Shari Karney is widely recognized as one of the most passionate, devoted and relentless lawyers to represent victims of child sexual abuse.
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Shari is a trailblazer in representing victims of child sexual abuse. She pioneered landmark legislation for victims of childhood sexual abuse in California in the early 1990’s. Along with her associate, Shari got the law changed extending the statute of limitations for victims of child sexual abuse in California so that victims now have the right to pursue justice both civil and criminal. Shari went on to overcome great personal and legal hurdles to change the law in California.
Shari is also a victim and survivor of child sexual abuse, rape, campus sexual assault, and sexual harassment in the workplace and public square. She understands what victims are going through and lawyers with compassion, passion, fire, and fierceness. She is easy to talk to and relate with. From Mary Doe, the case that Shari argued in the California Supreme Court that changed the course of history for victims of child sexual abuse in California. “With Shari, I felt heard, believed, understood, cared about. She listened with compassion and empathy.
In court, and in interactions with my perpetrator and his lawyer, Shari was an unrelenting fierce fighter for me. Passionate, determined, relentless. For the first time in my life, someone stood up to my father and said, “No.” She held him accountable in every way possible.
Shari fought for me every step of the way. She never gave up, even when I wanted to, she supported me. Share is a lawyer who understands both the emotional, mental and physical issues that victims face as well as the legal hurdles. Coupled with her objective knowledge of the law, Shari is a special person to work with you. She can help identify legal theories and parties that may be held responsible for the abuse you suffered and seek justice for you where appropriate.
She was one of the first lawyers (and victims) to speak out publicly on national television. In doing so, she is a model for breaking through silence, shame and self-blame. Shari went on to overcome great personal and legal hurdles to speak for victims of incest, child sexual abuse and sexual violence.
This area of the law has complex legal and personal issues and Shari has the compassion, background and experience that survivors have found so compelling in a lawyer.
Shari understands, with empathy and strength, the complex issues surrounding the representation of survivors of childhood sexual abuse, rape, sexual assault, abuse or trauma of any kind. Surviving trauma has a profound impact on a survivor’s life. Because of the nuances and multi-faceted recovery process for clients at certain stages of healing, it is recommended that clients develop a strong support system while going through the legal process.
Although a civil lawsuit can be an important part of the healing journey, counseling and other support systems are necessary as a victim enters into the challenges of the legal process. Shari’s goal is to minimize the trauma while maximize healing, recovery and justice. Legal action is just one prong on the healing journey.
Her mission is to help victims take back their power and heal while holding their perpetrators accountable.
Shari is currently working with Congress on national legislation that Karney helped draft “Time for Justice Act” (Karney USOL) to eliminate all statutes of limitations, civil and criminal for child sexual abuse nationwide, in all 50 states, on tribal lands, and in the Federal government and territories.
Honors, Awards, TV Appearances
Shari own inspirational story was the subject of Television Movie entitled: Shattered Trust: The Shari Karney Story. She was honored to represent the millions of sexual abuse survivors around the world, and said, “ Many survivors have done far more through conquering their adversity than I could ever hope to.”
Over the course of her career, Shari has appeared in national and international media hundreds of times. Shari has been a featured guest on the following shows and magazines and hundreds of other publications in the United States, England, Ireland and throughout the English-speaking world.
- Oprah
- ABC’s PrimeTime with Diane Sawyer
- Headline News with Nancy Grace
- HLN with Ashley Banfield
- The Today Show
- The Weekend Today Show
- World News Tonight
- Inside Edition
- CNN
- MSNBC
- ABC
- CBS with Harvey Levin
- New York Times Sunday Magazine Section
- Glamour Magazine
- The Hollywood Reporter
- Variety Magazine
In recent years, Shari has been featured on Biography Channel, CI, “Twisted Fate.”
She is currently in the documentary, “Pursuit of Truth- Adults Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse Seeking Justice” that is airing on military bases worldwide, schools, college campuses.
She is a featured legal analyst and commentator offering insight on various sexual abuse and sexual assault topics including prevention, protecting children and healing from abuse.
Shari hosts the podcast, “Roar with Shari. . . All Things Justice for Women & Survivors”. Shari believes, IT’S TIME FOR JUSTICE for victims of child sexual abuse and sexual assault.
Shari is the recipient of the Appeal for Love Award, from ChildHelp USA and the recipient of the NGRA Humanitarian Award
She is the author of “Prey No Longer, A Legal Action Guide for Survivors of Sexual Abuse”. Prey No Longer is for survivors of childhood sexual abuse who are considering legal action against their abuser. The book helps survivors navigate the legal system and understand what to expect.
In an early review one reporter writes, “She continues to inspire others as the author of Prey No Longer, showing survivors of trauma how to take the next step. This is a wake-up call for anyone who has been sexually assaulted, raped or abused.”
Television Appearances
