Maintaining a balance between the need to protect children and the acknowledged need to promote independence and development is frequently cited by parents as one of the most difficult aspects of parenting. Many parents go to great lengths to give their kids the knowledge and abilities needed to stay out of dangerous circumstances. In spite of this, parents may still find themselves dealing with the effects of sexual abuse because children are naturally more susceptible to predators.
Undoubtedly one of the most severe transgressions against a kid or young adult is child sexual abuse. When these incidents take place at the hands of those who are expected to educate, guard, and direct children, it is especially upsetting. Schools and summer camps have a special duty to protect children, but many of these establishments don’t take it seriously enough. As we’ve covered in previous articles, parents who discover their kids have been sexually abused at school or camp have recourse against the perpetrators as well as anyone else who contributed to the risky environment that enabled a predator to prey on a helpless young victim. An attorney for child sexual abuse can work with parents to establish responsibility and the appropriate restitution following sexual assaults at camps and schools.
For a free consultation, give us a call at 866-778-5500 or complete our online form to learn how we can help.
There are a number of warning signs that could mean your kid was sexually abused at camp or school. Depending on the child’s age, upbringing, and stage of growth, different signs may be present. Sexual fixation, nightmares, mood swings, and an unexplained avoidance of particular people, activities, or circumstances are all indications of sexual abuse that are prevalent across all age groups. Even though these symptoms don’t always point to sexual abuse, they need to be taken seriously.
Younger children might imitate sexual acts with toys, experience abrupt nightmares or bedwetting, refuse to remove their clothing, or have STIs as symptoms of abuse. Children who are older may experience sudden shifts in their eating habits, anxiety or melancholy, self-harming behaviors, or an unexpected increase in money.
A wide range of emotions can arise when you learn about or think that your child has been abused. Different manifestations of coping with the shock of sexual assault may occur. However, parents should make an effort to maintain their composure and give their kids a secure environment in which to report their mistreatment. Parents should make it clear that they don’t blame their child, that they trust them, and will do everything in their power to keep their child safe and stop any further abuse.
Parents who have suspicions of unconfirmed abuse ought to talk to their kids in a way that encourages an honest, deep, and developmentally appropriate discussion. One aspect of the solution is getting ready to bring up the topic, but parents should also think about their reaction and course of action. If a parent chooses to file a civil sexual abuse claim against a school or summer camp, these talks may be crucial pieces of evidence.
You are not alone.
When a child is embarrassed, or the abuser has threatened them, reporting sexual abuse can feel overwhelming and elicit complex emotions. Nevertheless, it is important to handle any instances of known or suspected child abuse. Following the discovery that their kid had been abused by a teacher, camp counselor, or other adult, there are a few actions parents can take.
These things should be done as quickly as possible, even though there is no set order in which they should happen. Here are a few crucial actions:
To establish whether the child sustained any injuries that could be life-threatening, a pediatrician or Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) can examine the child. The evaluation’s findings can also be used to support the child’s claims in the event of further litigation. But parents need to be aware that there are many different types of abuse and that many offenders go to great lengths to hide any signs of their crimes. If there is no evidence of the abuse medically, it doesn’t mean that the child didn’t suffer the abuse.
Even if the claims are untrue, caregivers should be aware that they will not be held accountable for reports of abuse made in good faith. The kid and other children must be shielded from the abuser by reporting any suspicions of child abuse to the local police.
A personal injury lawyer can also assist parents in understanding their legal options for taking legal action against the people or entities responsible for harming their children. Despite the lack of a specific “child sexual abuse” lawsuit, these events frequently give rise to other personal injury claims. The kid and parents can also receive therapy and coping mechanisms from a counselor, therapist, or psychologist to help them recover from the abuse. Together, these parties can guarantee that the offender is held accountable for their heinous actions.
In the event of juvenile sexual abuse, the victim or their legal guardian may file a civil lawsuit. Most of the time, the child can file a lawsuit against the party at fault with the support of a guardian or parent. The child has the right to compensation for any harm that the abuser’s actions brought to their physical, emotional, and psychological health. The abuser’s actions may give rise to mental distress or other damages, which the child’s parent or guardian may seek compensation for.
Depending on the specifics of the abuse, a lawsuit alleging child sexual abuse may come under one of several legal theories. Nevertheless, civil claims for assault, battery, and negligent or deliberate infliction of emotional anguish are common in abuse cases involving camps and schools. Other parties might also be to blame for fostering an unsafe atmosphere or hiding the abuse.
If your child suffered sexual abuse while attending camp or school, contact our attorneys at 866-778-5500 or complete our online form for a free consultation to learn how we can help.
