Top Class Actions  |  March 28, 2023

Category: Lawsuits to Join

Sexual abuse and assault: Who’s affected?

Hand held up in defense and hiding, sexual abuse concept.
(Photo Credit: Doidam 10/Shutterstock)

Were you or a loved one sexually assaulted or abused in an athletic, school, religious, medical, employment, camp or organizational setting? 

If so, you may be eligible to file a sexual assault or abuse lawsuit. Fill out the form on this page for a free claim review if you qualify.

If you are a resident of Kansas, lawmakers recently agreed to increase the time for filing a civil lawsuit, to 13 years from three years. Kansan survivors of sexual abuse now have until age 31 to bring sexual abuse claims.

Sexual assault or abuse may have occurred in a number of settings. Please click on the appropriate setting to read specifics about that organization:

Sexual abuse vs. sexual assault?

In recent years, news of sexual abuse and assault has brought attention to many industries and organizations. But how does abuse differ from assault?

Sexual abuse often refers specifically to when a person with authority or someone in power within a community, organization or relationship takes advantage of another person’s trust and respect to coerce them to engage in sexual activity. The sexual abuse definition includes forced sexual contact, which may involve force or the threat of force. Sexual abuse is not limited to sexual penetration; it may also involve sexual touching or sexual acts such as exposure or voyeurism — even those that do not involve contact.

Such abuse typically involves a minor victim, but adults also can be victims of sexual abuse. It can be a one-time occurrence or something that happens over months or years.

The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, defines sexual assault as “sexual contact or behavior that occurs without explicit consent of the victim.” This form of sexual violence includes any form of rape, unwanted fondling or touching, sexual harassment and other types of sexual abuse.

Eight in 10 incidents of rape are committed by someone the victim knows, per RAINN.

Sexual assault statistics show perpetrators often target victims in work, athletic, medical and academic settings where they have some authority over their victims.

“Sexual violence” is an umbrella term that can refer to various nonconsensual sexual situations, according to RAINN, including sexual assault, child sexual abuse, military sexual trauma and more.

The exact legal definitions of various sexual crimes vary from state to state.

Do you qualify?

If you or a loved one was sexually assaulted or abused in an athletic, school, religious, medical, employment, camp or organizational setting, you may be eligible to file a sexual assault or abuse lawsuit.

Fill out the form on this page for more information.

Effects of abuse

Adults need to watch for signs of sexual abuse in the children in their lives. These signs can vary depending on the child’s age and other factors.

Children who have suffered sexual abuse may face many potential problems that can last far longer than the abuse itself. According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, long-term effects of sexual abuse in children can include:

  • Withdrawal
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • More

Sexual abuse that occurs in religious organizations, specifically, can devastate child victims, especially when religion is a central part of family life. Because many church teachings involve lessons on morality, many victims of church sex abuse feel particularly confused or ashamed about the abuse.

Childhood sexual abuse also has been linked to eating disorders, dissociative patterns, sexual and relationship problems, denial and other long-term issues, according to the American Counseling Association’s Vistas Online. Although neither compensation nor a legal verdict will undo the effects of sexual violence, filing a sexual violence lawsuit may help those who have been abused or assaulted take back agency by eliciting action from those who have been negligent.

Signs of sexual abuse in children

Because of their age and dependence on adults for care and supervision, children can be vulnerable to sexual abuse. Their risk grows if they have an unstable household or inattentive parents.

Signs of sexual abuse in children are not always easy to spot, especially when perpetrators take steps to conceal the abuse. Paying attention to these signs is essential because children often do not report the sexual abuse they experience.

Physical warning signs may include signs of trauma, such as unexplained bleeding or bruising in the child’s genital area, according to RAINN. Sexually transmitted infections also indicate a child may have been abused sexually.

A child’s behaviors may indicate the child has been sexually abused.

If a child doesn’t want to remove clothing to bathe or change, it could be a sign of abuse. A child who has been sexually abused may also suddenly not want to be alone with certain people or be separated from their primary caregivers. Sexual behavior or knowledge of sexual topics that are not age-appropriate can also be a sign of sexual abuse. Emotional signs of child sexual abuse can include excessive worry and fearfulness, decreased confidence, a change in eating habits or mood, self-harm and nightmares, among other things.

What sexual assault lawsuit compensation could you receive?

If you faced sexual assault or abuse, you may be eligible to receive compensation for the physical and emotional damages caused by the abuse. The amount of compensation depends on the nature of your case.

Many perpetrators of sexual assault are not held criminally accountable by the systems in place. However, a civil lawsuit against the perpetrators and those who allowed their criminal behavior can lead to future changes and help compensate those harmed. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation. Please fill out the form on this page to see if you qualify for a free case evaluation.

Sexual abuse in churches

Many people rely on religious organizations as a meaningful opportunity to share their faith with like-minded churchgoers. They develop a sense of community and fellowship with the staff and other church members. They often give back to their communities through volunteer work and other activities.

However, numerous religious organizations have been accused of enabling abuses, including:

  • Southern Baptist Convention
  • United Methodist
  • Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon church)
  • Jehovah’s Witnesses
  • Church of Scientology
  • Presbyterian

In 2019, the Truth Project — part of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse — published a report called “Child Sexual abuse in the Context of Religious Institutions,” which took accounts from nearly 1,700 abuse victims between June 2016 and November 2018. Of these abuse victims, 183 said they were victims of sexual abuse perpetrated by someone involved in religious organizations, such as church staff or other church members.

Although every victim has unique circumstances, the Truth Project found victims of religious sexual abuse had some similarities. Many of the abused failed to disclose their abuse while it was happening because they felt ashamed or embarrassed. They also were often aware that others were being victimized.

Many religious organizations have been accused of having a culture that covers up church sexual abuse rather than holding perpetrators accountable and supporting the alleged victims. Many churches’ organizational structure has allowed for the concealment of abuse allegations to protect the powerful and prevent damage to their reputations. For example, the Mormon church’s abuse reporting hotline system, created decades ago, has reportedly been used to silence, rather than expose, abuse.

Catholic Church sex abuse accusations

The sexual abuse of children and other vulnerable individuals by Catholic clergy came to light in the mid-1980s.

In 2002, a widespread cover-up of sex abuse by a Boston area priest by church officials was discovered through reporting by The Boston Globe, later inspiring the 2015 Academy Award-winning film “Spotlight.”

In the wake of these numerous scandals, the Catholic Church established policies and procedures to follow when someone reports a sexual assault: The accused priest is to be immediately removed from ministry while church officials investigate the allegations. While the Catholic Church has received the lion’s share of attention regarding sexual abuse in religious organizations over the last two decades, many other institutions are now sharing the notorious spotlight of systemic abuse allegations.

Southern Baptist sexual abuse allegations

In 2019, the Southern Baptist Convention, the largest Protestant denomination in the United States, was the subject of news reports over allegations that hundreds of its church leaders and members had been accused of sexual abuse over the last two decades.

A woman — “Jane Roe” — who filed a lawsuit against the Southern Baptist Convention alleged  she was stalked at gunpoint and then raped by a student at the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2014 and 2015. But it was not only the rape that sparked her litigation — it was the seminary’s response.

When Roe reported the incidents to the then-President of the Southern Baptist Convention and the seminary, Paige Patterson, he and the seminary allowed her alleged rapist to remain a student there, putting her in further danger. Patterson also allegedly asked Roe inappropriate questions and threatened her family. According to the lawsuit, Patterson “seemed to enjoy making Roe even more uncomfortable with his questions” and later allegedly told her the rape was a “good thing” and “the right man would not care if she was a virgin or not.”

Patterson was fired from his position in 2018 for failing to handle rape allegations correctly, The Washington Post reported. Per the Post, in 2015, Patterson tried to meet alone with another woman who had reported a sexual assault to “break her down.” Further, some of those accused of sexual abuse in the church reportedly returned to church duties.

United Methodist sexual misconduct allegations

The United Methodist Church has not escaped allegations of religious organization abuse. Methodist ministers and other church staff have been accused of abusing their positions of trust to make inappropriate sexual contact with church members.

In 2015, the Methodist Church in Britain issued a formal apology for nearly 2,000 cases of abuse spanning the last six decades.

In 2019, a Methodist pastor faced allegations of sexual misconduct and harassment, according to The New York Times. The sexual misconduct allegations brought scrutiny into the Methodist church’s handling of abuse cases.

Jehovah’s Witnesses alleged abuse

Jehovah’s Witness communities have faced concerns of sexual abuse in the Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Halls, as well, according to NBC News.

Victims claim they were discouraged from telling others about their abuse by elders who allegedly warned them they would bring “reproach on Jehovah’s name” and would be exiled from the congregation, JW Facts reported.

JW Facts revealed the Watchtower, the entity overseeing Jehovah’s Witnesses’ actions, helped cover up reports of sexual abuse, instructing victims and their parents to remain silent and only temporarily banning the alleged perpetrators from leading prayer sessions. The total number of Jehovah’s Witness sexual abuse lawsuits is unknown.

Church of Scientology abuse allegations

The Church of Scientology has also faced allegations of covering up sexual abuse in the church.

Actress Leah Remini, a former member of the Church of Scientology, has been exposing many of the abuses allegedly perpetrated by the church.

In her television show, “Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath,” Remini spoke with two former Scientologists who say they were victims of sexual abuse. When one woman spoke out about her abuse, she was allegedly criticized for speaking ill of other Scientologists. The second woman revealed the church knew her father had molested her because it was documented in her father’s confidential folder. As an adult, she decided to leave Scientology — and the church reportedly coerced her into signing an affidavit stating she would not sue over the alleged abuse.

Mormon sexual abuse allegations

Over the years, numerous members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) have come forward to make claims of sexual abuse against the Mormon church. Adults and children alike, regardless of gender, have been victims at the hands of Mormon church elders and leaders, and the abuse is still a widespread concern.

A significant number of Mormon leaders purposefully went out of their way to cover up instances of sexual abuse.

In December 2017, six Mormon families filed a lawsuit against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, claiming the church covered up a case of child sexual abuse in Virginia, according to KUTV.

In at least 43 lawsuits between 2000 and 2016, the LDS church was accused of failing to prevent or report the alleged sexual abuse of 90 children, per a review by Law360, and was more concerned with its financial standing than protecting church sex abuse victims. Of these cases, 22 ended in settlements, seven were dismissed and two went to trial, leading to awards for the plaintiffs. At the time of the Law360 report, five cases were still pending and seven did not have information available.

Sexual abuse in schools

Those sexually abused or assaulted in a school or other academic setting have rights.

Reports of sexual violence in public schools increased sharply between 2015 and 2018, according to Education Department findings, The Washington Post reported. The number of reports rose from about 9,600 in the 2015-2016 school year to nearly 15,000 in the 2017-2018 school year — an increase of more than 50%. This increase can be partially attributed to an amplified awareness around sexual assault, with school-age survivors being encouraged to speak up with the rise of the #MeToo movement.

Such abuse may take place in the following settings:

  • Public school
  • Private school
  • College campuses
  • Preschool
  • Daycare
  • Other academic/school settings

Sexual abuse may occur in any school, regardless of whether it is a private or public institution.

In public schools, teachers, staff, other students, on-site medical staff, coaches and others could perpetrate the sexual abuse; sexual abuse in private schools includes these potential perpetrators and other people associated with a particular outside institution, such as religious leaders.

Sometimes, the perpetrator of sexual abuse is not a teacher but another student. Around 17,000 instances of sexual assault by students were recorded over four years, according to The Associated Press’ analysis of federal data on sexual crimes, Boston.com reported.

However, this figure may not fully capture the problem since sexual assaults are underreported due to fear, shame, or coercion. More than 2 out of 3 sexual assaults go unreported, according to RAINN.

Regardless of the environment, sexual abuse in elementary, middle and high school settings can cause significant harm. Minors often feel the consequences of their abuse for years to come.

“Not only do the survivors’ emotional and psychological scars endure long after the attack, their social lives, education and career dreams are shattered,” Esther Warkov, founder of Stop Sexual Assault in Schools (SSAIS), told NEA Today. “For some, the trauma is insurmountable; gender-based harassment and sexual assault have driven an increasing number of adolescent students to suicide.”

Those who have been sexually abused or assaulted in school settings may be able to bring their perpetrators to justice by filing a civil lawsuit against the abuser, authorities or other entities that may have been complicit.

Youth sports sex abuse claims

Between 2% and 8% of youth sports participants are victims of sexual abuse, according to sexual abuse statistics cited by DefendYoungMinds.com. Approximately 98% of sexual abusers in youth sports are coaches, teachers, and instructors. Children in youth sports and other organizations may be at risk of sexual abuse regardless of gender. Allegations of sexual abuse have emerged in several sports, including gymnastics, swimming and cheerleading.

Former USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University (MSU) physician Larry Nassar was sentenced to prison after assaulting more than 250 young women. MSU has reached a $500 million settlement to cover those abused by Nassar, which also covers women assaulted by Nassar who have not yet come forward.

Former University of Southern California (USC) gynecologist Dr. George Tyndall was accused by more than 50 people of using his position to sexually assault his patients. Tyndall may have abused many more, as he examined more than 20,000 patients at USC.

Plaintiffs hit USA Taekwondo with a lawsuit alleging a coach sexually assaulted several athletes as minors. The USA Taekwondo lawsuit says the organization failed to protect the youth.

USA Swimming, which oversees amateur swimming in the United States, has been investigated over allegations it concealed sex abuse claims to protect the agency’s reputation and finances, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Sexual abuse in youth organizations

A growing number of cases of sexual abuse in youth organizations are coming to light as childhood sexual assault survivors, now adults, have come forward to talk about their experiences and name the alleged perpetrators.

Youth organizations that have faced sexual abuse scandals include:

  • Boys & Girls Club
  • Catholic Youth Organizations
  • Boy Scouts of America
  • YMCA/YWCA

Abuse victims can now file a civil lawsuit for decades after their abuse, until they turn 55. Victims older than 55 were initially given a one-year grace period, known as a lookback window, to file their claims. The window has been extended twice to allow survivors more time to come forward.

Boys and Girls Club abuse allegations

The Boys & Girls Clubs of America is under fire over allegations of sexual abuse dating back years or even decades.

In 2019, Hearst Connecticut Media published a report on its six-month investigation into the youth development nonprofit organization. The investigation found more than 250 reports of child sex abuse perpetrated by employees, volunteers and others associated with the BGCA — and some victims were as young as 6, according to CT Insider.

CYO abuse allegations

The former executive director of the Catholic Youth Organization in the Diocese of Brooklyn has been named in two sex abuse lawsuits alleging he sexually abused boys while coaching basketball at St. Joseph’s Church in Astoria, New York, in the 1990s.

The plaintiffs claim former executive director of the Brooklyn Catholic Youth Organization Robert Caldera sexually abused them on church premises in the 1990s.

They claim the CYO defendants knew or should have known Caldera had a propensity to abuse children sexually. The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory and punitive damages.

The Caldera case is one of the CYO sex abuse lawsuits filed under the New York Child Victims Act, passed in 2019. It extends the statute of limitations for child sex abuse victims to file claims.

Boy Scouts of America sexual abuse

Boy Scouts of America is facing legal action from hundreds of former Boy Scouts who allege they were sexually abused.

Almost 8,000 Boy Scout volunteers were accused of sexually abusing children over about 70 years, amounting to more than 12,000 victims, according to The New York Times.

These cases involve allegations of sexual abuse from nearly every state and involve dozens of alleged perpetrators.

More than 12,000 boys were subjected to Boy Scout sexual abuse between 1944 and 2016, according to a report in Time magazine, though these statistics may be a significant underestimation. There are reportedly at least 7,800 suspected perpetrators of Boy Scout sexual abuse.

YMCA/YWCA abuse allegations

The YMCA has also been accused of failing to protect youth from sexual abuse. A growing number of survivors and families are coming forward with allegations of child sexual abuse committed by those using the organization to gain access to children.

In one case, an 18-year-old high school student working as a teacher’s aide at a local YMCA was investigated for molestation. He was accused of inappropriately touching 17 children ages 3 to 8.

The high schooler continued to sexually abuse a child for nearly two months after the police began investigating the sex abuse claims, according to a YMCA sex abuse lawsuit. Further, the parents claim the YMCA failed to fire the abuser even after learning police were investigating him for molestation.

As a result of the probe, Michael Begin pleaded guilty in 2019 to 20 counts of felony child molestation related to his tenure at the YMCA in Jeffersonville, Indiana, and received a prison sentence of 120 years.

Join a sexual abuse and assault lawsuit investigation

If you are interested in starting a sexual assault lawsuit, you may be able to obtain financial compensation for the suffering you have endured. While filing a lawsuit cannot remove the pain caused by abuse, it can at least help hold those responsible, including the perpetrator and any organization that allowed the abuse, accountable for their actions and inactions.

If you were sexually assaulted or abused in an athletic, school, religious, medical, employment, camp or organizational setting, you may qualify to participate in a sexual abuse lawsuit investigation.

Fill out the form on this page for a FREE case evaluation.

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