42-year-old David Lane Braff, a former Ventura, California school counselor, was arrested on November 22, 2024 for molesting eight students at an elementary school. As new survivors are speaking up and seeking help, the initial number of charges has now increased to 31 counts of child molestation, against both male and female students under 14 years old. 

The US Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) collects data on sexual violence in schools. However, the reporting process can be inaccurate, making it difficult to grasp the full picture and extent of the issue. If you experienced abuse and wish to discuss a potential civil lawsuit, contact the Cifarelli Law Firm for dedicated legal representation.

How Sexual Abuse Can Be Prevented

Unfortunately, sexual abuse remains common in schools across the United States. According to the CDC, a study showed that one in five girls and one in 10 boys experience sexual violence before turning 18. The following precautions can be taken in schools to ensure these crimes are minimized and protect the health and well-being of vulnerable victims: 

• Employee background checks to assess a candidate’s qualifications and verify personal information 
• Staff training programs, including surveys, focus groups, evaluations, and workshops, to help improve employees’ ability to recognize harmful situations

California does not have legislation requiring sexual abuse prevention education in schools. However, Assembly Bill 2016, signed in 2014, encourages schools to provide sexual awareness instruction to grades K-12 and employees.  

Consult With An Attorney for Reporting Sexual Abuse 

Following any instance of suspected abuse, certain steps must be taken, such as: 

• Parents and guardians should ensure the child is no longer in contact with the abuser or otherwise in an unsafe environment 
• A report should be filed with the local police department to begin the investigation process

At the Cifarelli Law Firm, we are deeply disheartened to hear about the allegations against David Braff in our own state of California. Our team of highly knowledgeable attorneys with over 25 years of experience is here for you. Whether you need a thorough investigation or legal assistance surrounding these sensitive issues, reach out to the Cifarelli Law Firm for a free and confidential consultation to get the representation you need.