Summer Camp Sexual Abuse & Assault Lawyer

An experienced and compassionate team of lawyers ready to help sexual abuse survivors receive the justice they deserve.

Children at a summer camp are in an unfamiliar situation with unfamiliar people, which may leave them open to sexual abuse if the camp does not have proper safety measures in place.

In 2021, Inside Edition stated that over 1,000 cases of sexual assault have been reported at summer camps in the past 10 to 15 years in the United States.

Sexual abuse encompasses various forms of non-consensual or unwanted sexual behavior, including:

• Voyeurism
• Sexual assault
• Sexual harassment
• Inappropriate touching
• Requests for sexual favors
• Unwanted sexual advances
• Participation in pornography, whether by filming or exposure to the material

Campers have reported abuse by counselors, camp directors, and other campers. Camp administration may play a part by allowing the abuse or covering it up.

Signs and Effects of Sexual Abuse at Summer Camp

A child may not report sexual abuse, especially in the unfamiliar environment of a summer camp. You may not see any physical signs after the child has returned home. For sexual abuse occurring at a summer camp, long-term psychological effects are likely to be more prominent than physical signs. Key signs and effects might include:

• Anxiety
• Headaches
• Depression
• Angry outbursts
• Difficulty sleeping
• Poor performance at school
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Withdrawal from people or activities they previously enjoyed

These psychological effects may become more noticeable as the child adjusts to their home environment and daily routines.

What Should I Do If I Suspect Abuse?

If you suspect abuse has occurred:

• Speak with your child. Ask for details about the incident and the perpetrator.
• Remain calm and use age-appropriate language to discuss the topic.
• Believe your child and praise them for their courage in disclosing the abuse.
• Reassure your child of your love and that they are safe.
• Avoid making promises you cannot keep, such as guaranteeing confidentiality. Instead, reassure them that you will do everything you can to help and protect them.
• Ensure the child’s safety.
• Report the abuse to law enforcement.
• Take your child to a doctor for a physical examination to check for any injuries.
• Seek assistance for your child from a mental health professional specializing in child sexual abuse.
• Consult a reputable law firm with expertise in sexual abuse cases to explore options for pursuing a civil case against the abuser.

Whether the perpetrator is brought to justice in a criminal court or not, you can pursue a civil lawsuit and potentially receive financial compensation and hold the abuser and the camp accountable.

What Is The Camp Responsible For?

Since the camp has significant control over the child and the family is entrusting the care of their child to the camp, the camp has a legal duty to act reasonably to care for and safeguard the child. While camps cannot guarantee complete safety, they must address risks beyond those inherently associated with camp activities. Because sexual abuse is not an inherent risk of camping, it requires proactive measures to prevent it.

Camps can be directly liable for sexual abuse claims, such as:

• Negligence in screening, selecting, or training staff
• Negligence in supervising the staff and campers
• Failure to protect campers adequately

Courts determine whether a duty exists in a specific case and, if so, whether the camp breached that duty and caused harm. This direct liability is separate from the responsibility of the alleged perpetrator.

In evaluating whether a duty of care exists, courts consider factors like:

• the foreseeability of harm
• the certainty of the harm suffered
• the connection between the camp’s actions and the injury

In cases of severe misconduct, the camp might be liable for reckless or intentional misconduct. Additionally, depending on the jurisdiction and case specifics, the camp could be liable because they own the property where the abuse occurred.

Pursuing a Civil Case Against an Abuser or a Camp

In a criminal court, individuals may be tried for their offenses and face potential penalties, including imprisonment. In a criminal trial, the prosecution must prove the defendant’s guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.”

However, whether or not there is enough evidence for a criminal conviction, a civil lawsuit offers an alternative method to hold an abuser accountable.

Civil cases require proof “by a preponderance of the evidence,” meaning it must be more likely than not that the abuse occurred. Such a lawsuit can provide financial compensation for your suffering, hold the abuser accountable for their actions, and hold entities and organizations responsible for their failure to protect the child.

What to Expect During a Civil Case

If you or someone you love was abused at a summer camp, contacting an experienced sexual abuse lawyer is a crucial step in your search for healing and justice.