Abused at school? You decide what happens next.
Confidential. Your story stays private. We explain your options, and you choose. Free case review, no fee unless we win, and a real person answers 24/7.
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Four things to know
Take them at your own pace.
What you can get paid for
A claim can cover the harm done to you, now and later.
Find out what your case is worthDeadlines vary. Act early.
How long you have depends on the type of case and who is responsible. Some claims, such as those against a government agency, have deadlines measured in months, not years. Call early, and we find the deadline that applies to you.
Questions we get every day
Straight answers. No fine print.
It happened years ago. Is it too late?
Will my name be public?
How much do you charge?
Sexual abuse cases in nine states
Staffed offices in Irvine, Chicago and Las Vegas, and satellite offices by appointment. We also come to you.
More about your options
Read the full guide
Updated October 2026. General information, not legal advice about your case.
Sexual abuse at school: what to know
Schools have a duty to protect students. When a teacher, coach, counselor, staff member or volunteer sexually abuses a student, the school or school district can be responsible if it did not take reasonable steps to prevent it, ignored warning signs, or did not report.
If you are in danger now, call 911. You can reach the National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) 24/7 at 800-656-4673.
Rules that shape your case
- Mandated reporters. In California, teachers and many other school employees are mandated reporters. They must report suspected child abuse to the police or child protective services. A failure to report can be important evidence.
- Public schools have special rules. Claims against a public school district can follow special rules and steps that do not apply to private schools.
- More time than before. Many states, including California, have changed their laws in recent years to give survivors of childhood sexual abuse much more time to bring a claim, and in some cases there is no deadline (California School Boards Association summary). Other claims can still have short deadlines, for example some claims against public agencies. Call to find out what applies to you.
- Your privacy. The conversation with us is confidential. In many cases, a survivor can bring a case without their name in public court records. You decide how fast to go and what to share.
Other states where we handle cases have their own rules.
What a case looks at
- Earlier complaints about the same employee
- Background checks, training and supervision
- Rules about one-on-one contact, messages and travel, and whether the school enforced them
- What the school did after it learned of the abuse
What to do now
- Make sure the student is safe, and get counseling and medical care.
- Report to the police or child protective services, if no report has been made.
- Save messages, social media contacts, photos and school records. Do not delete accounts.
- Write down names, dates and who was told, when you are ready.
- Do not sign anything from the school or district before you get advice.
- Call us when you are ready. The call is confidential, and there is no fee or cost unless we recover money for you.
Not sure if you have a case? Call anyway. It's free to ask.
Someone answers 24/7. English and Spanish. No obligation.
New clients 888.845.9696Existing clients 888.222.8286
This is a paid advertisement for TORKLAW, not an offer or guarantee of results. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits. Some matters may be referred to partner firms as appropriate. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Tracy R. Horn, Esq. is responsible for this advertisement. Main Office: 18650 MacArthur Blvd, Suite 300, Irvine, CA 92612.