Boy Scouts of America
Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
The Boy Scouts of America has long been considered one of the most respected safe havens and guiding lights for young men. Offering programs that boost life skills and improve confidence in boys, the time spent with scout leaders is intended to increase independence, decision-making ability, and self-esteem.
Unfortunately, for the numerous men now accusing the organization of sex abuse, instead of a lifetime of positive memories, they are left with ongoing trauma. Studies have shown that childhood sexual abuse leads to increased levels of:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Eating Disorders
- Dissociative Patterns
- Guilt & Shame
- Repression
Such abuse is also linked to erratic changes in behavior, including:
- Onset of Self-Harm/Cutting
- Reversion to Child-Like Behavior
- Excessive Worrying
- Nightmares
If you or a loved one has been sexually abused by a scout leader, scoutmaster, or volunteer, contact an experienced attorney at Freeburn Law for help by submitting a free consultation form online or by calling 717-777-7777.
A HISTORY OF ABUSE ALLEGATIONS
Reports of abuse have long plagued the organization which, according to its court testimonial in April 2019, believed that more than 7,800 of its former scout leaders were involved in the sexual abuse of more than 12,000 children over more than seven decades. Abuse reported at the hands of scoutmasters and other leaders in the Boy Scouts of America has included:
- Sexual Assault
- Sexual Threats or Harassment
- Molestation
- Indecent Exposure
- Lewd/Lascivious Acts
- Non-consensual touching with or without clothing
- Statutory Rape
More recently, hundreds of men have accused the organization of sex abuse, with that number only continuing to grow. In an effort to fairly compensate victims of child sexual abuse through a Victim’s Compensation Trust, on February 18, 2020, the Boy Scouts of America filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This comes after numerous states, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey, have extended or eliminated their statutes of limitations for crimes involving child sex-abuse.
It is important for survivors of this abuse to act swiftly in taking legal action, as time is limited. In Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the court sets a deadline for all survivors to formally file a claim.
Freeburn Law Can Help
If you or a loved one has been the victim of sexual abuse while in the Boy Scouts of America, your voice should not be silenced. You may be eligible to receive economic damages such as loss of income and medical bills.
The experienced and compassionate sexual abuse lawyers at Freeburn Law are here to help you receive the justice you deserve from both the individual predator who caused you harm as well as from the organization that failed to uphold its duty protect you.
With these cases, it is your right to remain anonymous should you so choose. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, call us at 717-777-7777.
The information contained in this page is general in nature and is not intended to be, nor may it be relied upon as legal advice. Freeburn Law does not handle the type of matter discussed on this page, but will refer it to lawyers and/or law firms who do handle these types of matters.