Sexual abuse involving minor or young adult victims in Pennsylvania’s K-12 schools and universities is a serious issue that can have devastating consequences. The cases involve serious policy and legal problems and historical cases, such as the Penn State child sex abuse scandal, which prompted state and federal legislation and closer scrutiny of rules, such as mandated reports to create safer, healthier learning environments throughout the state.
If you or someone you love is a survivor, you have legal rights and may pursue compensation with the help of our sexual abuse and assault attorney. Contact our skilled lawyer for help after sexual abuse in Allentown schools and universities.
Cases of sexual abuse in the state’s primary and secondary schools in Allentown include teacher assaults on students and staff misconduct. Less commonly, student-on-student assaults have happened and were the result of negligence. Survivors have increasingly spoken out in recent years, filing lawsuits against school systems or districts for failing to properly supervise, screen, or report cases as required by law.
According to the guidance and information provided at the Official Website of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, educators must report all suspected abuse immediately, using a public database that tracks disciplined teachers. Legislation further mandates that all school system employees report any suspicion or reasonable cause. Failing to adhere to the statutes is a misdemeanor offense and will also lead to other penalties, such as through the district, up to and including termination of employment.
Sadly, sexual assault is a significant and relatively common problem at colleges and universities, and it is often avoidable when the proper protocols and security measures are in place. Some examples of the typical places attacks occur include the following:
Protecting loved ones from harm, particularly sexual abuse in Allentown universities and schools, is a top priority for parents who place their trust in the hands of educators and higher learning centers. When they fail to act responsibly, state legislation provides processes for taking legal action and holding them accountable.
Survivors or families of minors can file a civil lawsuit, which is separate from any criminal cases, against the abuser, schools, and universities. They can seek monetary damages for harm, such as emotional distress, therapy, lost wages, and more, if evidence of negligence or deliberate indifference exists. That involves building a solid claim that proves the institution failed to properly supervise students, hire appropriate educators, perform adequate background checks, or report suspicions.
There may also be cause to file a premises liability lawsuit for institutional negligence if the lack of security plays a direct role in student-on-student sexual violence. Another option is Title IX violations against universities and federally funded schools. Our skilled Allentown lawyers could answer questions about sex abuse in universities and schools and help students or guardians throughout the process, fighting for a just outcome.
If you, yourself, are a survivor or you are a parent of a minor victim, you must hold an abuser accountable if institutional negligence caused you harm. Further, not only should the perpetrator face criminal charges, but they can also hold them civilly liable for their actions.
Contact our office to schedule a consultation with a hard-working and understanding lawyer for more information about sexual abuse in Allentown schools and universities. Call soon to get started working on your case right away.