Maison Law stands with survivors of sexual abuse at California detention centers, advocating for your legal rights. While a lawsuit can’t completely undo the harm or criminally penalize offenders, we’re dedicated to using all legal avenues to help you. Contact us today for a free consultation to explore all available options to get the maximum financial support available to you under California law.
How is Liability Determined in Cases of Sexual Abuse at Camp David Gonzales?
Even though it was closed in 2019, Camp David Gonzales in Calabasas was part of LA County’s juvenile detention program for many years. For many inmates, sexual abuse was unfortunately a part of their time there. If this happened to you, you have the legal right to file a lawsuit for damages. Before that happens though, you might be wondering who exactly is responsible?
In the context of sexual abuse within Camp David Gonzales, civil liability can be established even outside of direct abuse. Generally speaking, anyone that was negligent would be liable. Usually, this means that they:
Not taking reasonable steps to prevent sexual abuse and allowing an environment where it can happen in a juvenile detention center can legally be seen as negligence causing harm. This negligence could lead to liability for the following parties in case of sexual abuse of a juvenile:
- Authorities running the detention center
- Staff, including supervisors and officers
- Third parties like contractors or external service providers
Civil liability is essential for holding those responsible for juvenile well-being accountable for any sexual abuse. But in order to do that fully, you’ll have to actually file a claim.
Filing a Lawsuit Against Camp David Gonzales in California
With liability established, proceeding with a lawsuit is an important part of standing up for your rights. Even with the law on your side, though, filing a lawsuit in open court against your abuser or government can be quite intimidating. However, working with our team will ensure that you’re supported and protected throughout the process. Here’s a few ways we can help:
- Investigating the incidents of abuse
- Gathering and presenting evidence
- Standing up for your rights in negotiations
When you decide to proceed, we will initiate the filing of your Complaint in court. A successful claim may open avenues for potential recovery in the following areas:
- Medical expenses – Covering the costs associated with treatment, ongoing care, and therapy necessitated by the endured sexual abuse.
- Pain and suffering – These damages are intended to encompass the physical pain and mental suffering you endured or continue to endure due to the abuse.
- Emotional distress – Geared towards mitigating the emotional distress and associated costs stemming from the abuse.
- Mental anguish – Addressing expenses linked to therapy and care that focus on the psychological trauma inflicted.
- Loss of companionship or enjoyment of life – Aimed at covering the impact the abuse has had and will continue to have on your ability to build relationships with loved ones, along with the overall effect on your quality of life.
- Punitive damages – Additional awards designed to penalize institutions for gross or negligent care, serving as a deterrent against future misconduct.
Statute of Limitations
Like any civil claim, California has a certain timeframe in which survivors would need to file a claim. However, while normal injury claims have a two-year statute of limitations, our state has taken steps to recognize the unique impact that sexual abuse can have. To that end, they have established laws that extend the statute of limitations for claims involving sexual abuse:
- Assembly Bill 218, also known as the Child Victims Act, provides individuals with the opportunity to file a claim for childhood sexual abuse or assault. This can be done either until the age of 40 or within 5 years of discovering injury or damage resulting from the abuse, depending on which comes first.
What Types of Sexual Abuse Went On in Camp David Gonzales?
Sexual abuse within Camp David Gonzales and many juvenile detention camp’s like it is an ongoing concern, influenced by both the camp’s environment and the broader issue itself. While Camp David Gonzales’ instances of sexual abuse weren’t unique, there were a variety of different types:
- Physical sexual abuse involves any undesired or non-consensual physical sexual contact, like groping, rape, fondling, or sexual assault.
- Verbal sexual abuse is any unwarranted or non-consensual sexual comments, jokes, innuendos, or any verbal behavior of a sexual nature that creates a hostile or intimidating atmosphere for young individuals.
- Emotional sexual abuse entails unwanted or non-consensual emotional manipulation or grooming behavior, where those in authority misuse their power to coerce juveniles into sexual acts or threaten consequences for refusing advances.
- Non-contact sexual abuse refers to any unwanted or non-consensual sexual behavior that doesn’t involve physical contact, such as exposure to explicit material, voyeurism, or sexual harassment.
- Sexual exploitation is the misuse of power or authority within the juvenile detention camp to exploit young individuals for sexual purposes. This might involve soliciting sexual favors in exchange for privileges or using threats to control those in detention.
Surviving sexual abuse as a former inmate at Camp David Gonzales poses significant challenges. However, it’s crucial to recognize that you have legal rights in California. You don’t have to face these challenges alone. Maison Law and our team will be there to help you.
Reliable Assistance from Maison Law
Maison Law is your ally if you or someone you know has faced sexual abuse at Camp David Gonzales or any other juvenile detention camp in California. We provide tailored support and are committed to taking measures that hold those responsible accountable for their failure. Contact us today for a free consultation to explore your available legal options.
