Navigation 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.
