Across California and the nation, Girl Scout chapters and other youth organizations maintain clear and firm policies that prohibit any form of child abuse and neglect. The organization also maintains strict reporting policies in the event of a suspected abuse. Any employee or volunteer who believes a child has been the victim of sexual assault or abuse must immediately report the incident to local authorities. Not only is there a criminal element to these cases, but there is also a civil element. According to personal injury law, abuse, assault, and molestation victims may be entitled to benefits and financial compensation for their injuries, pain, suffering, and medical issues (both physical and psychological)
If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual assault by a Girl Scout leader, you have more rights than you may realize in taking legal action. The Santa Ana and Anaheim Girl Scouts child abuse lawyers at the Cifarelli Law Firm want you to understand your rights and the legal courses of action you can take to seek justice for this heinous crime. Our attorneys serve abuse and injury victims all over California, including San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
Child abuse, or sexual assault, is a very serious crime with strict criminal consequences for the perpetrator. In 2012, a Bellingham, Washington Girl Scout volunteer was sentenced to three years in prison for the sexual abuse of a teenager and asking another minor girl to text nude photos of herself. The defendant, Andre Acosta-Ruiz, was sentenced to 3 years in state prison for the crime. Meanwhile, the Girl Scouts issued a statement assuring the public they are doing everything they can to protect their members from these incidents.
However, a similar story from Kissimmee, Florida, suggests there is a pattern of this behavior in the nationwide organization. Eight girls reported that they were molested by their Girl Scouts leader, David Wayne Fisher. The girls were between the ages of 10-11 at the time and were assaulted during a camping trip to Walt Disney World’s Fort Wilderness resort. Fisher is now serving a 15-year sentence in state prison. Fisher had previously served as a substitute teacher with a local school district but was asked not to return due to inappropriate behavior with the students. If you suspect your Girl Scout is suffering abuse at the hands of their leader, contact a lawyer in Santa Ana and Anaheim as soon as possible.
From the cases above, you can see that the defendants themselves were not the only ones guilty or responsible for the crime. Both the Girl Scouts organization and the public school district can and should be held responsible for failing to protect the children in their care from sexual predators. In cases like this, there are more legal options available to the victim and/or victims’ family than you may be aware.
These liable parties can and should be held responsible for their negligence. In all crimes involving the sexual assault of a minor, both criminal and civil suits can be filed. In fact, you do not have to wait for the verdict from the criminal trial to file a civil suit. In addition to seeking criminal justice, you can file an action against any person or organization that was mandated to report the abuse but failed to do so. Filing a civil action allows you to receive compensation for emotional distress and physical pain, as well as medical expenses and psychiatric care. The attacker is considered liable for the abuse even if the minor consented to the sexual act.
Child abuse causes undue emotional, physical, and mental damage to both the victim and victim’s family. Do not let the parties involved in this horrible crime walk away without facing the consequences of their actions, or lack thereof. Instead, consult an experienced Santa Ana and Anaheim attorney to review the details of your Girl Scouts abuse case. We can use our years of experience in these cases to help you achieve the justice you deserve on behalf of your child.
If you or someone you love has been the victim of sexual abuse while participating in Girl Scouts, it is essential that you speak with an experienced attorney in Santa Ana and Anaheim as soon as possible. Even as adults, victims of child sexual abuse have the right to seek justice through legal action.
In California, victims of childhood sexual abuse have until the age of 40 or five years after first discovering the abuse to take legal action. It is best to take action as soon as possible. Waiting to file can complicate legal action.
Abuse that occurs within Girl Scouts may be suppressed for years. The extended statute of limitations allows victims of childhood sexual abuse in California to hold their attackers to account even decades after the abuse occurred. If you were sexually abused in Girl Scouts, get in touch with our firm today to schedule a private and complimentary consultation with a Santa Ana and Anaheim lawyer to discuss your rights, your options, and the best path toward recovery.
Victims of childhood sexual abuse need support, including counseling and other therapeutic services, to address the horrible mistreatment they faced. The physical and mental consequences of sexual abuse during childhood are profound, and may result in mood disorders, PTSD, substance abuse, and ideation; seeking help is often emotionally and financially draining.
Fighting for compensation for these types of damages helps victims of Girl Scout abuse receive the financial support they need to seek the support they deserve. Working with a lawyer in Santa Ana and Anaheim could help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve in your Girl Scout child abuse case.
If you were sexually abused as a Girl Scout, you should talk to an attorney in Santa Ana and Anaheim immediately to learn about your options. Childhood sexual abuse is vast and can include physical violence, such as sexual touching and penetration, and visual violence, such as an adult exposing their body, showing a child pornography, or watching a child go to the bathroom.
If you suspect you were the victim of any type of abuse while participating in Girl Scouts, talking to an attorney can help you determine the best course of action.
The childhood sexual abuse attorneys at the Cifarelli Law Firm have a long and proud history of helping victims of abuse get justice. We have been involved in child sex abuse cases that garnered national attention, but we place just as much importance on those cases that often go unnoticed. We believe victims of childhood sexual abuse and are here to fight tirelessly for the justice they deserve.
If you need a Santa Ana and Anaheim Girl Scouts child abuse lawyer, we encourage you to get in touch for a confidential and obligation-free consultation where we can listen to your story and discuss all of your legal options.
Contact our firm at (949) 502-8600 for more information about the compensation you can receive on behalf of your child by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the perpetrator. If your case is successful, your child can receive a judgment for emotional distress, pain and suffering, in addition to medical and psychiatric expenses.
If you or your child has been a victim, talk to an Irvine child sexual abuse lawyer at The Cifarelli Law Firm. Our team is passionate about advocating for victims and helping them seek justice. We understand this is a difficult situation, and we strive to create a place where victims from all over California can feel safe and heard. Call The Cifarelli Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation.
(949) 502-8600
