Sexually Abused as a Child in Nevada?

Child abuse can take many forms, including:

• Physical abuse: Inflicting bodily harm through hitting, burning, or other violent actions.
• Emotional abuse: Subjecting a child to constant criticism, threats, or rejection, leading to long-term psychological harm.
• Neglect: Failing to provide necessary care, supervision, and basic needs such as food, shelter, and medical attention.
• Sexual abuse: Exploiting a child in any sexual manner, including molestation, trafficking, or exposure to explicit material.

According to state reports, Nevada has seen a troubling rise in reported cases of child maltreatment in recent years. While law enforcement and child welfare agencies work tirelessly to protect children, legal representation is often necessary to ensure justice for victims and their families.

If you or someone you know is a victim of child abuse in Nevada, your first priority should be ensuring the child’s immediate safety. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911 without delay. Law enforcement can take immediate action to protect the child.

Next, report the incident to Child Protective Services (CPS). Nevada law mandates that certain professionals—like teachers, doctors, and counselors—must report suspected child abuse, but anyone can make a report. 

Contact the Nevada Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at:

• Statewide: 1-833-571-1041
• Clark County (Las Vegas area): 702-399-0081
• Washoe County (Reno area): 833-900-7233

These hotlines connect you with CPS, who will assess and investigate the situation. Reports can typically be made anonymously.

You can also file a report with your local police department or sheriff’s office, which will handle any criminal investigations and may coordinate with CPS to ensure the child’s safety.

If the child has been physically harmed, seek medical care immediately. Medical professionals can document injuries, treat the child, and notify authorities as required by law.

For ongoing support, there are both local and national organizations that offer legal, emotional, and shelter support to abuse victims, such as:

• Nevada Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence (NCEDSV) – www.ncedsv.org
• National Child Abuse Hotline – 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)
• Rape Crisis Center (Las Vegas) – www.rcclv.org

Lastly, consider legal action. Victims and their families may have options such as obtaining restraining orders or seeking compensation for damages. An experienced attorney specializing in child abuse cases can guide you through your rights and options under Nevada law.

For legal assistance, our attorneys who specialize in child abuse cases are here to help you understand your rights and take the next steps toward justice and healing.

In Nevada, the statute of limitations for child abuse depends on the type of abuse and whether it is a criminal or civil case.

Criminal Statute of Limitations

Nevada has no statute of limitations for felony sex crimes against children. This includes crimes such as:

• Sexual assault of a minor
• Lewdness with a child under 14
• Sexual exploitation or production of child pornography

For other felony child abuse crimes, such as physical abuse or neglect, the statute of limitations varies depending on the nature and severity of the offense. Some felonies may have limitations of up to 20 years, while others may be shorter.

For misdemeanor child abuse offenses, the statute of limitations is generally one to two years from the date of the offense.

Civil Statute of Limitations (For Lawsuits)

Victims of childhood sexual abuse in Nevada can file a civil lawsuit at any time—there is no statute of limitations for such claims. This applies to lawsuits against both individual abusers and institutions that may have enabled the abuse.

For non-sexual child abuse, including physical abuse or neglect, victims generally have two years from the age of majority (18) to file a civil claim. However, this period may be extended depending on when the victim discovers the harm caused by the abuse.

Since laws can change and the details of each case can vary, Morgan & Morgan can help determine the best course of action. If you or someone you know is considering legal action related to child abuse, it's advisable to consult with a legal professional to understand how these statutes may apply to your specific situation.

Yes, compensation is available for victims of sexual abuse in Nevada. Victims can pursue several types of compensation by filing a civil lawsuit against the abuser and potentially against any institutions that enabled or failed to prevent the abuse. Below is a detailed overview of the types of compensation and the legal process.

Types of Compensation

Economic Damages:

• Medical Expenses: Victims can recover costs for therapy, counseling, psychiatric care, hospitalization, and other treatments related to the abuse.
• Lost Wages: Compensation may include income lost from time off work, lost career opportunities, or reduced earning capacity due to the long-term effects of the abuse.

Non-Economic Damages:

• Pain and Suffering: Victims may be compensated for physical and emotional trauma endured as a result of the abuse.
• Emotional Distress: Compensation may cover the psychological effects of abuse, such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Victims may also receive damages for the diminished quality of life caused by the abuse.

Punitive Damages:

• Punitive Damages: In cases where the conduct was especially reckless, intentional, or malicious, courts in Nevada may award punitive damages. These are meant to punish the wrongdoer and serve as a deterrent to others.

Additional Notes on Nevada Law:

• Nevada imposes no statute of limitations for civil lawsuits involving childhood sexual abuse, which means survivors can come forward at any time to seek justice and compensation.
• Courts in Nevada have broad discretion when awarding damages, especially in cases involving institutions (like schools, churches, or foster care systems) that may have enabled or covered up the abuse.

If you or someone you know is a survivor of child sexual abuse in Nevada, legal support is available. An experienced attorney can help navigate the civil claims process, collect evidence, and pursue full compensation under Nevada law.

Childhood sexual abuse is traumatic, often leaving survivors with long-lasting physical and psychological issues. Depression has been found to be the most common long-term psychological symptom among survivors, according to a study on the long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse. Other symptoms may include:

• Anxiety disorders
• Eating disorders
• Personality disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Relationship and intimacy issues
• Somatic disorders

Childhood sexual abuse has also been found to cause lasting physical symptoms that may affect a survivor for the rest of their life. A meta-analysis of studies investigating the long-term physical health consequences of childhood sexual abuse found that survivors were more likely to have health problems in general, and more specifically with:

• Gastrointestinal health
• Gynecologic or reproductive health
• Pain
• Cardiopulmonary symptoms
• Obesity

If you are a survivor and have had to deal with one or more of these symptoms, you may be able to recover compensation for past and future treatment.

If you are a survivor of childhood sexual abuse in Nevada, we may be able to help you recover compensation for the physical and psychological issues your abuse may have caused.

Contact us today for free, no-obligation, and confidential case evaluation to learn more about how we may be able to help. There are no upfront fees or costs to speak with a member of our team, and we can provide comprehensive support, from legal representation to investigative resources to help you through the legal process.

While a lawsuit can’t undo the damage caused by unthinkable abuse, it can provide the means necessary to receive treatment and move forward with your life while holding guilty parties accountable for their wrongdoing. 

We are here to listen. Contact us anytime or get started with your claim in minutes with a free case evaluation.