When an adult sexually abuses a victim, it can bring life long consequences. Also, parents will blame themselves for not stopping it. However, the parents should be blaming the organizations they trusted to create a safe environment for their children.
Camping and other youth programs need to adopt the right policies and procedures to protect vulnerable persons in their care. This includes proper screening, selection and training of volunteers. Plus, strict guidelines of behavior between individuals and those monitoring child contact need to be instilled. When a volunteer witnesses inappropriate behavior, the response has to be immediate and strong to ensure it does not happen again.
Camps
Day and sleep away camps are a fun environment for children to enjoy summer and other breaks from school. The camp should properly train and supervisor all counselors, staff, employees and volunteers interacting with children. It is the camp’s responsibility to train and properly supervise all of its camp counselors, camp staff, camp employees, and volunteers.
Without proper camp supervision, other peers can abuse each other. This should have been avoided if the camp properly supervised its staff and campers.
Get Legal Help
Survivors of sexual abuse can file civil suits against perpetrators and other responsible parties, regardless of the outcome or existence of a criminal prosecution. Civil lawsuits can help a survivor seek monetary damages. This compensation can never change the abuse suffered but can help rebuild a life.
When camps or youth programs do not fulfill their duties to supervise and care for the children in their care and a child is abused, the camp is liable for the resulting harm. We will hold these institutions liable.
Plus, a civil suit can deter future abuse. This is why it is important if you or a loved one was the victim of sexual abuse to contact The Michael Brady Lynch Firm. We will provide a free consultation and instruct of any avenues available to you for civil litigation.