Local Resources for Child Sexual Abuse Victims in California

Children who are victims of sexual abuse need our help. Every nine minutes in this country, a child becomes a child sexual abuse victim, according to RAINN, an organization dedicated to ending child sexual abuse. One of the most important things you can do as a parent or guardian of a child who has been sexually abused is get your child the help they need.

Victims of child sexual abuse often suffer trauma that has lasting effects, both physically and mentally. As a parent or guardian, you should know that you are not alone in supporting your child. There are many local resources available to help in these situations.

Where You Can Turn to for Help in This Area

• Audrey Hepburn CARES Center: Located at the children’s hospital of Los Angeles, this center ensures that the children of our area receive medical evaluations for physical and sexual abuse. They say that out of all of their child abuse cases, sexual abuse comprises of 42% of them. You can contact the Audrey Hepburn CARES Center by calling (323) 660-2450.
• Peace Over Violence: This organization is tremendous because it provides a 24-hour emergency hotline for victims of sexual abuse and assault. Their staff members are trained to provide crisis support for residents of Los Angeles who suffer from sexual assault. Depending on where you reside, they can be reached at the following phone numbers: residents of South Los Angeles can call (310) 392-8381, and residents of central Los Angeles can call (213) 626-3393.
• LA County Department of Children and Family Services: When you need social workers to be immediately available to provide assistance and investigate child sexual abuse allegations, you can call this government agency 24 hours a day for an emergency response. They can be reached by calling (800) 540-4000.
• Children’s Institute, Inc.: This agency is based in Los Angeles and works to provide resources and assistance to both children and families who have been traumatized by sexual abuse and violence. They work to provide family support services as well as mental health assistance. They also provide youth development programs. They have various locations, and the phone number of each can be seen by clicking here to go to their page.
• YWCA of Greater Los Angeles: Our chapter of YWCA provides extensive resources for victims of child sexual abuse. They sponsor a sexual assault crisis service, including a 24-hour crisis hotline. They will accompany victims of sexual abuse to the hospital for a sexual assault examination and provide various support services to victims. You can reach their hotline at (877) 943-5778.

You May Need Help From an Attorney

You may also need to consider speaking with an attorney who has experience helping victims of child sexual abuse and their families. While these are often criminal cases involving law enforcement, victims of child sexual abuse also often have the option of holding perpetrators accountable through a civil lawsuit. Not only will an attorney be able to guide you through this process, but they will also work to ensure that victims of child sexual abuse and their families get the resources they need to begin the recovery process.

Nearly one out of every ten children are sexually abused before they reach their 18th birthday. Our children need help. They need our protection. If your child has been sexually abused by daycare workers, youth sports organizers, school faculty or students, members of the clergy, or anywhere else, contact us today to seek justice and compensation for your child’s pain.