Juvenile detention centers are meant to be places where misguided or troubled youth can find support, rehabilitative or behavioral care, and therapy. They are meant to focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. Unfortunately, the reality is that these facilities are often overcrowded, understaffed, and teeming with opportunities for abuse and assault against vulnerable residents.
Victims of juvenile detention sexual assault in Illinois have rights. They can protect them with help from the compassionate and committed Illinois sexual abuse attorneys at Mahoney Law Firm.
What Is Juvenile Detention Sexual Assault?
Juvenile detention sexual assault refers to any unwanted, nonconsensual or unlawful sexual encounters between a minor housed in a juvenile detention facility or youth center and a staff member, employee, security guard, police officer or fellow detainee.
It can describe crimes such as:
- Verbal sexual harassment
- Unwanted touching, groping, fondling or kissing
- Touching of private parts
- Indecent exposure
- Creating child sexual abuse material
- Coerced sexual acts
- Forced oral copulation
- Attempted rape or rape
- Sodomy
Sexual assault and abuse can happen at a juvenile detention center due to the imbalance of power between the detainees and those in charge. An abuse of this power can expose vulnerable youth to various sex crimes as well as keep them silent through manipulation or threats.
Illinois Is One of the Worst States for Juvenile Detention Sexual Assault
According to a state panel hearing that took place in 2013, Illinois was among the four worst states in the country in terms of child sexual abuse at juvenile detention centers. The findings of this hearing were so disturbing that the Illinois House Restorative Justice Committee held an emergency hearing to discuss them.Â
Sadly, over a decade later, child safety within these facilities still cannot be guaranteed. As of February 2025, 800 new sexual assault cases have been filed against juvenile correction centers in Illinois. These cases allege a wide range of sexual misconduct, assault and abuse suffered by vulnerable minors while in the control of juvenile detention facilities within the state.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Juvenile Detention Sexual Assault?
In a case of juvenile detention center sexual assault, multiple parties could potentially be held liable, or legally responsible. While this includes the individual perpetrator, the detention facility itself could also be held responsible for its own negligence, such as failing to properly hire and train staff members, supervise detainees, or address complaints of sexual misconduct.
The following local detention facilities could be named as defendants in these lawsuits:
- Hulse Detention Center
- Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice
- Illinois Youth Center Harrisburg
- Illinois Youth Center WarrenvilleÂ
- Madison Juvenile DetentionÂ
- Peoria County Juvenile Center
- Sangamon County Juvenile Center
If an employee such as a security guard or counselor sexually abuses a detainee, the operating facility – including the state or county government – could be held vicariously liable as the employer. Discuss who you may be able to name as a defendant in your particular case by consulting with an attorney.
How an Illinois Juvenile Detention Sexual Assault Lawyer Can Help
Sexual abuse, assault and misconduct within a juvenile detention center can cause lasting emotional pain and trauma for victims. The fight for justice begins by contacting us at Mahoney Law Firm to arrange a free and confidential case evaluation in Illinois.Â
A child sexual abuse lawyer in Illinois can investigate your case and collect evidence against one or more responsible parties. You can count on your attorney to seek maximum financial compensation for your losses and protect you every step of the way – including keeping your identity anonymous, if desired.
For a free consultation about a juvenile detention sexual assault case with experienced child sexual assault attorney Ryan J. Mahoney, call (618) 717-4115.
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