No one should have to face sexual abuse while furthering their education, but the unfortunate reality is that this is a common occurrence on college campuses. If you have faced sexual abuse on San Diego college campuses, you have rights. Not only are you entitled to report the assault to police, but you can also seek justice through the civil court system as well. At CaseyGerry, we are proud to advocate for survivors and help them secure a measure of justice. You can rely on our skill, experience, and compassion when you navigate this process.
Sexual Abuse Statistics on San Diego College Campuses
Sexual abuse has long been an issue on college campuses, and the universities located in and around San Diego are not immune to this reality. According to RAINN, 13 percent of all college students experience rape or sexual assault on campus. This includes an astounding 26.4% of undergraduate women.
Locally, there is some positive news regarding the rate of sexual abuse allegations on campus. The Daily Aztec reports that while crime in general is on the rise at San Diego State, reports of rape and sexual assault have seen a sharp decline since 2023. In 2024, campus police received four reports of sexual violence, which is a 75% drop from the 16 cases the year before.
Who Can I Sue For Sexual Abuse on Campus?
In a campus sexual abuse case, you might be surprised to learn that potential defendants in a civil lawsuit go beyond your abuser. While the perpetrator can and should be held directly accountable, California law also allows survivors to pursue claims against institutions and other responsible parties. A college or university may be liable if it failed to respond appropriately to prior complaints, ignored known risks, inadequately supervised staff or students, or violated its Title IX obligations. Schools can also face claims for negligence if they kept an employee on campus despite warning signs or past incidents of abuse.
In some cases, liability may extend to campus security companies, athletic departments, fraternities or sororities, student organizations, or third-party vendors that hosted or sponsored events where abuse occurred. One of the benefits of working with our experienced attorneys is that we can advise you on your litigation options following sexual abuse on a San Diego college campus.
Recovering Damages Following Sexual Abuse
Survivors of sexual abuse on San Diego college campuses may be entitled to financial compensation through a civil lawsuit. While no amount of money can erase what happened, this measure of justice is available even in situations where your abuser was never charged or convicted of a crime. Some of the types of damages include the following:
Medical and Counseling Expenses
Compensation may include past and future costs for medical treatment, hospital care, medications, and long-term therapy. Many survivors require years of counseling to address trauma, anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
Lost Income
Sexual abuse can disrupt a student’s academic path and career plans. Survivors may recover damages for lost wages, diminished earning capacity, or delays in completing their degree that affect future employment opportunities.
Pain and Suffering
Non-economic damages account for emotional distress, mental anguish, humiliation, and the lasting psychological impact of abuse. These damages often represent a substantial portion of a claim.
Talk to a Lawyer in San Diego About Sexual Abuse on College Campuses
If you are a survivor of sexual abuse on San Diego college campuses, you deserve to have your voice heard. Our firm understands how devastating abuse can be, and we are dedicated to helping survivors get the compensation they are entitled to under the law. Call today for a private consultation.
