For more than 25 years, the attorneys at Cartwright, Scruggs, Fulton and Walther in Santa Cruz, California have assisted hundreds of survivors of childhood sexual abuse in holding their perpetrators accountable. In the mid 1980s, when child sexual abuse was still very much a cultural "secret," we began representing adult survivors who were brave enough to come forward to tell their stories of incest, molestation and the horrific, traumatic consequences of child sexual abuse.
"I have great admiration for Dana Scruggs' work on behalf of survivors of child sexual abuse. I have recommended him many times for his dedication, empathy, good sense, and excellence. We are fortunate to have him in our community."
Ellen Bass, author "Courage to Heal"
Dana Scruggs, one of the attorneys here at CSF&W, was part of a small group of California attorneys who worked to encourage the California Legislature to extend the statute of limitations so that adult survivors could sue their perpetrators and collect the money damages they needed to obtain appropriate therapy and counseling. In addition, Mr. Scruggs has been nationally recognized and recommended as a legal resource by publications such as “The Courage to Heal–A Guide for Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse” and “Shifting the Burden of Truth—Suing Child Sexual Abusers, a Legal Guide for Survivors and Their Supporters.”
The attorneys at CSF&W have successfully represented clients of all ages in cases involving incest, pedophilia, sexual predators, sexual assault and battery, and sexual abuse by both strangers and those most trusted by their victims, including priests, pastors, ministers, teachers, day care workers, and leaders of various youth organizations. We have also assisted survivors in recovering damages from the entities who employ or allow these perpetrators to commit child sex abuse. These entities have included churches, schools, day care centers, and youth organizations.
Please read our advice on whether or not you should sue your perpetrator.
We have been privileged to assist hundreds of victims of child sexual abuse in a variety of ways, including referrals to appropriate health care providers, law enforcement agencies, other reporting agencies, and by investigating and gathering evidence so that survivors’ claims could be prosecuted against the perpetrators. While awareness of the magnitude of the problem of childhood sexual abuse is still not universally accepted, we are extremely proud to have played a role in the process of raising consciousness about the issue, and extremely honored to have represented many brave girls, boys, women and men who were courageous and able enough to stand up to their perpetrators in a court of law and declare – No more!
Survivors Healing Center
A non-profit organization providing education, information, referrals, high quality services and support to survivors of childhood sexual abuse and to their supporters. Located in Santa Cruz, California.
Megans Law
California Department of Justice's Internet web site, which lists designated registered sex offenders in California.
Kidpower
Library of safety and self defense articles
California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board
Information on victim compensation, including eligibility requirements, covered crimes, and specifics on how to file a claim.
Klaas Kids Foundation
Provides information on sex offenders including Internet access to maps showing the location of registered sex offenders in California.
Office of the Attorney General, State of California, Department of Justice
Get information here on protecting yourself and your family from child molesters, as well as information on registered sex offenders.
Three middle-aged men successfully prosecuted their claims that they had been molested by a family friend some 40 years earlier. Despite obstacles created by the statute of limitations and proof problems, these brave men exposed the truth, obtained needed therapy, and financially punished the child molester responsible. Read More Child Sexual Abuse Success Stories >
If you are a victim of child sexual abuse, we want to help.
"We are honored to represent those brave victims who are courageous enough to stand up to their perpetrators in court and say, 'No more!'"
Read our "Should I sue my perpetrator" page, then seek legal advice NOW!
Call 831-457-1700 to request a FREE consultation or use our contact form and one of our qualified attorneys specializing in child sexual abuse.