For Sexual Abuse Cases Against Juvenile Detention Centers?
Determining the value of your specific settlement depends on the gravity of the case. Each victim experiences a unique level of suffering, making it inappropriate to assign a universal value to these lawsuits.
Nevertheless, it is acknowledged that these cases generally hold substantial value, given the widespread outrage associated with the sexual exploitation of minors. Additionally, sexual assault laws in California empower the court to grant additional compensation in cases where there was an attempt to conceal an incident of child sexual abuse.
As a result, it is not uncommon to see case values exceeding $1.5 million on behalf of juvenile hall sexual assault victims. While cases are falling below this range, even settlements on the lower end typically range from $350,000 to $500,000. Payments of $5 million or more are not unusual for more severe cases.
If you wish to explore the potential value of your lawsuit against a juvenile detention hall in Los Angeles, contact our sexual assault lawyers at Arash Law to schedule a free case evaluation.
Which Factors Influence The Determination Of Values For Sexual Abuse Cases?
There are factors used to assess the value of a child sexual abuse claim. While the relevant factors may vary somewhat from case to case, here are some of the most crucial elements that apply to nearly every situation:
- The specific acts that occurred (grooming, fondling, sexual harassment, rape, sodomy, etc.)
- Physical injuries resulting from the abuse (e.g., damage to the reproductive organs, STDs, and unwanted pregnancy)
- The severity of emotional trauma often manifests as mental health disorders.
- Long-term or lifelong effects arising from the physical/mental injuries inflicted on the victim
- Evidence of gross negligence by any of the liable parties (e.g., attempts to cover up reports of sexual abuse)
- The type of legal action being pursued, such as a personal injury lawsuit or a class action claim
These factors represent only a portion of the considerations we must thoroughly examine before providing an approximate value for these cases. Undoubtedly, these lawsuits require the expertise of experienced sexual abuse lawyers. Contacting our Los Angeles juvenile detention center sexual assault lawyers is essential due to the extensive groundwork involved in these matters.
Do Sexual Predators Need To Face Arrest And Conviction For A Sexual Abuse Crime Before Survivors Can Seek Damages In Civil Court?
What Are The Sexual Assault Hotlines in Los Angeles?
These entities actively contribute to the battle against sexual violence, providing not only assistance but also information on legal services, public policy, and advocacy.
Civic Organizations
- National Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7)
Voice: (800) 799-7233
TTY: (800) 787-3224 - National Human Trafficking Hotline
Voice: (888) 373-7888
TTY: 711 - National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN)
Voice: (800) 656-HOPE (4673)
Government Agencies
- Department of Justice clergy abuse complaint form
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Voice: (800) 669-4000
TTY: (800) 669-6820 - California Civil Rights Department (CRD)
Voice: (800) 884-1684
TTY: (800) 700-2320
- 1-800-978-3600 (Southern California): The hotline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Callers can get help in eleven languages (English, Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Tagalog, Khmer, Japanese, Thai and Armenian).
- 213-626-3393 (Central Los Angeles)
- 310-392-8381 (South Los Angeles)
- 626-793-3385 (West San Gabriel Valley)
- 877-633-0044 (Stalking Hotline)
You may also check out SafeLA’s Crisis Help Contact List to find service providers who deal with sexual assault in SoCal.
Why Should You Choose Our Los Angeles Juvenile Detention Center Sexual Assault Attorneys to Represent Your Case?
- Specialization in Sexual Abuse Cases – Arash Law boasts a team of attorneys with expertise specifically in sexual assault cases. We have successfully handled numerous sensitive matters in our decades of legal practice.
- Commitment to Justice for Victims – Our unwavering commitment revolves around seeking justice for victims of sexual abuse. This commitment is especially vital when minors are involved, as they deserve utmost protection against indecent and sexual acts.
- Advocacy for Minors’ Rights – Recognizing the gravity of assaults on minors, our sexual abuse attorneys serve as passionate advocates for the rights and well-being of young victims.
- Empathy and Compassion in Legal Representation – Acknowledging the emotional toll on minors and their families, our Los Angeles sexual assault injury lawyers approach each case with empathy and compassion. This ensures a supportive environment for victims, fostering trust and understanding.
- Rigorous Legal Representation for Accountability – Our sexual harassment attorneys in Los Angeles have strong legal representation aimed at holding perpetrators accountable. We diligently pursue legal avenues to ensure that those responsible for the abuse face consequences and that victims receive due compensation.
- Community Support Against Abuse – Arash Law juvenile detention sexual abuse attorneys stand firm against any form of abuse, especially when it involves minors. Our legal efforts contribute to building safer communities by actively holding wrongdoers accountable and fostering awareness about the importance of child protection.
- Free Case Evaluation – For parents or guardians seeking justice for a minor, this initial assessment helps determine the situation’s specifics. It enables us to outline the most effective legal course for pursuing justice.
Speak To Our Top Rated Los Angeles Juvenile Detention Center Sexual Assault Lawyers In Your Area Today!
Our attorneys at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., specialize in addressing a range of sexual abuse cases within juvenile detention centers in Los Angeles. We are dedicated to securing the best outcomes for our clients, utilizing our legal expertise across California and nearby areas of Los Angeles, including Lancaster, Lake Hughes, Quartz Hill, Palmdale, Santa Clarita, Thousand Oaks, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Malibu, Torrance, Long Beach, Huntington Beach, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Irvine, Lake Forest, Mission, Chino, San Clemente, Riverside, San Bernardino, Hesperia, Victorville and Pasadena. No matter your location in Los Angeles, our juvenile detention center sexual assault attorneys offer dependable support 24/7.
Choosing Arash Law for your sexual assault claim enables you to concentrate on your recovery, with us actively advocating for your interests. Our remarkable legal expertise, reflected in securing over $750 Million in compensation for our clients, speaks to our commitment and proficiency.
Arash Law’s juvenile detention center sexual assault lawyers in Los Angeles will guide you through the complicated legal system, drawing on our successful history of representing survivors of personal injury claims. For confidential answers to your sexual assault questions, contact us at (888) 488-1391. Your call is confidential, and our team is ready to take prompt action on your behalf. With several decades of combined experience, we work closely with sexual abuse survivors to ensure justice and the best possible outcome.
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