Institutional sex abuse is a devastating violation of trust that leaves survivors with lifelong emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical scars. When abuse occurs in places meant to provide care, such as schools, youth facilities, treatment centers, or religious organizations, the trauma is compounded by the betrayal of those entrusted with protection.
At Phillips Law Group, we are committed to holding these institutions accountable and fighting for justice on behalf of survivors. If you or a loved one was harmed in an institutional setting where you should have been protected, you may need the assistance of an Arizona institutional sex abuse lawyer.
Mingus Mountain Academy Abuse Case
In a horrifying lawsuit recently filed by victims of institutional sex abuse, 13 alleged victims spoke of the “unspeakable horrors” and “horrific sexual abuse” that they claim took place at Mingus Mountain Academy in Prescott Valley, Arizona.
When Melissa Catalano was 15, she was sent to the all-girl behavioral health facility for troubled teens. There, she alleges she was sexually assaulted or abused by staff.
“It’s hard to even talk about it,” Catalano told Phoenix media outlet ABC15. “It’s been a lot of pain that I’ve had to live for a really long time.”
Ultimately, Catalano claims she was sexually assaulted by one particular staff member “approximately 80 times,” during her one-year stay at Mingus. She alleges other staff members would often join in as well, and that she reported the abuse numerous times.
The Arizona institutional sex abuse lawsuit that Catalano is a part of alleges that sexual assault or abuse happened at different times from 2011 to 2022 to the survivors involved in the claim. However, in a statement to ABC15, the facility denied the abuse.
“To date, we have seen no evidence to support these allegations,” the statement noted. “MMYTC and Vivant Behavioral Healthcare will vigorously defend in court our organization and the excellent care we provide.”
Arizona Institutional Sex Abuse Claims
Sadly, Arizona has seen its share of institutional sex abuse cases, including allegations of horrific abuse at facilities for troubled teens and other vulnerable populations like the alleged abuse at Mingus Mountain Academy.
These cases often involve systemic failures, where institutions neglect their duty to protect those in their care or even actively cover up abuse. Our experienced institutional sex abuse lawyers in Arizona understand the complexities of these cases and are dedicated to helping survivors reclaim their power and seek the compensation they deserve.
Whether the abuse occurred in a school, group home, detention center, religious organization, or a similar type of facility, the team at Phillips Law Group is prepared to fight for accountability and systemic change – and to seek justice for survivors. Our firm can provide compassionate, confidential legal support to survivors of Arizona institutional sex abuse and their families.
Working with an Arizona Institutional Sex Abuse Attorney
At Phillips Law Group, we work tirelessly to secure compensation for medical expenses, therapy, pain and suffering, and other damages in institutional abuse cases, while also advocating for reforms to prevent future abuse.
We offer a free, no-obligation, confidential consultation for those who may have suffered abuse in an institutional setting in Arizona. You are not alone – we want to help. If you or a loved one has experienced institutional sex abuse in Arizona, please don’t hesitate to contact Phillips Law Group today for a confidential evaluation.
Let us help you take the first step toward healing and justice. Call 602-222-2222 to learn more now.
Available 24/7