Was I sexually abused by my teacher 15 years ago?

Question

I suspect I was subjected to sexual abuse by my supervising teacher when I was 8 years old, approximately 15 years ago. She used to help me undress after PE classes without my request, exposing me to my classmates. She would also adjust my pants by sliding her hands under them and touching my body through my clothes, sometimes tickling me during exercises. My mother did not believe me, and I never officially reported it. I'm seeking clarification from a lawyer to understand if these actions constitute sexual abuse or if I might be exaggerating.

Theodore Allan Greene · Answer

It might be that you have a case. Do you know if any other students reported this teacher? Do you know if the school administration had any knowledge of the type of things you claim she was doing? What are the consequences to you in your life today. Have you had to go through some counseling, etc... You should contact a personal injury attorney who handles sexual abuse of minors and discuss the above questions as a good starting point. Good luck to you... TED

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

Based on California law, the behaviors you've described could potentially constitute sexual abuse of a minor. California defines sexual abuse of a minor as sexual contact occurring before a person's 18th birthday, which includes lewd or lascivious acts with a minor. The unwanted touching under your clothes and exposing you to your classmates may qualify as inappropriate conduct by someone in a position of authority and trust. 
 
The psychological impact of such experiences often emerges years later, which is why California has recently eliminated the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse lawsuits for incidents occurring after January 1, 2024. For incidents that occurred prior to this date, you would have until either your 40th birthday or within five years of discovering that psychological injury or illness occurring after reaching adulthood was caused by the sexual abuse, whichever period expires later. This extended timeline acknowledges the difficulty many survivors face in processing and reporting childhood trauma. 
 
It's important to understand that many children suppress traumatic memories or may not recognize the psychological consequences of sexual abuse until much later in life. Your questioning of these experiences now is a common response among survivors. The behavior you describe—inappropriate undressing assistance and unwanted touching—may indeed constitute boundary violations that should not have occurred in a teacher-student relationship. 
 
I recommend consulting with an attorney who focuses on sexual abuse cases to discuss your specific situation in detail. A confidential consultation would help clarify the legal options available to you and provide guidance on potential next steps toward healing and justice.

Q: Was I sexually abused by my teacher 15 years ago?