Sexual Abuse in Youth Organizations

In recent years, the harsh reality of sexual abuse within youth organizations has increasingly come to light. Organizations that were once considered safe havens for young people, such as the Boy Scouts, YMCA, and various church youth groups, have faced numerous allegations and legal actions related to sexual abuse. These revelations have shaken communities across Northern California and beyond and have occurred in every major city in the state.

The prevalence of this issue is more than just a series of isolated incidents; it reflects a systemic problem within institutions trusted to nurture and protect young minds. Such betrayal of trust is profound and long-lasting on survivors and their families, affecting their mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Addressing sexual abuse in youth organizations is not just about legal recourse; it's about acknowledging the courage of survivors who come forward and creating a supportive environment where their voices are heard and validated. It's also about transforming these organizations into truly safe spaces. Our sexual abuse law firm seeks justice for survivors while working to change the laws that hold youth groups and organizations accountable.

At Cerri, Boskovich & Allard, we stand alongside survivors of sexual abuse in youth organizations and their families. We acknowledge the immense courage it takes for survivors to come forward. That’s why we offer private legal guidance and support for all survivors and families. We want to hear your story and help you explore the legal options available in a safe and compassionate environment.

We believe that youth organizations and groups like the Boy Scouts, YMCA, and church youth groups should face legal responsibility when sexual abuse occurs. Our firm holds these organizations accountable for their negligence and failure to protect the young individuals entrusted to their care. We meticulously work to uncover the truth, challenging the systems that allowed such abuse to occur. By pursuing legal action, we aim to seek compensation for the immense harm done and drive systemic change within these organizations.

We understand that the journey towards healing and justice is deeply personal and often challenging. Our goal is to shoulder the legal burden, allowing you and your family to focus on the healing journey. Through our dedicated legal support, we strive to bring a sense of closure and empowerment to survivors and their families, reaffirming that you are not alone in this fight.

Our California sexual abuse lawyers have decades of experience holding negligent youth groups and organizations accountable. Some of our most notable cases include:

• YMCA
• Boy Scouts of America
• School of Rock
• Church on the Hill, Christian Church in San Jose, CA
• Go Kids
• Unity Care, Inc.
• New Life Church of Alamo in Danville, CA

For much of history, there was a culture of silence within youth organizations and church groups. Historically, institutions like the Boy Scouts (BSA) and the YMCA have been revered for offering young individuals a place to grow, learn, and give back to the community. However, these youth organizations have also covered up countless instances of sexual abuse over the years to maintain their positive image.

The emergence of abuse cases in these organizations is not a recent phenomenon but the result of years, sometimes decades, of systemic failure and cover-up. For instance, the Boy Scouts of America faced its long history of sexual abuse when internal documents, known as the "Perversion Files," were made public. These files, which listed thousands of suspected abusers within the organization since the 1940s, revealed a pattern of concealing abuse to protect the organization's reputation.

As of 2017, BSA had 2.3 million youth members and approximately 889,000 adult volunteers. There were around 2,000 reported cases of abuse within BSA before 1994.

In 2010, BSA was ordered to pay $18.5 million to a scout abused in the 1980s, marking the largest punitive damages award in a U.S. child abuse case at that time. In 2020, BSA filed for bankruptcy amidst around 200 lawsuits and 1,700 potential claimants; 92,700 sexual abuse claims were filed by the deadline set by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

Similarly, the YMCA and various church youth groups have faced allegations and lawsuits for incidents where trusted adults in positions of authority exploited their roles to commit acts of abuse.

The YMCA and YWCA, with vast networks across the United States, have also faced lawsuits alleging sexual abuse. One case involved a former North Carolina YMCA counselor who abused boys in the 1990s and early 2000s. Another lawsuit in Clark County Circuit Court involved a YMCA of Greater Louisville employee who molested 17 children.

The types of abuse encountered in these settings range from inappropriate touching and sexual assault to psychological manipulation and exploitation. The common thread in these abuses is the misuse of power and trust, which these organizations inherently possess. Abusers often leverage their authority and the trust placed in them by both the children and their families to groom and manipulate their victims. This makes the abuse even more deceptive and difficult to detect.

Youth groups and organizations also have a strong hierarchy that focuses on teaching children to respect authority. This culture inadvertently contributes to concealing and enabling sexual abuse because children are more hesitant to come forward. This secretive culture not only makes it difficult for survivors to come forward but also allows abusers to continue their misconduct undetected for extended periods.

Another reason why sexual abuse occurs in youth groups and organizations is the lack of oversight. Some organizations do not conduct thorough background checks or consistent monitoring of those in positions of authority. This oversight can allow individuals with a history of abusive behavior to gain access to vulnerable children.

In the past, when sexual abuse occurred, administrators and officials within the organization were more likely to cover it up to avoid bad publicity. They might fire the perpetrator but fail to report the abuse to the authorities. Some organization leaders even tried to gaslight victims into believing that the abuse didn’t happen - that they were “blowing it out of proportion.”

Parents and youth leaders need to recognize the signs of sexual abuse. If you see these signs, do not dismiss them. Instead, investigate further and report your suspicions to the organization.

• Changes in Behavior: Sudden alterations in a child's behavior can be a significant indicator. This might include increased anxiety, depression, aggression, or withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed. A noticeable shift in performance at school or reluctance to attend certain events or activities associated with the youth organization should also raise concern.
• Physical Symptoms: Unexplained injuries or physical complaints, such as pain or discomfort in the genital area, can be warning signs. Additionally, signs of trauma such as bedwetting, nightmares, or difficulty sleeping should not be overlooked.
• Inappropriate Sexual Knowledge or Behavior: If a child displays knowledge of sexual acts inappropriate for their age or engages in sexually explicit behavior, it may be a sign of exposure to sexual abuse.
• Secrecy and Isolation: Pay attention if a child becomes secretive, especially regarding interactions with a particular adult or peer in the organization. Similarly, if an adult in the organization seeks to spend time alone with a child outside of regular activities or insists on secrecy with the child, it is a red flag.
• Changes in Relationships: Watch for shifts in a child’s relationships with peers and adults, such as sudden avoidance of a specific person or adult in the organization or, conversely, an unusual closeness or favoritism shown by an adult towards a particular child.
• Communication from the Child: A child might make indirect comments or hints about being uncomfortable with someone or something happening to them. It's important to take any such communication seriously and explore it further in a safe and supportive manner.

In California, the laws concerning sexual abuse in youth organizations have evolved to provide survivors with greater protection and avenues for justice. Understanding these laws, along with the rights and options available to survivors, is crucial for individuals and families affected by sexual abuse.

California has made significant changes to its statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases. As of January 1, 2020, under Assembly Bill 218, survivors of childhood sexual abuse can file a civil lawsuit against perpetrators and negligent organizations until they reach the age of 40 or within five years of discovering the abuse-related psychological injury, whichever is later.

California law requires certain professionals, including educators and youth organization leaders, to report suspected child abuse to law enforcement or child protective services. Failure to report can result in criminal penalties.

Youth organizations are held to stringent standards to protect children under their care. This includes conducting background checks on employees and volunteers, providing proper training on identifying and reporting abuse, and implementing safety protocols.

Sexual abuse laws in California are constantly changing to protect survivors and give them more opportunities to come forward to seek justice. Even if you believe you’ve missed the deadline, please call our law firm. You may have more time than you think, and we can help you explore all your legal options.

Survivors of sexual abuse can file civil lawsuits seeking damages from both the abuser and, in many cases, the youth organization that failed to protect them. This can include compensation for medical expenses, therapy, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

In cases where the abuser can be identified and prosecuted, criminal charges can lead to imprisonment and fines. While the state pursues criminal cases, survivors can cooperate as witnesses.

Please know that even if your abuser is found “not guilty” or criminal charges are never filed, you can still file a civil lawsuit seeking compensation for the suffering you endured.

The journey towards seeking justice begins with reporting the abuse to appropriate authorities, such as law enforcement agencies or child protective services. This act is a critical step, initiating the possibility of a criminal investigation.

Following this, please call our law firm immediately. Our team is dedicated to standing with survivors, offering guidance and support throughout the civil legal process. This includes everything from initiating a lawsuit and navigating the complexities of legal proceedings to engaging in settlement discussions. Our commitment is to provide empathetic, expert legal assistance every step of the way, ensuring that you are not alone in this journey towards healing and justice.

If you or someone you love suffered sexual abuse in a youth group or organization, we can help. Our sexual abuse law firm has considerable experience representing survivors of sexual abuse and holding negligent organizations accountable. From the Boy Scouts to church youth groups throughout California, we know how to protect survivors who’ve suffered abuse in youth organizations.

At Cerri, Boskovich & Allard, we are deeply committed to supporting survivors on their journey toward healing and justice.

We encourage you to reach out to us. Our compassionate team is here to listen to your story in a safe and confidential environment. We will guide you through the legal options available, helping you understand your rights and the steps you can take to seek accountability and compensation for the harm you've endured.

Remember, taking this step towards legal action can be more than just a personal journey; it can also help protect others by bringing to light unacceptable behaviors and preventing future abuse. Your courage in seeking justice can be a powerful force for change.

Contact us today for a confidential consultation. Let us stand with you in this fight for justice and healing.