When the joy of summer camp is destroyed by a sexual assault, it is a deeply traumatic experience that can leave long-lasting scars on a child's physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. A child sexual assault attorney can help your family heal and secure justice through a lawsuit.
Families expect their children to be protected and nurtured by the counselors, staff, and owners of a summer camp. If a child is harmed by sexual abuse or assault on their watch, that duty of care has been violated. Jessica Pride and the legal team at The Pride Law Firm are here to support those who have been affected by sexual assault, and hold accountable those who have failed or harmed your child.
Our proven history of helping children and families recover includes holding public, private, and boarding schools accountable, as well as organizations that engage with children like youth groups and churches. We work closely with support networks, therapists, and advocates to ensure that survivors have access to the comprehensive care they need to heal from the long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse.
Our compassionate approach seeks to empower survivors, giving them a voice and helping them reclaim their sense of security and trust. If you or a loved one has been a victim of sexual assault at a children's summer camp, we encourage you to reach out to us at (619) 516-8166 for a free and confidential consultation.
Remember, you are not alone, and together we can work towards a world where every child's innocence is protected.
While the majority of summer camps prioritize the well-being and protection of their campers, it is also necessary to address the potential risks and concerns associated with these settings:
It is important to note that the occurrence of sexual assault in summer camps is relatively rare compared to the vast number of children who attend camps each year. Nevertheless, even a single instance of sexual assault is one too many.
An experienced child sexual abuse lawyer can help your whole family process what has happened and take positive, healing steps forward. Contact Jessica Pride at (619) 516-8166 to discuss how legal action can help improve your future.
Here are some unsettling recent numbers related to reports of children’s summer camp sexual assault from CBS News:
Another report by Crime Stoppers of Houston CEO Rania Mankarious says sexual abuse at camps is a disturbing trend that some have compared to the Boy Scouts scandal. “We’ve found over 1,000 victims of sexual assault, just sexual assault, at camps across the country, spanning over the last 10 to 15 years,” Mankarious said.
The Long-Term Cost of Childhood Sexual Assault
The long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse can include higher levels of depression, guilt, shame, self-blame, eating disorders, sleep problems, anxiety, dissociative patterns, repression, denial, and later-in-life sexual and relationship issues.
To prevent or treat these conditions, your family may need funds to afford specialized counseling, medical therapy, or other forms of enrichment to help your child both survive and thrive. A summer camp sexual assault lawsuit can address these financial needs.
Summer and sleepaway camps should have comprehensive policies and procedures in place to prevent and respond to incidents of sexual assault, such as:
Implementing these measures along with robust oversight and supervision practices can significantly reduce the risks of sexual assault. These actions contribute to a safer environment for children and teenagers attending summer camps. The absence of such safety measures could be seen as a failure to protect children and a liability under the law.
While sexual contact with a minor is a crime, the criminal prosecution handled by the police may not do enough to ensure justice for your family, or keep other children safe.
One mother interviewed anonymously by CBS was appalled that the adult who molested her son at summer camp accepted a plea deal and was set free with ten years' probation. The family later settled a lawsuit with the summer camp for an undisclosed amount, to help provide relief not otherwise available in only a criminal proceeding.
By filing a child sexual abuse lawsuit, a settlement or verdict may be reached that can help fund therapeutic help for your child. Additionally, a lawsuit can incentivize better safeguards for vulnerable kids in the camp’s care. This type of personal injury lawsuit can also help you regain control over such a horrifying incident, and see that your child’s injuries, needs, and losses are fully considered in court.
Contact Jessica Pride and her compassionate team trained in trauma-informed care to discuss what happened in a free, fully confidential consultation. Located in California, we can be reached online or by phone at (619) 516-8166 to hear your story, evaluate your options, and help you choose the best path forward for you and your child.