Abuse Law FAQ

January 4, 2022
Has it been too long since I was abused? Is there a statute of limitations?

Maybe not. New legislation in California may open a window for civil action for cases that are decades old. If you are considering a claim as a survivor of child sexual abuse, we urge you to seek legal counsel.

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January 4, 2022
Should I go direct to my Diocese to address my complaint?

This is, of course, an option. However, we encourage all survivors of child sexual abuse to seek legal counsel to ensure that all options are evaluated.

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January 4, 2022
What is the California Catholic Diocese Victim Compensation program?

Six Catholic dioceses in California, including San Bernardino, Orange and Los Angeles, created a victimcompensation program allowing them to settle claims of clergy sexual abuse outside of court. This program is similar to others created in Colorado, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. To determineif the compensation program is the best alternative for you, we […]

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January 4, 2022
What is California AB 218 and how does that affect my claim?

AB 218 is a bill currently before the California governor for signature. When signed into law, this bill will open a window for child sexual abuse victims to pursue justice. The details are complicated and we urgesurvivors to seek expert advice.

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January 4, 2022
I was just a child. Who will believe me?

We will. The crimes perpetrated against children by adults in positions of power are abhorrent. We understand that when a child’s trust is betrayed in this way, it does enormous damage. Keeping it a secret feels like the only solution, but this creates even more damage over time. We will listen. We will care. We […]

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August 9, 2021
Should I go directly to Thacher School RAINN to address my complaint?

This is an option. However, we encourage all survivors of child sexual abuse to seek legal counsel to ensure that all options are evaluated.

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August 9, 2021
What is the Thacher School support fund?

The “support fund” is a partnership between the Thacher administration and Board of Trustees to provide assistance with therapy related to the trauma of sexual misconduct endured as a student at Thacher School. The fund is managed and operated by RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network).

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August 9, 2021
Who was identified in the Thacher report as perpetrators?

Six alleged perpetrators were identified: Willard “Bill” Wyman, Timothy Regan, Derick Perry, Dana Vancisin, Rod “Jake” Jacobsen, and John Friborg. In addition, the report details alleged concerted efforts by former Thacher administrators to cover-up complaints and deflect blame on to the teenage victims who went to them for help.

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August 9, 2021
What were the findings of the Thacher School Report?

A June 2021 report from The Thacher School shows four decades of misconduct at one of America’s most elite boarding schools. Thacher school acknowledged four decades of sexual misconduct, harassment, and “boundary crossing” by faculty members at the $64,700-a-year private boarding academy. The 90-page report was released to the public by the Thacher trustees, who […]

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September 20, 2020
When did the Boy Scouts of America File for Bankruptcy?

On February 17, 2020, the Boy Scouts of America filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. In response to increasing litigation stemming from years of failing to protect boys from being abused by its leaders, the Boy Scouts of America filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, seeking relief from the mounting claims. Chapter 11 bankruptcy is a specific […]

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