Boarding schools in Illinois should provide positive and enriching student experiences, with exceptional educations, college preparation, and sports or extracurricular activities. Unfortunately, boarding schools such as Lake Forest Academy and Saint Bede Academy do not always properly protect their students. This can lead to cases of boarding school sexual abuse. Our Illinois sexual abuse attorneys are ready to represent you. Call us today!
What Is Boarding School Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse or assault in a boarding school can refer to various sex crimes against students at the facility. This can include touching of the private parts, child molestation, indecent exposure, child pornography, forced sexual acts, rape or attempted rape, and sodomy. Boarding school sexual abuse can come from staff members, teachers, administrators, sports coaches, counselors or fellow students.
Why Is Sexual Abuse Prevalent in Illinois Boarding Schools?
A boarding school is a prime location for sex crimes against children due to a combination of students being isolated from their parents and an imbalance of power between students and older kids or teachers.
Many cases of child sexual abuse are about the perpetrator having power over the victim. In a setting such as a boarding school, where children are isolated from their parents and loved ones, sexual abuse activities can go unnoticed. This is especially true if the boarding school does not properly supervise its students.
According to statewide data, 7,426 cases of child sexual abuse were reported in Illinois in a single year. This number is likely far less than the actual number of children who are sexually abused annually in Illinois, however, due to underreporting.
Who Are Mandated Reporters in Illinois?
In Illinois, a mandated reporter is an adult who is legally required to report any signs, suspicions or complaints of child sexual abuse or assault to the correct authorities. According to the Illinois Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act, teachers, educators and other professionals who have contact with children are legally required to report suspected child sexual abuse to the Department of Children and Family Services or law enforcement as soon as possible.Â
What to Do if You or Your Child Is a Victim of Boarding School Sexual Abuse in Illinois
Sexual abuse is something that should never be allowed or tolerated at a boarding school or anywhere else in Illinois. If you are an adult victim of child sexual abuse at a boarding school or have recently discovered that your child was sexually assaulted at a boarding school in the state, seek justice by consulting with an attorney.
A lawyer can investigate to search for signs of negligence, such as a boarding school failing to properly background check new staff members. Under Faith’s Law, educators in Illinois must properly vet new hires by reviewing their employment history for allegations of sexual misconduct at previous jobs. They must also report suspected acts of sexual misconduct to the state superintendent of education.
With assistance from a lawyer, you may be able to hold the boarding school accountable for child sexual abuse in addition to the individual abuser. This can lead to school accountability, potential changes in how the boarding school prevents abuse against students in the future, and financial compensation for related damages (economic and non-economic).
When to Contact a Sexual Abuse Attorney in Illinois
Boarding school is just one of many places in Illinois where vulnerable children can fall prey to crimes such as sexual abuse and assault. Sexual violence and misconduct can happen in public schools or private schools, community centers, churches, and even right at home.
If you or someone you love has been sexually assaulted or abused, don’t hesitate to contact The Mahoney Law Firm at (618) 717-4115 for a free and private case consultation with an attorney. We will hear you and we will believe you.
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