Classaction.com attorneys are helping victims of child sexual abuse seek justice and compensation from the institutions that failed to protect them; including churches, summer camps, schools, religious organizations, and youth recreation organizations like the Boy Scouts of America.
It seems like every day a new child sex abuse scandal hits the news, with each one featuring another cornerstone American civic or religious institution now alleged to have turned a blind eye to, or actively covered up, the horrific abuse of thousands of innocent children.
So many churches, schools, summer camps, and recreational organizations like the Boy Scouts of America now stand accused of turning a blind eye as clergy, staff, and youth leaders took advantage of their positions of authority and trust to horrifically abuse children they were charged with teaching, leading, and protecting.
Is it Too Late?
As our society slowly wakes up this nightmare, survivors all around the country are seeking justice. For the first time, their friends, family, community, and the legal system are ready to hear survivors and believe them. Nevertheless, the law says that many of these victims cannot legally pursue justice.
Statute of limitations laws on the books in states around the country means that cases of abuse dating from the 1960’s, 70’s, 80’s, and even as late as the 90’s in some jurisdictions can no longer be pursued in criminal or civil court.
But lawmakers and activists are working to change that. Many states – including California, New York, and Pennsylvania – have recently passed laws that extend the statute of limitations for reporting sexual abuse suffered as a child, or are currently considering such laws. In states where the law has been changed, many survivors can now file lawsuits even if the abuse happened decades ago.
Victims advocacy groups from those states and all over the country have lauded these measures. This is an important step forward in doing what we can to help child sex abuse victims find some measure of justice and compensation for all the pain and damage they have suffered.
A Chance for Justice
These changes to the law mean that many victims of child sexual abuse now have or will soon have the legal right to pursue civil litigation against the institutions who enabled that abuse. This means that many who had long given up on ever seeing justice done are eligible for compensation again.
Anyone who has suffered sexual abuse as a child at a church, summer camp, or youth recreation organization like the Boy Scouts, or who knows someone who has, is encouraged to immediately reach out to our child sexual abuse attorneys to see if they are eligible for compensation.
Many victims now have a second chance. The opportunity is there for victims to fight for justice, and to pursue compensation for the suffering and the cost of the treatment and therapy that can come along with the lifelong process of survival and recovery.
What Are the Consequences of Child Sexual Abuse?
Child sexual abuse can have debilitating consequences for the victim that may last a lifetime. Such victims often experience depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other psychological afflictions. These may take a toll on one’s personal and professional life.
Panic attacks, decreased work ethic, excessive irritability, and trust issues can all be symptoms of the mental disorders child sexual abuse can cause. All of these have a direct impact on the lives of the victims and can lead to decreased lifetime earnings, social alienation, and family problems.
How Can I Pursue Justice?
If you or a loved one suffered sexual abuse as a child on the premises of – or while under the care and responsibility of – a church, school, summer camp, youth recreation program, religious organization or other institution, don’t hesitate to reach out to a qualified and experienced attorney to talk about your options.
Depending on the laws in the state where the abuse occurred, among other factors, you may be able to pursue a legal claim for what may be significant compensation. But don’t wait. Your window of opportunity may be limited by statute of limitations laws.
