National City Sexual Assault Lawyer

The courage it takes to even search for information after experiencing sexual assault is immense, and we want you to know that your strength is recognized here.

First, we want to say this: we believe you. What happened is not your fault. And you are not alone.

At The Pride Law Firm, we help survivors of sexual assault in National City, California, take back their power. Led by nationally recognized attorney Jessica Pride, our team has helped over 1,300 survivors reclaim their voice, their confidence, and their sense of safety.

Whether the assault happened recently or years ago, we’re here to listen without judgment, explain your options, and support you every step of the way. Call us today at (619) 516-8166 or fill out our online form for a free, private consultation. There’s no pressure or obligation, just a safe space to share your story with a National City sexual assault attorney.

“The Pride Law Firm has done an amazing job. I truly appreciate Jessica Pride’s ambition, her intelligence, and her work ethic. Thank you for taking my case. You did the best job; people around the world should know what an amazing attorney you are. Thank you, Jessica Pride.”

- Carolyn K. | Client

Was What Happened to Me Sexual Assault? Understanding the Law in California

Many survivors question or second-guess their experiences. At The Pride Law Firm, we talk to survivors every day who aren't sure what to call what they went through. 

Maybe you didn’t fight back. Maybe you knew the person. Maybe you were under the influence, asleep, or felt frozen. No matter the situation, if you didn’t or couldn’t give clear and willing consent, what happened to you might be considered sexual assault under California law.

In California, sexual assault is defined as any unwanted sexual contact or behavior done without your consent. This includes a wide range of actions, from touching to penetration, and can happen whether or not violence or physical force is involved.

Sexual assault can happen in many ways:

• You were touched or groped without permission
• Someone forced or pressured you into sexual activity
• You were too intoxicated or drugged to say yes
• You were asleep or unconscious and unable to resist
• You were underage and not legally able to give consent
• The person used threats, manipulation, or guilt to get what they wanted

It does not matter who the person was. A partner, a relative, a friend, a coworker, even someone you trusted completely, can still commit sexual assault.

Under California law, sexual assault is an umbrella term that includes crimes like:

• Rape
• Attempted rape
• Sexual battery
• Unwanted touching or groping
• Incest or familial sexual abuse
• Child sexual abuse

You do not need to have all the answers right now. If something happened to you and it felt wrong, painful, or left you questioning yourself, it is worth talking to a National City sexual assault attorney who understands. 

You can reach out to The Pride Law Firm 24/7 by filling out our confidential online form or calling (619) 516-8166 today.

Who Can a National City Sexual Abuse Attorney Hold Responsible? 

When people think about sexual assault, they often focus only on the person who committed the act. But under California law, that person might not be the only one who can be held responsible.

In many cases, businesses, institutions, or organizations can also be held accountable, especially if they failed to protect you, ignored red flags, or allowed known abusers to stay in positions of trust.

Here are some examples of who else might be responsible in a sexual abuse case:

• Rideshare companies like Uber or Lyft
• Churches or religious institutions
• Daycare centers or schools 
• Hospitals, rehab centers, or mental health facilities 
• Massage parlors or spas 
• Rental platforms like Airbnb
• Transportation services like Amtrak
• Bars

These places often have a legal duty to create safe environments. That includes properly training their staff, performing background checks, taking complaints seriously, and protecting people from known dangers. When they don’t, and someone is harmed as a result, they may share responsibility under the law.

At The Pride Law Firm, we dig deep into your case to uncover what really happened and who allowed it to happen. Because, for our team, justice isn’t just about punishment; it’s about change. 

One powerful example of that mission in action is the case that helped shut down FCI Dublin: a federal women’s prison once known by its inmates as the “rape club.” 

Jessica Pride played a leading role in the litigation that exposed years of unchecked sexual abuse by prison staff. What followed was a scathing internal investigation, national attention, and ultimately a $116 million settlement for more than 100 survivors.

You can listen to Jessica Pride discuss this landmark case at length below:

In 2023, San Diego reported 727 sexual assaults and 942 rapes were recorded in the region the previous year.

What a National City Sexual Abuse Lawyer Can Actually Do for You

The Pride Law Firm is not here to talk over you or subject you to intense scrutiny or a line of questioning, but to walk beside you and help carry the weight. We’re not just average lawyers looking for another case to win; we’re survivor advocates. 

Jessica Pride has spent nearly 20 years fighting for survivors, and she’s built a team that knows what it means to show up with care, strength, and support.

Here’s what a National City sexual assault attorney from our firm will do for you and your case: 

• Comprehensive Investigation: This means gathering all available evidence, which can include medical records, police reports (if one was made), witness statements, and any digital evidence. We will also work to identify all responsible parties.
• We Make the Legal System Less Intimidating: We’ll explain your rights in simple, honest terms and walk you through each step at your own pace. From the moment we take your case, we handle all the legal deadlines, court filings, and communications so you can focus on healing.
• We Protect Your Privacy Like It’s Our Own: A National City sexual assault lawyer will go to great lengths to protect your identity, your mental health, and your peace of mind throughout the process. That includes shielding you from the defense or perpetrator, limiting public exposure, and advocating for your rights at every turn.
• We Fight for the Outcome You Deserve: Whether it’s a private settlement or a courtroom verdict, we’re here to make sure the result honors what you’ve been through. We don’t back down when things get hard. We push for what’s fair, and we never accept less than what you deserve.‍
• We Don’t Charge You Anything Up Front: We know this isn’t just emotional, but also financial. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay us anything unless we win your case. No hourly rates. No upfront fees. Just real help when you need it most. To learn more about how our contingency fee basis works, watch the video below:

Types of Compensation National City Sexual Assault Attorneys Will Fight to Reclaim for You

While no amount of money can erase what happened, a civil case can help you regain a sense of control and begin rebuilding your life on your terms.

We don’t see the “damages” available to you in a lawsuit as just a number or a settlement. We see it as a way to give you the tools and resources you need to heal.

Here’s what compensation can help cover:

• Past and Future Medical Expenses: From ER visits and hospital stays to long-term therapy, counseling, and medication, we can help make sure you’re covered now and in the future. Healing takes time, and we want to make sure you have access to every form of support you need.
• Lost Wages and Loss of Future Earning Capacity: If you had to take time off work, we fight to recover the income you’ve lost during this time. Some survivors are unable to return to the same type of work, or their careers take a major detour because of what happened. We consider how the assault may have affected your future, not just your present.‍
• Pain and Suffering: This covers not just physical pain, but also the invisible pain, such as grief, fear, flashbacks, and the emotional aftermath of what happened.‍
• Loss of Quality of Life: If you’ve lost interest in the things you used to love, or your relationships or daily life have changed because of the trauma, we take that into account too.

For many survivors, taking legal action is about being heard, reclaiming power, and creating change. Still, financial recovery can play a meaningful role in helping you access the care, stability, and safety you need moving forward.

A recent nationwide survey found that over 90% of people who hired a lawyer received a financial settlement or award, compared to about half of those who tried to handle the legal process alone. Survivors with legal representation also received significantly higher compensation on average.

Why Hire Our National City Sexual Assault Law Firm

Taking the first step after a sexual assault isn’t easy. If you're considering reaching out for legal support, you deserve to know exactly what to expect.

From the very first conversation, you’ll be met with compassion, privacy, and zero pressure. Our consultations are completely confidential, and you're never obligated to move forward.

Led by Jessica Pride, who has nearly two decades of experience and has helped hundreds of survivors, including teenagers, children, men, immigrants, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and more, speak up and find peace. We've built a space where survivors are supported, not just legally, but emotionally.

When you’re ready to talk about your next steps, whatever they may be, you can contact a National City sexual assault lawyer online or call (619) 516-8166 today.