The Basics
“Statutory sexual assault” refers to sexual activity with someone below the legal age for consent. Even if a minor appears to “agree,” the law presumes they cannot give legal consent due to age. That’s why these cases are often charged and described differently than adult-on-adult assaults.
In civil court, we focus on harm and responsibility. Survivors (or their parents/guardians) can bring claims against the individual who committed the abuse and any institution that enabled it—like a school, youth organization, church, camp, healthcare facility, or employer.
Why Age and Power Matter
Minors are inherently vulnerable to manipulation and grooming. Abusers often exploit trust—posing as mentors, educators, coaches, youth leaders, or caregivers. The power imbalance can silence victims and delay disclosure for years. Civil law recognizes this reality and provides routes to accountability and compensation.
Common Contexts for Statutory Sexual Assault
- School settings: teacher, coach, or staff misconduct; failure to supervise
- Youth organizations & camps: inadequate screening or supervision
- Religious institutions: grooming by clergy or volunteers
- Healthcare & residential care: abuse in hospitals, group homes, or treatment centers
- Online grooming leading to in-person encounters
- Workplaces employing minors: supervisor misconduct, poor reporting channels
Each scenario may create institutional liability if policies, training, screening, supervision, or security fell short.
Civil Claims We Commonly Bring
- Battery/assault (intentional torts against the abuser)
- Negligence (institutions failing to protect minors)
- Negligent hiring/retention/supervision
- Negligent security/premises liability
- Intentional infliction of emotional distress (egregious conduct)
- Vicarious liability (when employees or agents act within the scope of roles)
What Damages Can Be Recovered?
- Therapy and medical care (immediate and long-term)
- Educational support (when trauma disrupts school)
- Lost income (for older teens/young adults) and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of life enjoyment
- Costs for safety (relocation, devices, security)
- Punitive damages for outrageous conduct
In many cases, institutions carry insurance that can fund substantial recovery and mandate safety reforms.
Evidence & Documentation (Don’t Panic—We’ll Help)
Helpful items include:
- Digital evidence: texts, DMs, emails, photos, call logs, social media activity
- School or organization records: incident reports, prior complaints, training logs, policies
- Witnesses: friends, classmates, staff who noticed grooming or boundary violations
- Medical/therapy records documenting trauma
- Timeline notes: dates, locations, what was said or done
Our team issues preservation letters immediately to prevent deletion of school or organizational records and footage.
Understanding Grooming (So Families Can Spot It)
Grooming often looks like special attention, gifts, secret communications, isolating the child from peers, or testing boundaries (late rides home, closed-door meetings, rule-bending “exceptions”). If you notice these patterns, trust your instincts and document concerns. Early action can prevent harm and preserve evidence.
How We Protect Privacy
We can file cases using the minor’s initials, request protective orders, and carefully control what records are shared. If media attention arises, we act as a buffer, focusing on the child’s safety and wellbeing.
Time Limits (Statutes of Limitations)
Time limits in child abuse cases can be different from adult cases, and they can change. Some claims allow extended time for survivors who disclose later. The safest step is to talk to us now so we can evaluate deadlines and preserve your rights.
Our Process—Trauma-Informed and Family-Centered
- Free, confidential consult: We listen first, explain options plainly.
- Investigation: We gather evidence from individuals and institutions; we work with experts in child trauma and institutional practices.
- Accountability plan: Whether you want a prompt, private resolution or full public accountability, we build a path aligned with your goals.
- Ongoing support: Regular updates, respectful communication, and resources for counseling and care.
What Parents/Guardians Can Do Right Now
- Ensure safety and care: medical attention, trauma-trained counseling.
- Preserve evidence: screenshots, messages, names, and timelines.
- Report when ready: to law enforcement and/or the institution; we’ll help weigh timing and impact.
- Contact us to discuss civil options and protective measures.
Your family’s safety comes first. If you’re searching “what is statutory sexual assault,” you deserve clear answers and real options. Contact the Moran Law Group for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll protect your child, your privacy, and your rights—starting today.