It’s challenging enough to have your child put into a detention facility. When a detention facility fails to protect children from abuse, be it from staff, counselors, or other detained children, it must be held accountable for its inability to uphold such a basic obligation.
If your family has endured this nightmare, Law Experts can help. Take the questionnaire on this page to find out if your situation qualifies to file a lawsuit.
Across the country, a disturbing pattern of sexual abuse has emerged within juvenile detention facilities. Young people placed in these institutions for rehabilitation have instead faced victimization by those entrusted with their care and supervision.
The trauma from these experiences often follows survivors for decades, affecting every aspect of their lives. Many struggle with post-traumatic stress, depression, trust issues, and difficulties forming healthy relationships.
If you or someone you care about experienced sexual abuse while in a juvenile detention facility in Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Louisiana, Arizona, or Nevada, Law Experts’ juvenile hall sex abuse lawyers can help you pursue justice and compensation.
Juvenile hall sexual abuse encompasses any unwanted sexual contact imposed on minors while detained in juvenile justice facilities. This abuse takes many forms – from inappropriate touching to rape – and occurs where young people should be receiving care and rehabilitation.
The power imbalance creates an environment where exploitation thrives. Youth have restricted freedoms, limited outside communication, and often fear retaliation for reporting abuse. Many detained youth have experienced previous trauma, making them particularly vulnerable.
National research reveals approximately 10% of youth in juvenile facilities report experiencing sexual victimization while detained. Multiple facilities across Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Louisiana, Arizona, and Nevada have faced investigations over allegations of widespread abuse.
Federal legislation established standards for preventing sexual abuse in detention settings, but many facilities fail to properly implement these protections. The consequences can include severe psychological trauma, increased risk of self-harm, substance abuse, and lasting difficulties with trust and relationships.
Sexual abuse during detention creates profound trauma with lasting consequences. Research shows survivors face numerous challenges requiring extensive support.
Mental Health Crisis
Studies show 70% of survivors develop clinical depression, PTSD, or anxiety disorders requiring professional intervention.
Educational Derailment
Research indicates substantial impacts on learning, concentration, and academic achievement affecting lifelong earning potential.
Trust Destruction
Many survivors develop fundamental difficulties trusting institutions and authority figures, complicating access to needed services.
Self-Destructive Patterns
Higher rates of substance abuse, self-harm, and risk-taking behaviors often emerge as coping mechanisms for unresolved trauma.
Revictimization Risk
Research shows increased vulnerability to future exploitation, as trauma disrupts ability to recognize warning signs.
If you’re wondering whether your experience qualifies for legal action, consider these key factors:
Even if you’re unsure whether your experience meets these criteria, our confidential case evaluation can help clarify your options. We are currently only taking cases for abuse that occurred in Arizona, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
If you experienced sexual abuse in juvenile detention, you deserve support and accountability. These steps can help you move forward.
Don’t wait to take action. Take our questionnaire to find out if you qualify to file a lawsuit. If you qualify, our Juvenile Hall Abuse lawsuit attorneys will help you get the process started immediately.