7/15/26
"Absolutely amazing!"
️️️️️
Made things so easy for me to understand and guided me step by step. Especially Karim.
Jennifer A.
If you don’t win, we don’t get paid: 855-913-1134
Practice Areas > Sexual Assault & Abuse
Sexual assault generally refers to sexual contact or activity without legally valid consent. Sexual abuse is a broader term that can include sexual exploitation, coercion, or misconduct involving a position of trust or authority. The specific legal definitions and available claims depend on the conduct and circumstances.
Abuse can involve a stranger, acquaintance, partner, coworker, supervisor, caregiver, or another trusted person. Knowing the person or having a prior relationship does not, by itself, establish consent.
You do not need to know the legal name for what happened before speaking with an attorney. A consultation can help you understand possible civil claims, relevant deadlines, and what pursuing a case may involve.
Depending on the facts, a civil claim may address the conduct of the person responsible or the independent legal responsibility of an employer, business, or institution. An organization is not automatically liable simply because the misconduct involved someone associated with it.
A criminal case is brought by the government and can result in criminal penalties. A civil lawsuit is brought by the person seeking legal relief and may pursue compensation for harm such as medical expenses, lost income, and emotional distress. The processes have different purposes and legal standards.
A criminal conviction is not generally required to pursue a civil claim. Whether a claim is available depends on the evidence, applicable law, and filing deadlines, which can differ for adult and childhood abuse claims.
If available, relevant information may include an approximate timeline, messages, the names of people involved, earlier reports, and records of the impact on your life. You do not need every document or an exact chronology to request a consultation. Share what you feel comfortable discussing, and ask how your information will be handled.
Matern Law Group can listen to your concerns, explain potential legal options, and help you make informed decisions about whether to pursue a civil claim.
At Matern Law Group, our unwavering dedication is to safeguard the rights of anyone who has fallen victim to sexual assault or abuse perpetrated by individuals in various positions of trust and authority, including: doctors, nurses, dentists, healthcare providers, mental health professionals, counselors, teachers, professors, priests, landlords, business owners, or even politicians.
Learn more below about potential civil claims, institutional responsibility, and the legal options that may apply to your circumstances.
Sexual assault is a broad term. As such, the state of California does not have only one sexual assault designation: it can include rape, threats, sodomy, seduction, and much, much more. In the most general of terms, sexual assault is any act of unwanted sexual contact without a person’s consent, including any threats or coercion.
What is the difference between being sexually harassed and sexually assaulted?
While sexual harassment broadly refers to verbal and physical sexual attention that is unwanted by the victim, sexual assault is actual contact or behavior of a sexual nature without the victim’s consent. Either one of these acts makes the subject of the attention or contact feel violated.
Another difference is that sexual assault is charged as a crime where sexual harassment is typically handled as a civil matter. By filing a civil lawsuit you have more flexibility in shaping the type of outcome your case will have, which could include a financial settlement or award.
What is sexual misconduct?
While sexual harassment broadly refers to subjecting someone to unwanted verbal, visual, or physical conduct, sexual assault is actual physical contact of a sexual nature without the victim’s consent or through coercive tactics. Either one of these acts makes the subject of the attention or contact feel violated. Another difference is that sexual assault can be brought as both a crime as well as a civil matter, whereas sexual harassment is typically handled only as a civil matter. By filing a civil lawsuit, you have more flexibility in shaping the type of outcome your case will have, which could include a financial settlement or award.
Filing a sexual assault lawsuit in California involves several important steps and considerations. It’s highly recommended to consult with a sexual assault attorney to guide you through the process.
In the meantime, remember to:
Remember, every case is unique, so it’s crucial to consult with an attorney who can provide personalized guidance and support throughout the process. Our attorneys are devoted to individual or class representation for all types of sexual assault and sexual abuse.
Matern Law Group, PC is committed to obtaining justice for you. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional legal services to our clients.
You deserve clear answers about your rights. Contact Matern Law Group to discuss your situation and explore your legal options.
7/15/26
"Absolutely amazing!"
️️️️️
Made things so easy for me to understand and guided me step by step. Especially Karim.
Jennifer A.
6/25/26
"Pleasure to speaking to you Karim."
️️️️️
Thank you for helping me out and hearing what I am going through. I thank you for the support you have for me an my family. God bless you.
Carlos C.
5/15/26
"Great people!!"
️️️️️
Listened to everything I had to say and gave me assured information that they will see what we can do and plan. Definitely recommend them to others.
Janice Barragan
4/26/26
"Matern Law Group was very attentive to the questions and concerns I raised."
️️️️️
They took the time to listen carefully and patiently explain the legal issues in a clear and professional way. Especially Karim — he was responsive, kind, and thorough throughout the process. I…
Amber Kuo
Our Practices are Guided by Integrity. We’ll protect what you deserve.
We work tirelessly and fight tenaciously to hold rights abusers accountable.
If you’ve experienced a distressing incident related to an issue like this, call us for a free case evaluation.
Legal cases can be lengthy, complicated, and confusing, but you don’t have to take on the system all by yourself. If you believe someone has violated your individual rights, or the rights of a large group of people in your community, we can help you find the right course of action.
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