Kids go to summer camp to make beautiful memories that last a lifetime. For many boys and girls, it is a time to learn new skills and make friends. Unfortunately, some kids go through abuse at the hands of their caretakers while attending these programs. One such example is The Boy Scout Association, once a place for young boys to thrive, is now in a legal battle over years of hidden sexual abuse.
Experts report that 1 in 10 children will be sexually abused by the time they reach 18. Sexual abuse is a traumatic experience at any age. Victims often struggle to reveal their trauma and seek justice. This struggle is profound on children; as often they can hardly get the courage to speak out after being violated by an adult or an older child.
All survivors of sexual abuse deserve justice. They deserve to be compensated for the traumatic experience, regardless of how long it takes them to come forward. At Holman Schiavone, we understand the devastating impact of sexual abuse. We are committed to seeking justice for victims of sexual abuse from while at a camp or other summer programs.
Why Is Sexual Abuse Prevalent In Camps?
Camps are an ideal place for abusers to hide and prey on children. A report uncovered more than 500 victims of sexual abuse in children’s camps over the past 55 years. Because many cases are never reported, the actual number of victims could be much higher. What makes children vulnerable to abuse at camps?
Below are some reasons why sexual abuse is prevalent at camps:
- Lack of national regulations governing camps;
- Lack of counselor vetting and training;
- Isolation of children from parents for significant periods of time;
- Lack of close monitoring of older campers’ interactions with their younger peers.
Most camps have young, poorly vetted counselors. Sometimes the counselors’ foreign nationality makes it hard to perform background checks. The counselors spend a considerable amount of time with campers and can develop a close relationship with them. Grooming is more likely to take place when an abuser has a close relationship with a child.
Minor children are also vulnerable to abuse from older children. When the campers’ interactions are not closely monitored, abuse is more likely to occur. What might start as bullying or an inappropriate interest in the victim may end up in sexually inappropriate or abusive behavior. This may go on for a long time, as the younger child is intimidated into silence and isolated from their family.
The US does not have standard regulations governing camps. There is no proper licensing procedure, noris there a way to verify if the camps are accredited. Because most counselors are not locals, background checks are often insufficient. Additionally, oversight is often minimal. These loopholes allow abusers to hold a position of power and authority and allow them direct access to vulnerable children.
When camps fail to protect children from abusers, they can be held liable. Although there are several steps parents can take to protect their children, the onus and responsibility is on camp management to create a safe and secure environment.
Can an Adult Raise a Sexual Abuse Claim?
Survivors of sexual abuse deserve justice no matter how long it takes for them to come forward. An adult who was experienced sexual abuse in camp may be able to sue the abuser and sometimes the camp operators. The statute of limitations determines whether you can bring a lawsuit against the perpetrators and enablers of the abuse.
Every state has a statute of limitations. The statute sets a deadline by which you must file a lawsuit. The statute of limitation in the State of Missouri for civil lawsuits is 10 years from the victim’s 18th birthday. Criminal lawsuits for serious sexual offenses involving a minor have no SOL. It is important to note that every sexual abuse case is unique and requires interpretation from an attorney.
If you are not sure whether you can raise a sexual abuse claim due to the statute of limitations, it is best to consult a sexual abuse attorney. At Holman Schiavone, we help survivors determine whether the statute of limitations on their case has expired. We also help them identify exceptions and navigate the process of bringing a claim.
Can a Child Raise a Sexual Molestation Claim?
If your child was sexually abused while attending a camp, you can bring a lawsuit on their behalf. Because a person under 18 years of age cannot raise a claim on their own, it is your responsibility as his or her parent to explore their legal options. Such a lawsuit may cover multiple claims for injuries, damages, and losses. Your child can sue for:
- Physical injury
- Emotional suffering
- Medical expenses for therapy due to trauma
A civil case for sexual abuse can also raise the issue of future losses. An experienced lawyer understands the far-reaching effects of sexual abuse on a minor. He/she can anticipate future expenses related to the mental and emotional well-being of the victim. Therefore, he/she can sue for comprehensive monetary compensation on your child’s behalf.
Your child’s identity is a sensitive matter in a sexual abuse lawsuit. You do not want such a sensitive matter being in the public domain. To protect your child’s privacy, any claim is typically brought under a pseudonym. Filing a lawsuit and submitting court documents should be done with the child’s privacy in mind.
What Legal Options Do Survivors of Sexual Abuse at Camp Have?
It takes years for survivors of sexual abuse to accept what happened and tell someone about it. The process of coming to terms with and coming forward with allegations of sexual abuse is sometimes so long that the statute of limitations expires. When this happens, survivors have a hard time seeking justice.
In light of recent developments, the legal system is doing more to hold abusers and the entities that employ them accountable. The revelation of years of sexual abuse in the Boys Scouts Association and recent abuse cases at Penn State University and other institutions have highlighted the plight of adult survivors. It is clear that SOL can be a barrier to justice, and the enactment of the Child Victims Act seeks to change this.
The Child Victims Act seeks to extend the SOL to allow adult survivors to seek justice. Victims in states where the bill passes stand to benefit from the changing legal landscape. Our sexual abuse attorneys at Holman Schiavone have experience with helping adult survivors explore their available legal options.
How Does Holman Schiavone Help Victims of Sexual Abuse at Camp?
Victims of sexual abuse may want to confront their abusers and the entity that enabled the abuse to get closure, justice, and prevent them from abusing others. Regardless of the reason why a victim wants to confront their abuser and/or the entity that enabled the abuse, Holman Schiavone is always ready to help.
When we sit down with a survivor, we have the following to say:
- We believe you.
- It is not your fault.
- We will do all we can to help you get justice.
Our legal team gives legal advice based on the unique situation of each client. There are two legal options for victims of sexual abuse by a camp counselor or an older camper.
Civil Lawsuit
When physical evidence is not available, a civil lawsuit is the best option.
Help Survivors Seek Compensation
Monetary compensation is the most common form of relief for victims. Although money will not take back the trauma caused by sexual abuse, it helps victims seek support to overcome the past. The money may cover expenses for counseling, compensate for distress caused by the abuse, damage to relationships, and may also include an award for punitive damages. A skilled attorney will help a victim identify possible avenues for financial recovery and seek necessary compensation.
Help Survivors Seek an Injunction
Other than monetary compensation, survivors can seek an injunction. The court may award injunctive relief which is usually an order directed towards the abuser. Injunctive relief helps prevent future abuse and contact by dictating the limits of interaction between the victim and abuser.
Criminal Prosecution
Where there is evidence of sexual abuse, the prosecutor may bring up criminal charges. The testimony of survivors is extremely important for the success of criminal proceedings. Our team at Holman Schiavone can help you prepare yourself for such a proceeding. We can assist with seeking justice in criminal and civil matters by coordinating our efforts with those of the prosecution.
Final Thoughts
Sexual abuse while attending camp is a traumatic event that can have lasting effects on the quality of a victim’s life. Because of the length of time, it can take victims to come forward and confront their abusers, some do not get justice. They are therefore forced to live with the devastating effects of abuse without getting closure. At Holman Schiavone, we are committed to helping survivors of sexual abuse. We provide comprehensive information, give them all viable legal options, and offer representation to ensure they get justice. Are you a victim of sexual abuse while attending camp? Has your child been sexually abused at camp? Talk to us today to learn what legal options are available.
