San Diego Sexual Assault Victim Attorney

The #metoo and #timesup movements have both served to raise much-needed awareness around sexual assault and sexual harassment. Both of these movements also originated in California, and for good reason; the rate of sexual harassment and assault in California is above the national average, 5% higher for men and 10% higher for women. A recent survey reflected that 86% of women in California and 53% of men in California have experienced sexual harassment or assault. Every time a survivor comes forward, more light is shed on the prevalence of this problem. Unfortunately, there are an abundance of reasons that keep survivors from coming forward. Survivors often worry about the stigma around sexual harassment and assault or are concerned for their own safety, reputation, or well-being. However, for many survivors, bringing a lawsuit is an empowering experience. Having an experienced attorney on your side will give you the comfort of knowing that someone is fighting for you—and with you.

Under California law, sexual assault occurs when the defendant makes unwanted sexual contact with a restrained victim for the purpose of sexual arousal, gratification, or abuse. Defendants often assert consent as a defense to sexual assault. David M. Boertje will frame your evidence to present your strongest possible case.

For many survivors and victims, hiring a sexual assault attorney is one way of starting to take their power back. Although there is no way to fix what happened, succeeding in a civil suit can make you financially whole, compensating you for your damages, expenses, pain, and suffering. Civil suits can be a good compliment to criminal charges. The criminal justice system is designed to punish and rehabilitate the offender, but it is not designed to fix or restore the survivor. That is where civil court can come in. Bringing a civil lawsuit can also be a way of getting justice, by holding the perpetrator and any officials, facilities, or institutions accountable for their actions.

A civil damages award is intended to financially restore you to the position you would have been in had the assault never occurred. This can include all medical and psychological treatments as a result of the assault and related trauma, lost wages, or negatively impacted earning potential if you missed work as a result, as well as for pain and suffering and emotional distress. In some instances, punitive damages may also be available, which can run into the millions.

If you have experienced sexual assault or abuse, it is important to talk to a sexual assault lawyer sooner rather than later. There are statutes of limitations limiting the amount of time you have to bring a claim. The lawyers at Boertje & Associates are ready to fight for you, get justice, and hold the bad actors that caused or enabled your harm accountable. If you are considering whether bringing a lawsuit is the right choice for you, schedule a free consultation today.