Serving children and adults victimized by abuse from Ventura to San Luis Obispo counties

Sexual abuse is physically, emotionally and psychologically traumatizing to the victims. Ongoing fear of continuing abuse, inability to focus on work or daily life activities, and anger, frustration and confusion are all typical responses to abuse of a sexual nature. When the victim is a child, sexual abuse may even cause harm to mental and emotional development.

Sexual abuse is a crime that may involve everything from sexual assault to molestation to sexual abuse of a child. In addition to criminal penalties, which may include fines and jail time, abusers may be held liable in civil court for personal injury damages. At McCarthy & Kroes, each dedicated lawyer at our firm uses legal knowledge and skills, professionalism and sensitivity to fight for the rights of victims of sexual abuse. With 25 years of experience, we guide you or your child through your civil claim to penalize the abuser for wrongdoing and obtain the compensation you deserve. We represent adults and children victimized at the hands of family members, neighbors, and all types of trusted professionals, including doctors and even therapists and psychologists who take advantage of them when they are already vulnerable and emotional.

Sexual abuse

A Santa Barbara attorney can help rape victims, sexual assault victims, child sexual abuse victims, and victims of ongoing childhood abuse obtain compensation through personal injury lawsuits and settlement negotiations for a wide range of damages:

Childhood sexual abuse

Children are the most vulnerable sexual assault victims and may be subject to abuse both in and outside of the home, including:

Statistics from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families show that more than 60,000 children of all ages were subjected to sexual abuse in 2011. Children with disabilities, medical issues, behavior issues or emotional troubles are shown to be at particular risk of abuse by relatives, friends, professionals and strangers.

At McCarthy & Kroes, we stand up for the rights of child sexual abuse victims. We use our legal experience and medical knowledge, along with the necessary experts, such as mental health practitioners, to help victims of childhood abuse seek justice. Our goal is to stop the perpetrator from continuing the abuse and obtain compensation for physical, emotional and psychological harm. However, the time you have to bring a claim for the recovery of damages suffered because of childhood sexual abuse is limited, making it essential to act quickly:

• Within eight years after the victim turns 18
• Within three years of the date the victim discovered or reasonably should have discovered that psychological injury or illness occurring after age 18 was caused by the sexual abuse, whichever period expires later

Contact us for help

At McCarthy & Kroes, we believe that no one should have to suffer because of sexual abuse. To learn more about how we can assist you in stopping abuse and obtaining financial compensation for the harm that you or your child has suffered in Santa Maria, contact our sensitive, discreet and professional lawyers online or call 805.564.2085 today.