The YMCA is a nationwide nonprofit that offers community programs and services meant to “empower children to reach their full potential.” While positioning itself as a sanctuary for learning and development, the YMCA is in reality a place that puts many children at risk of heinous acts of sexual abuse, assault and misconduct.
If you or your child has been sexually abused by a YMCA staff member, volunteer or affiliate, you have the right to take legal action. Speak privately with a YMCA sexual abuse attorney in Illinois at Mahoney Law Firm about your case during a free consultation.
Why Choose Us at Mahoney Law Firm?
- We have almost 20 years of experience handling sexual abuse and assault civil cases, and have been named to the National Top 100 Trial Lawyers.
- Attorney Ryan J. Mahoney is passionate about protecting the rights of sexual abuse survivors. He puts his experience in and out of the courtroom to work for his clients.
- Our law firm has collected over $100 million in verdicts and settlements for clients, achieving positive results for countless people hurt by childhood sexual abuse.
What is the YMCA and Why Do Parents Trust It?
The YMCA is a nonprofit organization that connects children and adult community members with opportunities to improve their lives. It offers programs such as supportive childhood education, team sports, summer camps, swimming lessons, leadership programs, fitness classes and family activities.
Parents trust the YMCA because it is a well-established program that’s been in existence since 1844. The Y says they focus on “positive youth development” in a secure setting, with a strict zero-tolerance policy for child abuse and endangerment. Unfortunately, many children still fall through the cracks.
How Can Child Sexual Abuse Occur in the YMCA?
The YMCA states that the safety and well-being of children is its top priority, yet hundreds of sexual abuse allegations have been brought against this organization over the last couple of decades. YMCA centers can be places where children are sexually abused due to issues such as:
- Failure to background check new hires
- Lack of employee or supervisor training
- Inadequate education on how to prevent child abuse
- Poor child supervision
- Lack of comprehensive safety measures
- Failure to report problem behavior or abuse incidents
Sexual abuse at the Y can be adult on adult, adult on child or child on child. Any type of sexual misconduct at a YMCA facility or sponsored event in Illinois can give the survivor the right to seek legal remedies.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Abuse in the YMCA?
Survivors of YMCA sexual abuse may be able to hold the organization accountable in addition to filing criminal charges and a civil claim against the individual abuser. The YMCA association can be held accountable on multiple legal grounds, including its own negligence and vicarious liability for an employee. Other potentially liable or financially responsible parties can include contractors and property owners, depending on the circumstances.
Contact Our YMCA Sexual Abuse Lawyers Today
Living with the effects of sexual abuse at a facility that is meant to be a safe and supportive environment can be extremely difficult. At Mahoney Law Firm, our attorneys are dedicated to making the lives of sexual abuse and assault survivors easier.
As your attorneys, we will aggressively pursue justice from all available legal outlets on your behalf. Let us handle the legal side of your case while you focus on healing. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation to learn more.
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