New York Youth Camp Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Although most youth and summer camps are safe places to send your children, some of them are unfortunately targets for sexual abuse. In the past 55 years, more than 500 cases of sexual abuse have been reported to have occurred in youth camps across the country.
If you or a loved one is a survivor of sexual abuse at a youth camp, contact Manly, Stewart & Finaldi today to discuss your case. We understand the pain and stress associated with abuse, and we can help you pursue the compensation and closure necessary to make a full recovery.
Why Choose Us?
- We have more than 20 years of experience representing survivors of sexual abuse in you camps.
- We have experience successfully litigating against larger corporations such as churches, schools, camps, and other organizations – and we will not hesitate to take them to court if it is necessary.
- We understand the difficulty of facing this situation, so we maintain all respect and privacy for our clients, including keeping your identity 100% confidential if requested.
Our firm is dedicated to giving you the service and representation necessary to help you make a full recovery in this trying time.
Why Do You Need a Lawyer?
An experienced New York sexual abuse lawyer can be invaluable to your case against a youth camp. Sexual abuse cases involving children can often be difficult to navigate and litigate due to their sensitive nature. An attorney with knowledge in such matters can provide a proper course of action to facilitate a persuasive case against the at-fault parties – while still remaining respectful and supportive of the survivors involved.
Additionally, organizers of youth camps may be difficult to negotiate with, due to their size and legal prowess. A dedicated attorney can correspond with these organizations on your behalf, seeking the compensation necessary to start your journey toward healing and recovery.
Signs of Sexual Abuse in Children
It may be difficult to determine whether a child is a survivor of abuse at a camp, especially if they are younger. They may not be able to effectively communicate their experiences, or otherwise may not seem too different. However, there are some key signs to look out for that may indicate abuse has occurred.
- Your child regresses back to behaviors he or she had when younger. This includes bedwetting, thumbsucking, and nightmares.
- He or she may exhibit signs of separation anxiety or develops fear or anxiety of certain people or places.
- He or she refuses to discuss any experiences they may have had while at camp.
- He or she has sudden changes in behavior after the camp, such as bouts of anger or fear.
- He or she may begin playing with their toys and/or friends in more adult, sexually inappropriate ways.
In older children and adolescents, other signs may develop that are closer to adult behaviors. This includes:
- Depression and anxiety
- Self-harm
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Fear of intimacy
- Attempts to commit suicide
- Sudden sexual promiscuity
If any of these signs develop into a pattern of behavior, please contact the proper authorities and speak to an attorney about your next steps.
Who Can Be Held Accountable?
Camp counselors and other authority figures associated with the camps or programs have a responsibility to ensure the safety of children participating in their program. Camp counselors, along with other management authorities involved in acts of sexual misconduct, can be liable for sexual abuse. Other parties who knew of the misconduct and failed to report it can also be liable in the case. Additionally, the company who organizes the camp may also be liable for hiring the staff that engaged in the despicable activities.
Contact Our Law Firm Today!
If you or a loved one is a survivor of sexual abuse at a youth camp, we want to let you know that you are not alone. Contact Manly, Stewart & Finaldi today, and let us help you on your journey to recovery and healing. Although we understand that financial compensation may not directly help your situation, it can be a means towards the treatment necessary for healing – while also holding those parties who are at fault accountable for their careless actions. Call us today, and schedule a confidential consultation as soon as possible.