Helping Survivors

California Statute of Limitations for Sex Abuse

Victims of sexual assault are often overwhelmed with emotions that can make it difficult to make decisions about how to move forward. If you’ve experienced a sexual assault or abuse in California, you have rights and options for reporting the incident and seeking justice. However, the options available to you depend on the statute of limitations, which sets the deadline for taking legal action.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Sexual Assault and Abuse in California?

A statute of limitations is a law that sets the deadline for filing a civil lawsuit or pressing criminal charges. Criminal statutes of limitations impose deadlines for prosecutors to file criminal charges against the perpetrators. In sexual assault cases, this deadline typically varies depending on the nature of the offense and the age of the victim. Meanwhile, civil statutes of limitations determine how long after an incident a victim can file a lawsuit over a sexual assault or abuse. Civil statutes of limitations for sex crimes in California also vary based on the victim’s age and when the assault occurred.

Civil lawsuits differ from criminal prosecutions in several respects. In a criminal case, a prosecutor files criminal charges on behalf of the government, seeking to punish the defendant with criminal penalties like jail time and fines. On the other hand, the victims file civil lawsuits. Instead of criminal penalties, a lawsuit seeks financial compensation and other civil remedies from the perpetrators and enablers of their abuse.

California Criminal Statute of Limitations for Sexual Assault and Abuse

In California, prosecutors may have a set amount of time to bring criminal charges against perpetrators of sexual assault and abuse.

For serious felony offenses, there is no limit to file criminal charges over offenses for which the statute of limitations had not run as of January 1, 2017. For felony sexual abuse of a minor victim that occurred before that date, charges generally must be brought before the victim’s 40th birthday. For adult sexual assault that occurred before that date, prosecutors typically must file charges within ten years of the assault.

California Civil Statute of Limitations for Sexual Assault and Abuse

California’s deadlines for survivors of sexual violence to file civil lawsuits vary heavily based on the age of the victim at the time of the abuse and the date the abuse occurred, since state laws have changed multiple times in recent years.

For abuse that occurred on or after January 1, 2024, there is no time limit for child sex abuse lawsuits against perpetrators and enablers. For civil child sexual abuse that occurred before 2024, the statute of limitations gives survivors until age 40 to file a lawsuit, or within five years of discovering the abuse caused them harm.

In civil actions resulting from adult sexual assault, survivors generally must file a suit within 10 years of the assault or three years of discovering the harm it caused. The discovery rule allows more time to file in cases where the survivor did not know that an injury or illness resulted from an assault, or didn’t realize the assault occurred, until later on.

California Assembly Bill 218

Assembly Bill 218 increased the time limit for civil child sexual abuse suits from age 26 to age 40 and increased the discovery rule from three years to five. It also expanded the definition of childhood sexual abuse and instead renamed the term childhood sexual assault.

California Assembly Bill 2777

Assembly Bill 2777, known as the Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act, revived claims for sexual assault that occurred on or after January 1, 2009, that would otherwise be time-barred. The law took effect on January 1, 2023, and the revival window will remain open through the end of 2026.

California Assembly Bill 250

A new law signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom in October 2025 opens a two-year lookback window through 2027 that will allow adult survivors of sexual assault to bring previously time-barred civil claims. Assembly Bill 250 applies to cases alleging not only assault, but also those against private entities alleged to have participated in cover-ups of prior accusations against perpetrators. The law excludes suits against public entities.

Where Can I Report Sexual Assault and Abuse in California?

If you believe that you or someone else is at risk of immediate harm, contact law enforcement as soon as possible. Additionally, nationwide online support services are available through RAINN.

Reporting Sex Abuse in California For Children Under 18

There are several options for reporting sexual abuse and assault in California, even if it occurred in the past. When you report past incidents of abuse, the agency you contact will advise you on your options for moving forward with the reporting process. These depend on the nature of the abuse reported, your age when the abuse occurred, and the applicable statute of limitations, among other factors.

The California Child Protection Hotline can be reached at 1-800-540-4000.

Some people who work with children in a professional capacity are “mandated reporters,” meaning the law requires them to report suspected child abuse. These professionals must report the abuse to a child protective agency immediately or as soon as possible by telephone and send a written report within 36 hours of receiving the information concerning the incident.

Reporting Sexual Assault for Adults in California

If you have experienced sexual assault as an adult in California—even if it occurred years ago—you can report it to your local law enforcement agencies, such as city or county police or sheriff’s departments. Local law enforcement agencies are required to investigate all complaints.

Where to Report Institutional Sexual Abuse in California

Parents and guardians of pupils have the right to file a complaint against a school employee or other person that they suspect has engaged in abuse of a child at a school site.

To file a complaint, the parent or guardian must file a formal report with an appropriate local law enforcement agency, such as a police or sheriff’s department, a county probation department, or the county’s welfare or child protective services department.

For complaints regarding educator misconduct, discrimination, violence, and human trafficking in schools, contact the California Department of Education.

If you or your child’s rights are being violated or they are experiencing harmful conditions in a California juvenile detention center, you can file a complaint by calling 1 (844) 402-1880 or emailing OYCRombuds@chhs.ca.gov.

Support Centers and Resources in California

PREA Resource Center: Guide on resources and supportive services for survivors across California.
Community Resources | CARE: Campus Advocacy Resources, and Education: Resources for survivors in the Bay Area.
Victims’ Services Unit | State of California – Department of Justice – Office of the Attorney General: The Victims’ Services Unit is dedicated to serving and empowering victims and their families, and connecting them with relevant and tailored resources.
Get Help California – VALOR US: VALOR US offers resources and information on rape crisis centers sorted by county for victims of sexual violence in California.

Reach Out For Help After Sexual Assault or Abuse

If you’ve been sexually abused or assaulted in California, you’re not alone. Resources are available both locally and statewide to support you throughout your recovery journey. Whether or not you decide to report the assault, reaching out to support centers can help you process the abuse you endured and begin to move forward through counseling, medical assistance, and more.

There is no right way to navigate the process of healing from sexual assault or abuse. At Helping Survivors, we can answer your questions and connect you with an experienced sexual abuse attorney to advise you about your
legal options in California. Get legal help today.