Vermont Institutional Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Young people confined to youth detention centers, treatment centers, and residential schools are vulnerable to mistreatment. Tragically, that mistreatment often includes sexual abuse.

The Vermont institutional sexual abuse lawyers at Phillips Law Group are working on behalf of survivors to hold the state, its agencies, and individual perpetrators accountable. If you experienced sexual abuse at a Vermont youth facility, contact a compassionate attorney to learn about your legal options.

Morgan W.

I felt they were more my friends than my personal injury lawyer and that isn't something you're taught it's something you have inside. If I ever needed a lawyer again Phillips Law Group Injury Lawyers would be my only choice. I can't recommend them enough. They are professional on every level and compassionate throughout. Thank you for everything.

Blanca D.

When in pain because of an accident all you want to do is focus on getting better and that is what did thanks to this firm. My family and I were set up with a Dr and Chiro right away. The treatment we received was great. I am extremely thankful for all the help we received and the outcome on the cases. Thanks to everyone involved on my case. A special thanks the intake specialist Rosalba who was very kind on the phone when I first called. I highly recommend this firm to anyone, they treat you like family.

Erika A.

I am so thankful for Ruthann and Maria. They both were amazing throughout the process. When Maria took over my case, I felt like I was being treated with empathy about my pain and experiences while treating. She also made sure to answer my questions. Maria always responded to my communication attempts and answered questions I had as they came up. She helped me with things I needed in regards to my case and helped ease the anxiety as bills piled up and my injuries were still being treated. I was able to contact her as I was treating and she helped find providers closer to my home to make it more accommodating for me. This helped me juggle work...

Santana D.

Ruby, Jennifer, Angela did me great over at this law firm. I will recommend them to anybody that has been in an injury in Phoenix Arizona they are awesome 😎. Got paid 6 months after my accident. Then out of the blue a couple years later they still contract me with another check $$$$$🤑😎🤑. Thank you....

Yunior R.

Philips Law Group offers outstanding customer service and a profound knowledge of personal injury law. Right from the initial call through to your office visit, they ensure you feel well-supported. A special mention goes to Ilse, the client experience coordinator. Her expertise in insurance policies is remarkable, and she articulately explains them in both Spanish and English. She skillfully navigates you through the process with empathy and understanding. A heartfelt thanks for the exceptional experience!

Art R.

Phillips was able to get me a good settlement after the first law group I called completely failed. Highly recommend you give them a call after your personal injury.

Rebecca M.

Philips was an awesome choice got me into the doctors offices for visits quickly and efficiently. I also want to give a big shout out to Michael the negotiator for Philips he went above and beyond to help my case get to the finish line! Also want to thank Jason and the friendly front staff.

Vallery A

Throughout the most stressful time Carmen and Donato managed to get me to the correct doctors and get the correct care I needed to make the whole process smooth and less stressful. They always answered any question or concern with professionalism and courtesy. They always valued my time as I valued theirs. Definitely recommend this great firm!

Martin K.

I'm sincerely grateful to my noble Phillips Law firm legal experts for their integrity n intelligent work for making my accident to not go free in my paint injuries. God richly bless them, for bring settlement big cash to me.

Latosha E.

What can I say about Phillips Law group. I was involved in a major car accident and sustained injuries. I looked up for Law Firms in Arizona and stumbled across Phillips Law Group. I decided to give them a call about my accident, and they were very respectful and took in my case immediately. They assigned me Tim LeDuc to represent me. From the beginning, he was very responsive and made sure to give me the proper care I deserved from this accident. Him and his team fought tooth and nail to give me the best settlement I deserved. I am so thankful, and I highly recommend Phillips Law Group to represent anyone who has been in any accident and...

Emily N.

My case closed yesterday and I RAN to make this review because of how exceptional my experience has been with Phillips Law Group! I received the best settlement I could've hoped for and am extremely happy with the outcome; but I especially wanted to shout out and give praise to Julianna, the Litigation Paralegal on my case. From the moment Julianna was assigned to my case almost two years ago, until the completion of the settlement process yesterday, Julianna's commitment to exceptional customer service, clear communication, and unwavering support truly stood out. I had so many questions -- from the legal process, to where to seek medical treatment, to questions about medical bills, to the negotiation process, and more --...

Ari

I am very impressed by how much care and effort this group puts into helping the homeless. That’s not something you see enough, especially in this time of increasing need for community. It’s important to me to work with companies that align with my views, and I would definitely go to Phillips for any future personal injury lawyer needs.

Rich S.

Just would like to share my experience with Phillips And Associates. Ever since my accident in the first of the year, it was a life changing event for me and I finally decided to go with a personal injury attorney. I contacted Phillips And Associates and they made me feel like I was an actual person instead of a lot of other firms try to go with me like a number, Phillips And Associates has reached out to me in a kind, courteous and caring way they fully understand on the circumstances of the accident So far, Phillips And Associates has been absolutely wonderful. I truly recommend going with Phillips And Associates. Thanks (RuthAnn), your the Best!!! And Thank you...

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History of Abuse in State Facilities

Residential centers for youth are supposed to provide treatment and rehabilitation in a therapeutic setting. Unfortunately, these facilities have a long history of endangering and abusing residents. The attorneys at Phillips Law Group are preparing legal claims on behalf of survivors of sexual abuse perpetrated in Vermont residential institutions.

Woodside

The Woodside Juvenile Detention Center was a 30-bed facility for boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 17. It housed juvenile offenders and children in the custody of the Department for Children and Families (DCF) who had behavioral or other issues that prevented them from living in a less restrictive environment.

By 2006, oversight bodies were raising concerns about conditions at the facility, including excessive use of strip searches and restraints and failing to have a female staff member available for girls’ intake. A 2013 report by the U.S. Department of Justice found that seven percent of Woodside residents reported sexual abuse in the facility. In 2023, the state settled a lawsuit brought by a group of former residents for $4.5 million.

Bennington Schools

The state operated separate residential facilities for boys and girls in Bennington, and both have histories of staff-on-student sexual abuse.

In 2016, a teacher’s aide was convicted of sexually abusing students at several residential facilities, including the Bennington school housing males. In 2017, a teacher at the girls’ school was convicted of aggravated sexual assault against a student. In March 2025, a teacher was arrested for sexually assaulting students at the girls’ school, now called the Vermont School for Girls.

Sununu Center

After the Woodside facility closed in 2020, some children were sent to the Sununu Youth Development Center in New Hampshire. More than 1,000 former residents have filed lawsuits against the facility, and the state has established a fund to pay them.

Individuals who were sent from the Woodside facility to the Sununu Center and experienced sexual abuse there may be eligible to bring a claim against the perpetrators and the Sununu Center itself. They also may have a claim against the agencies in Vermont responsible for overseeing their care.

Lawsuits for Sexual Abuse

Survivors who experienced sexual abuse while confined by the state’s juvenile justice authorities or DCF can file civil lawsuits seeking compensation. Survivors can sue the perpetrator if they are still alive and can be located, the state agency that placed them in the facility, and contractors who provided services there.

The statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse, 12 Vermont Statutes Annotated § 522, abolishes the time limit for bringing these claims and is fully retroactive. A survivor can bring a lawsuit no matter how long ago the abuse happened.

Survivors who have tried to forget the past and focus on the present may be reluctant to pursue a claim, fearing they will be retraumatized. The attorneys at Phillips Law Group handle cases for survivors of institutional sexual abuse in Vermont with sensitivity and respect for their emotional needs. Many survivors find that pursuing accountability provides them with a sense of agency and empowerment.

Consult an Attorney About Suing Vermont Institutions for Sexual Abuse

Children placed in residential institutions need a nurturing, supportive environment. Instead, many are subjected to horrific conditions that can include sexual abuse.

The Vermont institutional sexual abuse lawyers at Phillips Law Group are committed to getting justice for survivors. Schedule a free consultation today if you are interested in joining a lawsuit to recover financial damages for sexual abuse suffered in a youth facility in the state.