The past several years have produced an explosion of reports about sexual abuse at residential treatment facilities in Pennsylvania. Some survivors are bringing lawsuits against the facilities, their owners, operators, and staff.
There have been a number of George Junior Republic sexual abuse lawsuits filed. If you are a survivor of sexual abuse at that facility, contact an attorney at Phillips Law Group. Our compassionate lawyers provide aggressive advocacy for survivors of childhood sexual abuse while protecting your privacy and maintaining sensitivity to your needs.
About Sexual Abuse at George Junior Republic
George Junior Republic is a residential detention facility and school for at-risk boys in Grove City, Pennsylvania. Although it runs as a not-for-profit facility, many of its operations are carried out by contractors.
For years, there have been allegations of rampant sexual abuse at the facility. Perpetrators on staff include cottage parents, who are adults who supervise the housing units where the boys live. Teachers, managers, and others have also been implicated, and two former paid staff pleaded guilty to sexually abusing minors in their care.
The attorneys at Phillips Law Group are speaking with people who experienced sexual abuse at the George Junior Republic facility. Survivors who feel ready to pursue justice may be able to file a lawsuit against the facility owners, contractors, and individuals who committed the abuse.
Common Allegations in Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
A civil claim for institutional sexual abuse must demonstrate that the defendants failed in their duty and the plaintiff suffered injuries because of the failure. In the cases related to George Junior Republic, the lawsuits may allege multiple failures by the owners, operators, and contractors.
A facility that houses and educates at-risk youth must carefully screen and train any worker who might interact with the children residing there. It must also have an effective mechanism for residents to make complaints without fear of consequences. The facility must properly supervise its workers and have an effective disciplinary process when an investigation determines that their conduct endangers the children in their care.
The investigations made by Phillips Law Group attorneys to date indicate that George Junior Republic failed its residents by hiring sexual abusers, failing to supervise them properly, allowing the abuse to continue, and not responding appropriately when residents reported the abuse. Lawsuits can include further allegations as other survivors come forward with their stories.
Timeframes That Impact the Right To Sue
Every state enacts time limits for bringing civil lawsuits. These laws are called statutes of limitation. The statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse in Pennsylvania is unusually complex and depends on when the abuse occurred.
When the sexual abuse of someone under 18 occurred before November 26, 2019, a survivor has until their 30th birthday to file a civil lawsuit. However, according to 42 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5533(b), if someone under 18 experienced sexual abuse after November 26, 2019, a change in the law allows them to file a lawsuit anytime up to their 55th birthday. In addition, people who were between the ages of 18 and 24 when they were sexually abused have until their 30th birthday to file a lawsuit.
Because the laws are complicated and subject to change, it is best to speak with an attorney at Phillips Law Group. They can determine whether you can pursue a sexual abuse claim against George Junior Republic.
Consult Phillips Law Group if You Were Sexually Abused at George Junior Republic
Childhood sexual abuse is a devastating experience that may take years or even decades to process. The violation is even more heinous when the perpetrators were people charged with helping and caring for you.
If you feel ready to hold your abusers accountable, consider joining the other survivors who have filed George Junior Republic sexual abuse lawsuits. Reach out to the attorneys at Phillips Law Group to discuss your situation. They will treat the conversation with the utmost sensitivity and complete confidentiality.
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