In 2025, California enacted the Justice for Survivors of Sexual Assault Act (AB 250), expanding access to the civil justice system for certain adult survivors of sexual assault. For many survivors, the law creates an opportunity to pursue accountability, even if they previously believed it was too late to take legal action.
The legislation recognizes a reality that many survivors know all too well: coming forward is not always immediate. Trauma, fear, shame, concerns about retaliation, institutional pressure, and worries about being believed can make it difficult to report an assault or explore legal options right away.
AB 250 was enacted in part to address situations where allegations of institutional concealment may have prevented survivors from discovering information relevant to potential civil claims until years after the assault occurred.
Understanding whether you qualify under AB 250 can be difficult, especially when years have passed since the assault occurred. At Berg Injury Lawyers, we offer compassionate, confidential guidance to help adults affected by sexual assault understand their rights and explore their legal options. Contact us today for help.
What Changed Under California’s New Law?
Understanding how AB 250 differs from prior laws can help survivors determine whether the new filing window may affect their legal options. The following table highlights some of the most significant changes.
| Previous Law | What AB 250 Changed |
| Adult survivors already could file certain civil sexual assault claims under California’s existing statute of limitations. | AB 250 creates a special two-year revival window for certain claims that would otherwise be time-barred. |
| Claims generally depended on existing statutes of limitations. | Some previously expired claims may now move forward between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2027. |
| Prior reforms broadly expanded filing opportunities for survivors. | AB 250 specifically targets situations involving alleged institutional concealment of sexual misconduct. |
| Survivors often faced challenges pursuing claims when information about misconduct was hidden. | The law recognizes that concealment may prevent survivors from discovering information necessary to pursue legal action. |
As the table above illustrates, AB 250 focuses on cases involving allegations that a private institution concealed sexual misconduct or prevented relevant information from becoming known.
Understanding the Lookback Window
For some individuals, the law may create an opportunity to pursue legal action that was previously unavailable because filing deadlines had expired. This may be relevant in situations where information about prior misconduct, complaints, or institutional actions only became known years after the assault occurred.
For example, a former student who was sexually assaulted by a teacher decades ago may later learn that school administrators had received similar complaints about that teacher before the assault but failed to investigate or take action. If records, internal reports, or other evidence of that misconduct only became public years later, AB 250 may allow the survivor to pursue a claim during the revival period.
Because eligibility depends on the specific facts and legal requirements, individuals should consider consulting an attorney to determine whether AB 250 applies to their situation.
What Types of Cases May Be Covered?
AB 250 applies to adults who were 18 or older when the sexual assault occurred. The law affects cases involving private organizations or institutions where allegations involve efforts to conceal sexual misconduct, destroy evidence, suppress reports, or prevent information from becoming public.
The following examples may be affected when allegations involve institutional concealment or efforts to prevent misconduct from becoming known:
- Workplace sexual assault
- Assaults involving medical professionals
- Clergy or religious organization misconduct
- Assaults connected to educational institutions
- Drug- or alcohol-facilitated sexual assault
- Other forms of non-consensual sexual contact recognized under California law
In some cases, survivors may be able to bring claims not only against the individual responsible for the assault but also against private organizations that may have enabled, concealed, or failed to address misconduct.
Examples could include allegations involving private employers, healthcare organizations, religious institutions, private schools, universities, or other private entities.
How Could This Law Help Survivors?
Many survivors were previously unable to pursue civil claims because legal deadlines had already passed before they felt ready to come forward.
AB 250 recognizes that trauma does not follow a predictable timeline. The law may allow some survivors to seek financial compensation and pursue accountability through the civil justice system.
For some, a civil lawsuit may also provide access to information, records, or testimony that was previously unavailable.
Every survivor’s experience is different, and there is no right or wrong way to seek justice. The decision to pursue a claim remains entirely in the survivor’s control.
Civil Claims vs. Criminal Cases
It’s important to understand that civil claims and criminal cases are separate legal processes.
In a criminal case, the government prosecutes the accused person and seeks criminal penalties such as imprisonment or probation.
A survivor does not need a criminal conviction or, in many cases, a criminal prosecution at all to pursue a qualifying civil claim. Because civil and criminal proceedings serve different purposes, survivors may still have legal options available even when criminal charges were never filed, or a criminal case did not move forward.
Understanding Your Rights Under AB 250
The Justice for Survivors of Sexual Assault Act provides a limited opportunity for some adult survivors to pursue claims that may have previously seemed out of reach.
Although the revival window remains open through the end of 2027, it is often beneficial to seek legal guidance sooner rather than later. Over time, evidence may become more difficult to obtain, records may be harder to locate, and witnesses’ memories may fade.
Determining whether a claim qualifies under AB 250 requires reviewing timelines, available evidence, and the role any institution may have played in concealing misconduct. An experienced attorney can help evaluate the facts of a case and explain whether the law may apply.
Speak With a California Sexual Assault Attorney About Your Rights
If you believe AB 250 may apply to your situation, speaking with a sexual assault attorney can help you understand your rights, available options, and any important deadlines.
At Berg Injury Lawyers, we understand that these cases are deeply personal. Our team is committed to providing compassionate, confidential guidance while helping survivors understand their legal options.
Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation.
