What Is Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse takes many forms, each one deeply damaging. Survivors may experience:

  • Physical Sexual Abuse: Any non-consensual sexual contact or assault
  • Verbal Sexual Abuse: Unwanted sexual comments, propositions, or explicit discussions
  • Emotional Sexual Abuse: Manipulation or coercion for sexual purposes
  • Child Sexual Abuse: Any sexual act involving minors
  • Sexual Harassment: Behavior that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment

Common Examples of Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse can happen anywhere — at work, at school, in relationships, and even online. Some common examples include:

Rape

Forced or non-consensual sexual intercourse

Sexual Assault

Any unwanted sexual touching or contact

Sexual Harassment

Unwelcome sexual advances or behavior, often in professional settings

Sex Trafficking

Forcing or coercing individuals into sexual exploitation

Sexual Exploitation

Taking advantage of someone sexually, often for financial gain

Online Sexual Abuse

Using digital platforms to harass, exploit, or abuse

Marital Rape

Non-consensual sexual acts within a marriage or domestic partnership

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I cannot recommend Ron Bamieh and Anzac Jacobs highly enough.

I was wrongly accused of a misdemeanor charge. From the very beginning, Ron approached my case with incredible patience, empathy, and professionalism. He took the time to listen, understand my concerns, and explain every step of the legal process in a way that was clear and reass...

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We worked with Atty Jacobs to help us with an issue with our loved one and things could have been so much worse if we hadn’t of had his expertise and compassion. When you’re in a situation when you need help with a loved one, not only are you desperate but you’r...

Bamieh & Smith were awesome and would definitely recommend.

Mr. Anzac Jacob's was one of the best Lawyer I could've been blessed with. Top to bottom , Professional, honest, caring, and he has a great heart. He did his best for me. He never made me feel like he did not care about my situation, without Mr. Jacobs and Mr. Bamieh, I think I w...

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They are very transparent and up front with you regarding your matter. Never having any experience with the matter I hired them for, they explained everything that was happening, would be happening or could happen. Meghan Sherry took on our matter and made us free welcome and nev...

First time I met Ron he welcomed me with open arms.

His sincerity and willing to help me was shown immediately. Ron stood by my side, showed up for me and checked in on my emotional well being every step of the way. Not only is he a great lawyer but a genuine person who sees good in others and wants to help good people.
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From my initial conversation with Ron and his team, I was put at ease by their professionalism, honesty and confidence. He clearly described the process and what I could expect in the following months. He was thorough in his preparation and in court, he was calm and calculat...

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Amazing firm.

Ron is straight to the point and will give his honest opinion on the case. Very knowledgeable team that will do their best. I am personally impressed on how they handled my case. They gave me light at the end of a tunnel that seemed endless.

How Our Santa Barbara Sexual Abuse Lawyers Can Help

At Bamieh & De Smeth, we provide more than just legal representation — we provide a trusted partnership during one of the most difficult times in your life. Here’s how we support you:

  • Clear Legal Advice: We explain your rights in plain language and guide you through every legal option available.

  • Pursuing Compensation: We work to secure compensation for physical injuries, emotional trauma, medical care, lost wages, and more.

  • Access to Support Services: We connect you with trusted therapists, advocacy groups, and survivor resources throughout Santa Barbara County.

  • Courtroom Representation: If your case proceeds to trial, our experienced litigators will stand by you, fighting to make your voice heard.

  • Strict Confidentiality: Your privacy is our priority. We take every measure to keep your personal information secure and protected.

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Our Experienced Legal Team

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Founding Attorney, Partner Ron S. Bamieh

Danielle De Smeth

Managing Attorney, Partner Danielle De Smeth

Jennifer Yates

Attorney & Partner Jennifer Yates

Jason D. Frantz

Attorney Jason D. Frantz

Anzac Jacobs

Attorney Anzac Jacobs

Thelma Corsa

Attorney Thelma Corsa

Meghan Sherry

Attorney Meghan Sherry

Charlotte Krem

Attorney Charlotte Krem

Our Commitment to Sexual Abuse Survivors

At Bamieh & De Smeth, we know that coming forward can be incredibly difficult. Our Santa Barbara sexual abuse attorneys are committed to treating every survivor with the respect, empathy, and fierce advocacy they deserve. We focus on helping you reclaim your power, seek accountability, and move toward healing.

You don’t have to face this process alone. Contact Bamieh & De Smeth at (805) 643-5555 for a confidential, free consultation. We are ready to listen, answer your questions, and help you understand your next steps. Plus, you pay no legal fees unless we win your case — because you deserve support without additional burden.

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