California Sexual Assault & Abuse Lawyers

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.

Sexual assault and abuse are profoundly reprehensible acts that inflict trauma and helplessness upon victims. Beyond the immediate harm, survivors of these acts often endure enduring psychological and emotional consequences for many years. At Matern Law Group, our legal team has extensive expertise in advocating for survivors through civil litigation. Reach out to us for further details and assistance.

What is Sexual Assault?

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

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:

• Seek Medical Attention and Support: If you have been sexually assaulted, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention to address any physical injuries and potential evidence collection. Additionally, reach out to support services, such as rape crisis centers, counseling organizations, or therapists, to help you emotionally and provide guidance.
• Preserve Evidence: Try to preserve any evidence related to the assault, such as clothing, photos, or any other items that may be important in the legal process. Do not wash, change clothes, or clean up the area where the assault occurred, as this can be crucial evidence.
• Report the Assault: Report the assault to law enforcement. You can contact your local police department or the relevant law enforcement agency to file a report. The sooner you report the incident, the better chances of collecting evidence.

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.