Child Abuse Victims Lawyer in San Diego, CA
Child Abuse in San Diego
When a parent or guardian seriously injures their child, or negligently allows the child to be seriously harmed, they could face a child abuse charge. In fact, a serious injury need not even occur. Causing a minor injury or failing to properly supervise a child may, and often does, result in arrest and criminal charges. Child abuse can take many forms, including:
- Physical abuse, such as punching or kicking
- Sexual abuse, such as inappropriate sexual contact or incest
- Emotional abuse, including extreme humiliation or inflicting terror
- Mental abuse, causing a serious risk to the child’s mental health
- Drug or alcohol abuse, such as when a parent is too impaired to properly care for their child
- Child abuse is a serious allegation. In most child abuse cases, Child Protective Services (CPS) or the Administration for Children Services (ACS) also investigates the abuse accusations (or similar family services agencies depending on where the family lives).
In some cases, CPS or ACS may handle the case in family court or through a separate body, where they may argue the accused should lose their parental rights temporarily or permanently. Alternatively, ACS or CPS may seek to add the parent’s or guardian’s name to a registry.
Legal Help for Abused Children in San Diego
Child abuse is a nightmare that no parent ever wants to confront, but, sadly, it does happen. After discovering that their child has been abused, parents can often feel angry and powerless. That is why it is so important to take action against those who committed the abuse or allowed it to happen. Criminal charges are often filed by the State in child abuse cases, but, as a parent, you also have the right to file a lawsuit on your child’s behalf against the abuser. In some cases, you can even hold businesses that employed the perpetrator liable for not making reasonable efforts to protect your child.
If your child has been the victim of abuse, you have the right to hold the abuser responsible. Your civil rights are completely separate from any criminal charges that might be brought against someone who has committed abuse. Call your nearest lawyer, it is important choosing a lawyer is well experienced and compassionate for the rights of children.
When Felt that something is wrong | Reporting Abuse
When it comes to recognizing and reporting abuse in San Diego, it is very important to trust your instincts. It is remarkable how often a perpetrator is caught because a parent or friend “felt” something was wrong and followed up on that feeling. It is important to listen to children when they talk about something being wrong and ask questions to find out more details. If you have a strong suspicion that abuse is occurring, contact law enforcement and the California State Office of Children and Family Services – Child Protective Services (800) 540-4000.
How an experienced San Diego Child Abuse Victims Lawyer Can Help
Although there are many different specializations within the legal system, at the end of the day lawyers exist to protect people’s rights in one way or another. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney with experience in child abuse cases can help protect your rights and those of your child, as well as help you take action against the person who harmed your child. We can help you talk with law enforcement, protect the identity of your child, and file a civil lawsuit against the person who committed the abuse and anyone else who allowed it to happen.
To ensure that you have the ability to hold your child’s abuser responsible for the harmful acts that they committed, it is extremely important that you hire experienced legal representation immediately. It is understandable that parents may be hesitant to involve their child in litigation, but please know that there are many laws that protect children during such litigation. Taking this kind of action often helps young people and family members feel less powerless and regain a sense of control over their lives.
Looking for a Child Abuse Lawyer in San Diego? Reported Child Abuse in San Diego and need legal help, book a free online consultation or call us at (619) 777-6583
