Thacher School Sexual Abuse Attorneys

Advocates for Victims of Boarding School Sexual Abuse Nationwide

If you or someone you love has been victimized by a faculty member or administrator at The Thacher School, KMD Law wants to fight for you. We are currently investigating instances of sexual abuse, harassment, rape, and other types of misconduct at The Thacher School. We are also representing students who have been harmed by their peers.

Contact KMD Law online to schedule a free, confidential consultation with a Thacher School abuse lawyer—no strings attached.

Why Choose KMD Law?

Led by Attorney Keith M. Davidson, who has fought for sexual assault and abuse survivors in Los Angeles and throughout the United States for over 20 years, KMD Law is fully equipped to take on The Thacher School. We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients to help them move on from the trauma of sexual assault.

Furthermore, we have found that holding accountable the party that was supposed to keep survivors safe has the potential to bring those survivors peace of mind.

The Thacher School Cover-Up

A co-ed private boarding school in Ojai, California, The Thacher School, has been met with a wave of sexual assault allegations from former and current students. In response, the elite school hired an independent law firm to conduct an investigation into these allegations—the results were heartbreaking, revealing 40 years of coverups.

The investigation report showed that the school failed to intervene promptly and report allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse to authorities. The school admits they also failed to support the students and alumni who came forward.

A Closer Look at the Allegations

The Thacher School investigation found that female students began accusing faculty members of sexual violence and possible child abuse dating back to the 1980s. The all-boys school began accepting female students to attend beginning in the late 70s. One particular allegation involves a female student who was befriended by her English teacher in her freshman year. An inappropriate relationship ensued and turned sexual without her consent.

The accuser stated that her English teacher continued to sexually abuse and rape her multiple times throughout her sophomore and junior years. The woman also said that she would be publicly humiliated in front of other students by the teacher. The accuser alleged that the relationship grew violent, and in her junior year, the teacher forcefully threw her across a room that knocked her unconscious.

The accuser stated that she reported the incidents to school administrators, and they never contacted law enforcement.

California's Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse

In October 2019, the statute of limitations for California sex crimes was revised and signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom. This means that survivors of child sexual abuse have more time to file.

The statutes of limitations for civil sexual assault claims include:

• Survivors of childhood sexual abuse can file a lawsuit until age 40 or within five years of discovering the abuse as an adult.
• The Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act, also known as California Assembly Bill 2777, has provided a three-year "lookback window" for adult sexual assault survivors to file a claim that may have expired under the previous statute of limitations. The lookback window began on January 1, 2023 and ends on December 31, 2026.

Additionally, awards might be tripled at the court's discretion if the abuse happened alongside an attempted or successful cover-up.

Can You Sue a School for Sexual Abuse by a Teacher They Employed?

When a teacher or other school faculty member is reported for sexually abusing students, the institution must investigate the accused staff member. Additionally, school administrators and other official staff have a legal duty to protect their students from sexual predators.

Schools that fail to do so are considered negligent.

If negligence is involved, the school can be held liable for abuse of students by an adult on the school's property which may include the following: teachers, coaches, guidance counselors, school nurses, school officials, visitors, school bus drivers, after school program employees and volunteers, janitors, and custodians.

Sexual Misconduct Can Negatively Impact Survivors for Years

Unfortunately, the trauma of being subjected to sexual misconduct can take years to shake off, so much so that it is typical for it to lead to the development of physical and/or mental illnesses either immediately or later in life. When the sexual abuse happens during one’s youth, it can be even harder to move past what happened.

Studies have shown that childhood sexual abuse survivors are at a higher risk of developing various psychiatric disorders, such as:

• Chronic depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Sleep disorders
• Eating disorders
• Substance abuse

Chronic pain, seizures, functional gastrointestinal disorders, and nonspecific pain and somatic symptoms were also common among child sex abuse survivors.

Let Us Help You Get the Justice You Deserve

It is not hard to imagine how any of the above conditions could lead to a reduced quality and enjoyment of life. The idea that no one will believe them if they come forward with their story only exacerbates the problem. At KMD Law, we are proud to believe survivors. Even if another person has wrongfully blamed you for what happened, we stand firm in our belief that sexual abuse is never the fault of the victim. The law supports us in that statement.

At KMD Law, we know your case is about more than just money; it’s about putting yourself first, standing up for your rights, and protecting other students from suffering the same harm. Let our team advocate for you against The Thacher School.

When you’re ready, call (833) 456-3529 to discuss whether a sexual assault lawsuit against The Thacher School is right for you.