San Diego
Sexual Assault Lawyers
If you were sexually assaulted – whether by someone in a position of power, someone you trusted, or someone you just met – you have options. At Betts Law Group, our team of California sexual assault lawyers help survivors pursue justice in the civil court system.
Whether it happened recently or many years ago, we are here to listen. We’ll help you understand your rights, explore your legal options, and guide you toward the support you need to begin healing.
What Is Sexual Assault? And What Can You Do About It?
Sexual assault includes any sexual activity where consent was not freely given. Survivors often carry deep trauma – emotionally, physically, and psychologically. You may feel ashamed, confused, or even blame yourself. But you are not at fault. There is no “right” way to react to trauma. Your response in the moment or afterward does not diminish what happened. And it should never silence you.
At Betts Law Group, we help survivors of sexual assault reclaim their voice through the civil justice system. A civil sexual assault claim is about accountability. It allows you to pursue financial compensation for the harm you suffered and to hold not just the perpetrator responsible, but also those who enabled or ignored what was happening.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
We will investigate the full scope of what happened: when and how the assault occurred, whether it was reported, and who knew about it but failed to act. If your report was ignored by the perpetrator’s employer or institution, we may be able to show they ratified the behavior and share in the legal responsibility.
You don’t have to go through this alone. We’re here to listen, to investigate, and to help you seek the justice you deserve.
Filing a Civil Sexual Assault Case in California: You’re in Control
If you choose to pursue a civil sexual assault case, you are not filing a police report or pressing criminal charges.
This is not about punishment. It’s about accountability and healing. Civil cases are survivor-led. You decide whether to move forward, and how far you want to take it. Unlike criminal court, where the state controls the process, civil law puts the survivor at the center. The standard of proof is also different: criminal convictions require guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Civil cases ask only whether it is “more likely than not.” That difference matters.
We know many survivors are failed by the criminal system. Civil court may be the only road where you get to have a say and where the outcome is yours to choose.
What Counts as Sexual Assault in California?
Sexual assault includes any unwanted sexual contact or behavior that happens without clear, voluntary, and informed consent. It also includes anything that takes place under coercion, grooming, or power imbalance.
Types of sexual assault lawsuits Betts Law Group handles:
- Medical practitioner or medical office settings
- Therapist grooming, transference, and abuse
- Rehab and treatment centers
- Coaching or mentoring relationships
- Living facilities or group homes
- Employer or supervisor relationships
- Uber and Lyft Cases
- School District Cases involving staff, teachers and coaches
You do not need to have resisted physically. You do not need to have said “no” in a specific way. Trauma responses include freezing, dissociating, complying to survive, or blaming yourself afterward. None of that means you consented.
Predators often seek out people who are vulnerable due to their age, past trauma, disability, addiction, grief, or a need for care. They may use gaslighting, manipulation, or emotional control.
We understand the patterns, and we know how to build a case even if:
- You do report and law enforcement chooses not to prosecute
- You never reported the sexual assault
- There’s no physical evidence
- It happened years ago
- People didn’t believe you, or still don’t
- You’re not sure it “counts” as assault
Let’s talk about what happened. Privately. On your timeline. You don’t have to decide anything today.
What Can a Civil Sexual Assault Case Do?
A civil case allows you to seek:
- Financial compensation for emotional trauma, medical bills, and therapy
- Accountability from the person who harmed you
- Justice when the criminal system has failed
- Control over how your story is told
Many of our cases also involve third-party liability: holding institutions (employers, facilities, medical providers, etc.) accountable for creating the conditions that allowed this to happen – whether by failing to screen staff, ignoring red flags, or protecting reputations over people.
Can I Still File If It Happened Years Ago?
Yes. In many states (including California), special laws give survivors more time to come forward.
The deadline (called the statute of limitations) depends on several factors, including when the assault occurred, how old you were at the time, and when you realized the impact. Even if it’s been years, it may not be too late. We’ll review your situation and let you know if there’s still time to file.
What If There’s a Criminal Case Too?
Even if there’s an ongoing or past criminal case, you can still pursue justice through the civil system. Civil cases are separate and survivor-led, and they give you the chance to seek compensation and accountability, whether or not charges were filed or a conviction was secured.
At Betts Law Group, we understand how these systems overlap. In some cases, our California sexual assault attorney Whitney Betts can also serve as your Marsy’s Law victim advocate, ensuring your voice is heard and your rights are respected throughout the criminal process.
We’re here to help you protect your power in every forum available.
Why Betts Law Group?
Whitney Betts is a certified rape crisis counselor with years of experience handling complex sexual assault litigation. Her background includes work in medical negligence and institutional assault. She knows how to uncover systemic failure and hold every party accountable.
Our team receives trauma-informed training and works with expert witnesses in psychology, medicine, and survivor-centered advocacy. We treat your case and your story with respect and care. Sexual violence is about power, and we want to help you take your power back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to report to the police to file a civil case?
No. You do not need a police report or criminal case to file a civil lawsuit. Many survivors never report to law enforcement and still win in civil court. Additionally, those who commit sexual assault can be criminally prosecuted under various State and Federal Criminal statutes and still be held liable in Civil Court for the harm caused to the survivor of their acts. Even if there is not a police report or criminal conviction, in California, anyone who has been a victim of sexual violence or assault may file a civil claim for damages.
Will my name be public?
We take every step possible to protect your privacy. We often use initials, pseudonyms, or sealed filings. Most cases resolve confidentially and it remains up to you if and when you ever want to speak publicly.
Can it be sexual assault if I know my assailant?
Yes. In fact, most sexual assault incidents occur between persons that are known to each other. They can include casual acquaintances, business associates, relatives and intimate partners. It can also be sexual assault if you previously gave the person consent but did not on the incident in question.
What can I recover in a civil sexual assault case?
You may be eligible for compensation for pain and suffering, medical bills, therapy, loss of income, and more. If an institution was involved, we may also seek punitive damages.
What if I was drinking or using drugs at the time?
Legally, you cannot consent if you are intoxicated, so, no – that does not disqualify you. In fact, many perpetrators exploit intoxication or patient vulnerabilities to commit assault. Your vulnerability does not excuse their actions.
Do I need to remember everything that happened?
No. Memory gaps are common in trauma. We can build a strong case using medical records, witness statements, timelines, expert testimony, and your narrative, however fragmented it may feel. Not being able to recall every detail in order is a common trauma response and we are trained and know how to support you through this.
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer?
We work on contingency. That means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case or reach a settlement.
Can I file if the assault happened at a rehab center or treatment facility?
Yes. We frequently handle cases involving sexual assault at institutions, including luxury facilities, sober homes, and therapy centers. These places often fail in basic background checks, staff training, and oversight. We’ll investigate every layer to find the cracks that led to your assault.
How long will this process take?
Every case is different. Some settle in a few months; others go to trial and take longer. We’ll walk you through the timeline and keep you updated at every step.
What if I’m not ready to move forward yet?
That’s okay. Start with a confidential conversation. No pressure, no commitment. We’ll answer your questions, let you know how long you may have before your statute runs, and be here when (and if) you’re ready.
You Deserve to Be Heard
If someone at work crossed the line, you have options. Let Betts Law Group help you take the next step toward accountability, healing, and a workplace where you feel safe and respected.