Bay Area Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Dedicated Sexual Abuse Attorneys Serving the Most Vulnerable Victims in the Bay Area

Every form of sexual assault and abuse causes the survivor lasting physical and psychological trauma. Our Bay Area Sexual Abuse Lawyer is here to help you understand and navigate the trauma that comes with sexual abuse.

The courts and legislature of California are committed to making sure that victims of sex crimes in California have the right to financial compensation for the suffering they have endured. A settlement or verdict cannot change the past, but for survivors, it can be a positive step toward healing and rebuilding their lives.

Although it can happen to anyone, specific vulnerable populations not only experience sexual violence and abuse at higher rates but may be less able to come forward and advocate for themselves.

The experienced and caring sex abuse lawyers at Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger have more than 50 years of proven success in securing justice for survivors. We are fierce advocates for the rights of vulnerable adults and children. Contact us for a free and confidential case evaluation.

Disabled individuals are more likely to experience abuse

The Center for American Progress calls the abuse of disabled persons a “silent epidemic” often overlooked within and outside of reproductive health, rights, and justice circles.

Disabled individuals suffer sexual assault at almost three times the rate of people without disabilities—and many are victimized repeatedly.
Individuals with intellectual disabilities experience sexual abuse at a rate more than seven times higher than non-disabled people.
Children with intellectual disabilities or mental health issues are nearly five times more likely to become victims of sexual abuse than their non-disabled peers.
Over 90% of people with developmental disabilities are victims of sexual assault in their lifetime, according to estimates from the University of Michigan.
Having multiple disabilities further increases a person’s risk of experiencing sexual abuse.
Only 3% of sexual abuse cases involving individuals with developmental disabilities get reported.

Immigrant Children Report Abuse

A 2019 Justice Department report revealed that in four years, the federal government received over 4,500 complaints regarding the sexual abuse of unaccompanied minors within government-funded detention facilities. The allegations included rape, fondling, and kissing of children by adult staff members and adults watching children shower.

Not all sexual abuse involves touching or violence. Non-physical sexual acts can also be forms of abuse—such as sexually photographing or filming those who do not or cannot consent, exposing them to pornography, or grooming them for sexual activity. Our Bay Area Sexual Abuse Lawyer knows how to defend those who have fallen victim to any sexual abuse situation.

Failed systems of protection

Tragically, sexual crimes against vulnerable persons often happen while they are under the supervision of the very institutions we trust to care for vulnerable populations and people with special needs. The sooner the victim (or a loved one who recognizes warning signs) reports abuse to authorities, the sooner justice can be secured.

Because survivors of abuse often feel powerless—and the most vulnerable victims may be least likely to come forward. They may suffer shock, feelings of guilt and shame, fear of not being believed, or conditioning by their abuser. Young children and intellectually or developmentally disabled victims may not know how to speak out or even fully comprehend what has happened to them.