California Statute of Limitations for Sexual Assault and Abuse Claims
How long you have to bring a civil claim in California depends on your age when the abuse happened and when it happened. This guide sets out the rules for childhood abuse claims, with sources.
Many survivors who believed their case was time-barred have been wrong. Get legal advice first.
Last updated: 5 October 2026
TL;DR — Quick Summary
- There is no time limit for childhood sexual assault that happened on or after 1 January 2024 (CCP 340.1). Earlier abuse is governed by CCP 340.11: generally within 22 years of turning 18 (age 40), or within five years of discovering that a psychological injury was caused by the abuse, whichever is later.
- The AB 218 revival window, which let some older claims be filed, ran from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2022 and has closed.
- Deadlines for abuse suffered as an adult are different and usually shorter than for abuse suffered as a child, so the date and your age at the time matter.
- The discovery rule and other exceptions can change a deadline. Do not assume you are out of time without legal advice.
California Time Limit for Childhood Sexual Abuse Claims
There is no time limit for childhood sexual assault that happened on or after 1 January 2024 (CCP 340.1). Earlier abuse is governed by CCP 340.11: generally within 22 years of turning 18 (age 40), or within five years of discovering that a psychological injury was caused by the abuse, whichever is later.
The AB 218 revival window, which let some older claims be filed, ran from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2022 and has closed.
These rules are summarised from the statutes listed below. They apply to civil lawsuits for damages, not criminal prosecutions, which have separate time limits.
If the Abuse Happened to You as an Adult
Civil deadlines for sexual assault of an adult in California are set by different provisions from the childhood abuse rules above and are generally shorter. Some states have also opened temporary windows for older adult claims. Because the correct rule depends on the date of the assault and the defendant, this page does not give a single figure for adult claims. A confidential case review can tell you which rule applies to your situation.
Official Sources
For how deadlines compare across states, see our statute of limitations by state guide. To understand the process once you know you are in time, read how to file a civil lawsuit for sexual abuse or about finding a sexual abuse lawyer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for sexual assault in California?
It depends on whether the survivor was a child or an adult when it happened and on when it happened. For childhood sexual abuse in California: There is no time limit for childhood sexual assault that happened on or after 1 January 2024 (CCP 340.1). Earlier abuse is governed by CCP 340.11: generally within 22 years of turning 18 (age 40), or within five years of discovering that a psychological injury was caused by the abuse, whichever is later. The AB 218 revival window, which let some older claims be filed, ran from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2022 and has closed. Deadlines for abuse suffered as an adult are set by different rules, so get legal advice about your specific dates.
Is it too late to sue for sexual abuse in California?
Not necessarily. Exceptions such as the discovery rule can extend a deadline, and the law has changed in recent years. A lawyer can check the rule that applies to your dates before you assume a claim is time-barred.
Do I need a police report to file a civil claim?
No. A civil claim is separate from criminal proceedings and does not require a police report or a conviction.
Can I sue an organisation as well as the abuser?
In many cases, yes. Schools, churches, youth organisations and other institutions can be liable where they failed to protect a child, subject to the facts and the law of the state.
Abuse Claim Lawyers
Information about abuse compensation
This page provides general information, not legal advice. A lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction can advise on your circumstances. Follow the official sources linked in the guide to check the rules.
Explore Related Pages
- Types of Abuse ClaimsChild abuse, institutional abuse, clergy abuse, and more
- USA Abuse ClaimsState laws, lookback windows, and institutional liability
- Europe Abuse ClaimsRedress schemes, church compensation, and cross-border claims
- How Claims WorkStep-by-step guide from enquiry to settlement
- FAQAnswers to common questions about abuse claims
Not Sure Whether You Are Still in Time?
Request a free, confidential case review. A lawyer can tell you which deadline applies to your situation.