Sex Abuse in Schools
Gastélum Law APC · Long Beach, California
Justice for Students Sexually Abused in California Schools
When a teacher, coach, administrator, or fellow student violates a child’s trust, the school district that failed to protect them must be held accountable.
All consultations are strictly confidential. There is no fee unless we win. Hablamos Español.
Important Deadline Notice
California law imposes strict filing deadlines for school district sexual abuse claims. Contact us today to protect your rights.
Who We Represent
Survivors of Sexual Abuse in Every School Setting
Gastélum Law APC represents students and families who have experienced sexual abuse, assault, grooming, or exploitation within California’s public and private school systems. No matter who the perpetrator was, if the school district had a duty to protect your child, we will fight to hold them accountable.
Abuse by Teachers
Sexual grooming, assault, or exploitation by a credentialed teacher in the classroom, online, or off campus where a school connection exists.
Abuse by Coaches
Coaches hold positions of significant authority and trust. We pursue claims against schools that hired, retained, or failed to supervise abusive coaches.
Abuse by Administrators
Principals, vice principals, counselors, and other school staff who exploited their authority to abuse or coerce students in their care.
Student-on-Student Abuse
When a school knew or should have known about ongoing peer sexual harassment or assault and failed to stop it — the district can be held liable.
Grooming & Online Exploitation
Abuse that began through school-issued devices, platforms, or communication channels that the district failed to monitor or safeguard.
Prior Complaints Ignored
If a school was warned about misconduct but kept the perpetrator on staff, that negligence dramatically strengthens your claim for damages.
Why Gastélum Law
A Proven Advocate for Victims' Rights
Attorney Denisse O. Gastélum is a seasoned civil rights litigator who brings aggressive advocacy and genuine compassion to every sexual abuse case. She and her team understand the deeply personal nature of these claims and work tirelessly to ensure school districts face real accountability.
Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for survivors of institutional sexual abuse — including a multi-million dollar settlement for a former USC student abused by a campus physician. We bring that same relentless approach to every school district case.
1
Deep Institutional Litigation Experience
We know how school districts defend these cases — and how to overcome those defenses.
2
No Fee Unless You Win
You pay nothing up front. Our fee comes only from the compensation we recover for you.
3
Trauma-Informed Representation
We navigate every step with sensitivity, ensuring clients never feel retraumatized by the legal process.
4
Bilingual — Hablamos Español
We serve English- and Spanish-speaking families throughout California.
Your Legal Rights
How School Districts Can Be Held Accountable
California law provides multiple powerful legal pathways to seek justice and compensation when a school district fails to protect a student from sexual abuse.
Title IX Federal Liability
Federal law prohibits sex discrimination in any school receiving federal funds. Title IX allows victims to sue districts that had notice of abuse and failed to act with deliberate indifference.
California Government Code Claims
Public school districts can be sued under state law for negligent hiring, supervision, and retention of abusive staff — even if a government tort claim must first be filed.
AB 218 — Extended Lookback Window
California’s landmark law significantly extended the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims, reopening previously time-barred cases against school districts.
Negligent Supervision
Schools have a duty to properly screen, train, and monitor employees and campus conditions. Failure to do so creates direct liability for any resulting abuse.
Mandatory Reporter Violations
California teachers and administrators are mandatory reporters. Failure to report suspected abuse to law enforcement is itself a basis for liability against the district.
Punitive Damages
In cases of egregious cover-up or willful disregard for student safety, courts may award punitive damages above and beyond compensatory amounts.
Our Process
What to Expect When You Come to Us
Step 1
Free Confidential Consultation
Representing families whose loved ones were shot and killed by officers using unjustified or disproportionate deadly force.
Step 2
Case Investigation & Evidence Preservation
We immediately begin gathering personnel records, prior complaints, district policies, communications, and other critical evidence before it disappears.
Step 3
Government Tort Claim Filing (if applicable)
For public school district claims, California law requires a timely administrative filing. We handle every deadline so nothing is missed.
Step 4
Litigation & Negotiation
We pursue maximum compensation aggressively, whether through a negotiated settlement or, if necessary, trial before a jury.
Step 5
Justice & Accountability
Beyond financial recovery, we seek systemic change — ensuring the district is compelled to protect future students.
Free Consultation
Tell Us What Happened
The first step toward justice is a private conversation. Contact us today — there is no cost and no obligation.
100% Confidential.
Everything you share is protected by attorney-client privilege and will never be shared.
No Fee Unless We Win.
You owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Speak to a Real Attorney.
An attorney — not intake staff — will personally review your situation.
Hablamos Español.
Full legal services available in Spanish for our Spanish-speaking families.
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