Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse Have Until December 31 to File a Lawsuit. If You Were Abused in a Catholic Institution by a Priest, Coach, or Staff Member in California, You Must Take Action
Dedicated Attorneys Fighting for Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse in California for Decades
For more than 30 years, Jeff Anderson & Associates have helped hundreds of child sexual abuse survivors in California find a path to justice and healing. We are smart, tough and relentless, but the virtue that ultimately sets us apart is our compassion. We are people who feel deeply and work tirelessly in response to an unjust world. We have a reputation for being the best at what we do, and that begins and ends with our ability to support, protect and guide survivors along their journey towards justice and healing.
If you were sexually abused as a child in California, no matter how old you were, no matter when the abuse occurred, you still have rights and can still take action, but time is running out. Survivors of sexual abuse in California have until December 31 to file a lawsuit.
Survivors, In Their Own Words
Every survivor’s story is unique and so is their path to recovery. At Jeff Anderson & Associates we have the honor of witnessing the courage of the survivors we work with, every day. Sharing these inspiring videos is another way that we can remind everyone who has been victimized by child sexual abuse that You Are Not Alone. Whether you chose to stay anonymous and go through your journey as a John or Jane Doe or if you chose to become a visible and vocal advocate in the public sphere, one thing is true no matter what—coming forward with your story makes a difference.
Jeff Anderson Has a Piece of My Heart—Survivor, Jim Keenan (John Doe 76C)
In this heartfelt testimonial, survivor and advocate Jim Keenan discusses his emotions surrounding his journey and attorney Jeff Anderson’s part in his recovery. After nearly two decades of fighting his demons and numerous court battles, Jim has gone from a victim with trauma that was jeopardizing his well-being to a vocal advocate and champion for survivors and survivors’ rights. At Jeff Anderson and Associates, we fight for more than just victories in court; we fight to help people improve their lives and connect survivors to a network of advocates and other survivors that spans the entire country.
I Don’t Want to Hide Anymore – Survivor, Tom Emens
When Tom Emens was ten years old, his local priest Msgr. Thomas Mohan began sexually abusing him – the abuse lasted for over a year and robbed Tom of his innocence. For decades, he worked to heal those wounds and waited for an opportunity to seek justice and accountability. When he first came forward, Tom was told that the statute of limitations in California prevented him from taking legal action. However, in 2020, Assembly Bill 218, also known as the California Child Victims Act, opened a window for Tom and thousands like him to file a legal claim and the power he lost as a child. Since then, Tom has become a vocal advocate for survivors in California and throughout the nation. One of Tom’s motivations for being so outspoken is that he wants to use his voice and courage so that other survivors know they aren’t alone.
Today I Took My Power Back – Survivor, Aimee Galicia-Torres
Aimee Galicia-Torres was only eight years old when a priest who was also a family friend molested her at an aunt’s house. The sexual abuse went on for four years. In 2020, Aimee filed a lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Los Angeles under the California Child Victims Act for their negligence in the hiring and supervision of Galicia-Torres’ abuser, Father Honesto Bismonte. By speaking up, Galicia Torres has restored a sense of hope she hadn’t felt in a long time.
“I felt like a huge weight was lifted off me. Finally, my voice was being heard. I want him, my abuser, to know I’m the one doing this to him. I want to take back my power that I lost when he abused me.”
It’s Okay – Survivor, Tony Marquez
When survivor Tony Marquez was sexually abused as a child by Fr. Sofronio Aranda at Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Habra, California, he became lost and confused. Like many survivors, the effects sexual abuse can have on a child can be disorientating and develop traumatic feelings of shame and guilt. With great courage and persistence, through soul searching and reflection, Tony continued his journey of healing and filed a lawsuit under the historic California Child Victims Act. In this video, Tony elaborates on the power and support he felt coming forward when disclosing the abuse he endured as a child. Through acceptance and peace, Tony was able to reclaim his power, confidence, and realized he has nothing to hide.
Clergy Child Sexual Abuse: Jeff Anderson & Associates Questions & Answers
Overcoming Barriers & Owning Your Power
Navigating The Legal Process With Confidence
Supporting Survivors & Changing The World
California Child Victims Act
On January 1, 2020, the California Child Victims Act (AB 218) opened a three-year window for California child sexual assault survivors of any age to file claims against their perpetrators and the institutions responsible for the abuse, no matter when the abuse occurred. If you were sexually assaulted as a child in California, it’s time to take legal action, begin healing and help make California safer for children today.
If you were sexually abused as a child in California, no matter how old you were, no matter when the abuse occurred, you still have rights and can still take action, but time is running out. Survivors of sexual abuse in California have until December 31 to file a lawsuit.
You Are Not Alone. We Are Here to Help.
It’s time for justice. It’s time for you to share your story, safely and confidentially. It’s time to lay down your burden and reclaim some of your power. It’s time to expose those who hurt you and make sure what happened to you never happens to another kid. It’s time to take action under the California Child Victims Act. Before making a decision concerning such serious and sensitive matters, we encourage all survivors of child sexual abuse to consult with legal counsel before proceeding with a claim. We want to help you find accountability and healing. We will stand by you. We will fight for you.
Clergy Accused of Child Sexual Abuse in California
The list below contains the names of clergy and teachers who were assigned within or worked in Catholic Archdioceses and Dioceses who have been accused of sexual misconduct. While lawsuits were filed involving many of these alleged perpetrators, the vast majority of the claims against these individuals have not been fully adjudicated in a civil or criminal court. Accordingly, the allegations should be considered just allegations and should not be considered proved or substantiated in a court of law.
