Boy Scout Sexual Abuse Attorney in New York

It is the unfortunate truth that child sexual abuse can take place even in organizations that pride themselves on principles of trust and honor. Such was the case for the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), whose history as a 100-year-old organization was revealed to include tens of thousands of sexual abuse victims.

If you or someone you know was sexually abused during your time as a Boy Scout, The Fitch Law Firm is here to help. Our experienced and compassionate legal team understands the many ways that such an intimate and traumatic form of violence can affect you, and we are dedicated to helping you receive the justice you deserve.

Understanding Sexual Abuse in the Boy Scouts

The Boy Scouts faced more than 90,000 sex abuse claims in 2020, 90% of which took place more than 30 years ago (CBS and USA Today). These astonishing numbers were the results of Scouters, Troop Leaders, and other authority figures exploiting their positions of influence to prey on minors who were under their charge.

For decades, BSA’s insufficient system of vetting and expelling predatory figures failed to protect their scouts, and now thousands of innocents have had to live with the repercussions.

Children and teens are already a highly vulnerable demographic, but those who were scouts before BSA improved their screening practices and rules of conduct faced particular risk due to the organization’s structure. There were several aspects that factored into their vulnerability:

Extended Trips

Spending long periods of time away from their guardians is part and parcel of the Boy Scouts program, but it meant that the boys’ safety and experience was placed in the hands of what was often the sole adult supervising them.

Every instance of abuse took place when adults were left alone with a scout, a practice that was officially barred in 1987. This protective measure would have been too late to protect the thousands of boys who had suffered under abusers in the decades before.

Tremendous Power Over Youth

The abuse of power and trust can be manifold in Boy Scout sexual abuse cases, because predators may have been occupying dual seats of influence. Abusers who were Troop Leaders may have also held prominent positions in local churches, schools, and other organizations.

Culture of Silence

Victims may have been discouraged or even felt threatened to remain quiet about their abuse and might have feared retaliation or disbelief from their peers and superiors in the troop or local community. BSA’s long-time failure to disclose abusers and their insistence on exclusively handling these cases internally fostered a culture of secrecy, and that secrecy opened doors for predators to exploit vulnerable youth without fear of consequences.

Organizational Reputation and Clout

Behind the nationally renowned organization was a longstanding reputation as a trustworthy institution that bolstered the boyhood experience and helped young men grow into reputable citizens. The cultural clout of any organization can work as a smoke screen that permits them to deflect attention away from their negligence and the widespread blanket of misconduct and predation lurking beneath the surface.

Although the Boy Scouts of America now implement more stringent rules of conduct between adults and minors, there are many former Scouts who have moved onto adulthood and still struggle to grapple with the abuse they went through while they were in the organization. Compensation can never erase what victims have gone through, but seeking damages can help them get the resources they need to recover and obtain justice.

The Law in New York Supports Survivors of Sexual Abuse

The state of New York has enacted strong protections for survivors of sexual abuse, paving new roads to justice for previously time-barred victims. In 2019, they passed the Child Victims Act (CVA), which significantly extended the time window for survivors of child sexual abuse to file their claim and seek legal action.

The Child Victims Act created the following changes:

Extended the statute of limitations for criminal cases, permitting victims to file felony charges until their 28th birthday and misdemeanor charges until their 25th
Extended the age limit to file civil lawsuits against abusers, changing the deadline from the age of 23 to the age of 55.

According to ChildUSA, more than 10,000 cases have been filed under the Child Victims Act. This means that thousands of victims are now able to access long-awaited justice thanks to New York State law, over a thousand of which have named youth serving organizations as the context they were abused in.

Compensation for Sexual Abuse Victims

Sexual abuse is one of the most intimate and traumatic forms of violence that someone can experience, and survivors may be entitled to a variety of damages, including:

Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
Lost wages and diminished earning capacity due to psychological injuries
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive damages (in cases of egregious negligence or criminal wrongdoing)

According to City & State NY, New York City alone has paid more $160 million to settle over 150 legal actions since the Child Victims Act was passed, with some cases as far back as the 1940s. No amount of money can undo the horrors that any child victim has experienced, but financial compensation can provide you with the proper resources to heal and hold predators — and the institutions that employed them — accountable for the irrefutable harm they’ve done.

Common Warning Signs of Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse can involve a spectrum of improper behavior: it may manifest as instances of direct physical contact, but it can also encompass non-contact behaviors such as voyeurism, exposure, or showing pornographic materials.

The Boy Scouts of America have faced lawsuits from tens of thousands of sexual abuse victims, and have since improved efforts and protocols to prevent abuse of Scouts, but guardians, other adults, and community members should remain mindful of the potential warning signs of abuse:

Inappropriate Adult Behaviors

Excessive private communication between adults in authoritative positions and the child or teen
Insistence on one-on-one meetings or trips, especially in private locations
Gifts or special treatment for your scout
Comments about a scout’s physical appearance or development

Behavioral Signs in Children and Teens

Sudden behavioral changes such as withdrawal or depression
Knowledge or interest in sexual matters that are inconsistent with their age or stage of development
Sudden loss of interest in the organization and participation in its activities
Avoiding certain troop activities or being alone with specific adults
Unexplained physical symptoms

In 2019, the names of 130 New York Scout leaders were revealed to have sexual abuse complaints against them, but none of their communities had previously been aware that these abusers had been preying on their children through their position in BSA (CBS). It’s critical to look out for your scouts and their fellow members, even if you trust the organization they’re a part of.

Contact The Fitch Law Firm for Compassionate Legal Support

The Fitch Law Firm, led by attorney John Fitch, has built a reputation for compassionately and adeptly serving victims of sexual abuse. Mr. Fitch has decades of experience navigating complex legal cases and helping survivors find closure and obtain the compensation that they are entitled to.

We understand how difficult it can be to speak out on the sexual abuse you’ve experienced, and we recognize the importance of privacy for survivors. The Fitch Law Firm maintains strict confidentiality throughout the legal process and can take the necessary steps to protect your privacy, such as:

File cases using pseudonyms (Jane or John Doe)
Seek protective orders to shield your identity
Limit the disclosure of sensitive personal information

If you were sexually abused during your time with the Boy Scouts of America and you’re ready to explore your legal options, The Fitch Law Firm is here to help. We offer completely confidential consultations where you can share your story in a safe, supportive environment and learn about potential paths to justice.

How we can support you during the legal process:

Our Priorities	How it Helps You
Expertise	Our attorneys have decades of experience and a nuanced knowledge of the law that we can draw on to help you seek justice.
Communication	We are here to support you and guide you through the legal process, which means we’ll maintain clear communication with you at every step of the way.
Strategy	Our firm will thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence, and identify all potentially liable parties. Based on our findings, we’ll develop a comprehensive strategy tailored to your specific case and goals.
Commitment	Don’t worry about a loss of privacy; we have an unwavering dedication to survivor privacy and dignity.