WERE YOU SEXUALLY ABUSED IN A DELAWARE JUVENILE DETENTION OR YOUTH RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT CENTER?
You May Be Entitled To Substantial Compensation
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DELAWARE JUVENILE DETENTION AND RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT CENTER SEXUAL ABUSE LAWSUITS
Fighting for Survivors Sexually Abused in Delaware Juvenile Detention or Residential Treatment Facilities
Youth who were held or treated in juvenile detention and residential treatment facilities in Delaware have been subject to sexual abuse and mistreatment for years, and it’s largely gone unnoticed. But not anymore, as survivors of childhood sexual abuse in juvenile detention centers and youth residential treatment facilities in Delaware, and other states, are stepping forward to seek justice.
If you or someone you love was detailed at a Delaware juvenile detention or residential treatment facility, and experienced sexual abuse Levy Konigsberg can help you in your fight for justice. We can help you find out what your compensation options are and get you everything you deserve.
Were you sexually abused?
History of Sexual Abuse in Delaware Juvenile Detention and Residential Treatment Facilities
In June 2024, the U.S. Senate Finance Committee released a sweeping report detailing abuse at residential treatment facilities operated by major healthcare companies, including Universal Health Services and Acadia Healthcare, both of which operate or operated such facilities in Delaware. The report revealed systemic sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, unsafe conditions, inhumane confinement practices, and neglect throughout these facilities.
Rather than assisting youth in improving their lives and getting back to them as quickly as possible, staff at DYRS and private operators have allegedly sexually abused and harassed youth.
For example, reports from the Delaware Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services (DYRS) show a history of complaints of sexual abuse and harassment by staff within juvenile detention facilities, with 12 incidents of alleged misconduct between the two primary owners of these types of facilities in only the last year.
In a 2023 report published by the Delaware Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services, 7 youth reported sexual misconduct by staff at state-operated youth detention facilities. Others reported sexual harassment from staff and fellow youth as well as nonconsensual sexual acts by other youth. The majority of these occurred at New Castle County Detention Center, however additional incidents were reported at Stevenson House Detention Center and Residential Cottages.
Also in the same 2023 report, 7 youth reported sexual misconduct at VisionQuest Residential Alternatives to Detention including incidents of abuse by staff and other youth. This alleged incident occurred at the Milford location of VisionQuest, however there is also a second location in Newark.
In 2016, a youth residential treatment facility, Crossroads of Delaware, was shut down due to reports of a youth being raped by a staff member.
Examples of alleged abuse, and of conditions likely to lead to abuse, include the following:
- August 2015: Rebecca Adams/Winters (counselor at Crossroads of Delaware) was arrested on 12 counts of fourth-degree rape, 12 counts of sexual abuse of a child by a person of trust, two counts of providing alcohol to a minor, and continuous sexual abuse of a child.
- September 2015: State officials halted referrals to Crossroads of Delaware as a result of the rape charges against Adams.
- July 2016: Crossroads of Delaware closed after Rebecca Adams/Winters was charged with carrying on a relationship with a 16-year-old resident.
- December 2016: Former counselor Rebecca Adams/Winters pled guilty to three counts of 4th degree rape.
- May 2023: A 16-year-old Wilmington youth fled VisionQuest Milford allegedly after being groped during basketball practice by a staff member.
- July 2023: The 16-year-old Wilmington youth came forward to allege that a staff member from VisionQuest Milsford groped him. He also alleged that he and other youth in the facility were threatened with a box cutter and also that one of the supervisors not only drank while on duty but also drove erratically when the youth were in the vehicle.
- July 2023: A second 16-year-old who had recently been released from custody alleged that youth were inappropriately touched by a staff member.
Investigating Sexual Abuse at Delaware Juvenile Detention and Residential Treatment Facilities
Levy Konigsberg is actively investigating claims from current and former youth who were sexually abused by staff at youth detention and residential treatment facilities across Delaware. This includes those facilities (both currently in operation and closed) with a history of documented or suspected sexual abuse and complaints, including:
- Crossroads of Delaware
- Dover Behavioral Health Center
- Ferris School
- Grace Residential Cottage
- MeadowWood Behavioral Health Hospital
- New Castle County Detention Center
- Other Delaware juvenile detention or residential treatment centers
- Rockford Center
- Snowden Residential Cottage
- Stevenson House Detention Center
- VisionQuest (at Milford and Newark)
We specialize in sexual abuse lawsuits against powerful institutions. These include government entities (such as prisons, schools, and juvenile detention / juvenile treatment centers), technology companies, and clergy.
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Who Can You Sue in a Sex Abuse Civil Case?
In a sex abuse civil case, the parties you might sue can vary depending on the circumstances of the abuse and the relationships involved.
Some potential parties that could be sued in a sex abuse civil case include:
- Individual Perpetrator: The alleged perpetrator of the sexual abuse can be named as a defendant in the lawsuit. This is often the person who directly committed the abusive acts.
- Institutions and Organizations: If the abuse occurred within an institution or organization, such as a school, church, sports club, or workplace, and they failed to take appropriate action to prevent or address the abuse, they might also be held liable.
- Employers: If the perpetrator was an employee of an organization or institution, the employer might be held vicariously liable for the actions of their employee if the abuse occurred within the scope of their employment.
- Property Owners: If the abuse occurred on a property owned by someone else, and the property owner failed to provide adequate security or take reasonable steps to prevent the abuse, they might be considered liable.
- Government Entities: In some cases, government entities might be involved, especially if the abuse occurred within a state institution or facility. Suing a government entity might involve specific procedures and limitations.
Sex abuse cases can be legally complex, so it's highly advisable to consult with experienced legal professionals who specialize in this area to understand your options and pursue the appropriate legal action. Levy Konigsberg, along with our team of sexual abuse lawyers, is available to provide assistance for your sexual abuse case.
Do I Have a Case?
You may have grounds to file a civil legal action if:
- You were sexually abused by a guard, counselor, nurse, or other youth residential treatment or juvenile detention center staff member.
- The abuse occurred at any youth residential treatment or juvenile detention facility.
Levy Konigsberg represents survivors in civil lawsuits that aim to hold youth residential treatment facilities, juvenile detention centers, private healthcare companies, and other facility operators accountable for their failures to stop abusive staff members and protect young residents.
As civil claims, these cases are separate from any criminal proceedings that may arise from abuse and focus instead on holding institutions liable for damages. This means you may still have a claim even if:
- Your abuser is no longer alive.
- Your abuser was never charged with or convicted of a crime.
Recoverable Damages in Sexual Abuse Claims
In addition to providing accountability and a sense of justice, civil sex abuse lawsuits allow survivors to recover financial compensation for their damages, which may include:
- Past medical and mental health expenses
- Future mental health expenses, including therapy, medications, etc.
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish and psychological harm
- Lost income
- Other economic and non-economic damages
Delaware Sexual Abuse Attorneys
The Delaware Child Victims Act eliminated the statute of limitations for civil cases related to childhood sexual abuse that occurred after July 9, 2005. This means that if you were abused after this date, you are able to file a civil case at any time.
Levy Konigsberg is actively investigating allegations of sexual abuse at Delaware juvenile detention centers or youth residential treatment facilities.
We are committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society and seeking justice for survivors of sexual abuse in juvenile detention centers and youth residential treatment facilities. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing legal representation and support to survivors, and we are actively investigating allegations of abuse. We are working tirelessly to ensure that survivors have access to justice and that future generations of young people are safe from harm within these institutions.
Trust Levy Konigsberg's Legal Team for Proven Results in Sexual Abuse and Negligence Cases
Levy Konigsberg LLP, a nationally recognized law firm, has built a legacy over three decades, recovering over $3 billion in sexual abuse compensation for clients. Led by award-winning sexual abuse lawyers, we specialize in representing survivors in sexual abuse across the country, taking on powerful institutions. Our top-rated trial practice handles all types of sexual abuse or negligence cases, showcasing numerous testimonials and successful case results.