People go to homeless shelters when they are in dire need of support. Unfortunately, some of them come to these shelters only to face horrible sexual abuse. If you are living with the consequences of sexual abuse in homeless shelters, the compassionate attorneys from Phillips Law Group can help. Reach out today to learn how we can help.
Homeless shelters are meant to provide safety and support for people in crisis. Unfortunately, the very vulnerability that brings someone to a shelter can also increase the risk of abuse. Residents may find themselves in a position that can make it difficult to report misconduct. Some at-risk people also remain because they don’t have anywhere else to go.
There are a number of factors that can increase the risk of sexual abuse, including overcrowding and understaffing. In some facilities, supervision may be limited during overnight hours or in private areas such as showers. When proper safeguards are not in place, predators may exploit these gaps in security.
No one should have to trade personal safety for temporary shelter. When sexual abuse occurs in a homeless shelter, survivors have the opportunity to seek justice through a civil lawsuit.
The individual who committed the abuse can and should be held legally responsible. Survivors may pursue civil claims against the perpetrator for the physical and emotional harm caused by the misconduct. Even if no criminal charges are filed, a civil lawsuit can move forward based on a lower burden of proof.
In many cases, however, responsibility does not end with the abuser. Shelters and the organizations that operate them may also be liable if they fail to take reasonable steps to protect residents. This might look like negligence in the hiring process or the refusal to address prior complaints of abuse.
When a shelter knew or should have known about a risk and failed to act, the organization itself may face civil liability. Holding institutions accountable can also encourage meaningful changes that protect other vulnerable individuals.
A civil claim for sexual abuse in a homeless shelter is designed to compensate survivors for the full scope of harm they have endured. Some of the types of compensation that may be available to them include the following:
Survivors may recover compensation for medical expenses related to the abuse. This can include emergency care and hospital treatment related to any physical injuries they suffered. A claim could also recoup the cost of therapy or medication in the aftermath of the attack.
Pain and suffering damages address the emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, and loss of trust that frequently follow sexual abuse. These damages recognize that harm is not limited to physical injuries. The law allows you to seek compensation for the psychological and emotional toll the abuse has caused.
Abuse can interfere with a survivor’s ability to work or pursue employment opportunities. This can be especially devastating for someone already in a position where they are attempting to get back on their feet. A settlement could cover both past and future wages lost due to abuse.
If you are a survivor of sexual abuse in homeless shelters, now is the time to explore your legal rights. You should never have to face these challenges on your own, and Phillips Law Group is here to help you figure out your next steps. Let us handle your case and advise you of your legal options. Reach out for a private consultation as soon as possible.
Available 24/7 
