Children are instructed to “tell a trusted adult” if someone touches, speaks to, or makes them feel uncomfortable in some way. Trusted adults should include teachers. But sometimes, the teachers themselves are the ones subjecting the child to these unwanted, criminal sexual behaviors.
This sad reality has gained more media attention in recent years as brave victims have come forward with experiences of abuse at the hands of classroom teachers, coaches, other school personnel, or students.
If you are a victim of school sexual abuse, reach out to a Grand Rapids sexual abuse lawyer from White Law PLLC. Whether your abuser has been exposed and faced criminal charges or is still hiding, you may have grounds to file a claim in civil court, demanding financial justice for the suffering they caused you.
A Grand Rapids school sexual abuse lawyer from our team is ready to stand with you and fight for you. National and local media sources have recognized our exceptional legal services, and we look forward to putting that service to work for you.
Supporting You Through Your Fight
A Grand Rapids personal injury lawyer will take steps to protect your privacy–or your child’s privacy if you are filing a child sexual abuse lawsuit in Michigan –throughout your case. We will also work to settle your case out of court and through a settlement so you do not have to enter a courtroom.
However, if the other side refuses to cooperate through negotiations, your school sexual abuse attorney in Grand Rapids, MI, will be with you through every court proceeding, providing fierce advocacy and protection.
Your Grand Rapids school sexual abuse attorney understands how difficult this fight is for you. Holding abusers accountable is an emotional process. It comes with the cost of reliving your abuse in some ways.
Our team will handle your case with the respect and sensitivity it needs, listening to your story with empathy and patience and acknowledging your suffering. We can direct you to additional sexual abuse groups and resources in Grand Rapids, MI, to support your recovery. Our goal is to help you find some healing through justice.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
The Scope of the Problem
If you do an Internet search or just keep up with the news regularly, you know that school sexual abuse is a widespread, persistent problem. Tragically, there are stories from decades ago and today. The difference is that today, abusers are finally facing exposure and having to answer for their crimes–at least more than they did in the past.
To keep students safe from all sexual violence, the U.S. Department of Education has strengthened the protections provided under Title IX. Despite these efforts, reports of sexual violence in schools continue to increase.
The most recent data collection from the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights showed that nationwide and over a one-year period, K-12 schools reported:
- 13,799 incidents of sexual violence, up 43% from the year prior
- 13,114 incidents of sexual assault, up 42% from the year prior
These numbers reflect incidents in total, comprising abuse at the hands of students along with faculty and staff. Schools are responsible for keeping students safe–even from other students. If your child experienced sexual abuse by another student, connect with a school sexual abuse lawyer in Grand Rapids, MI, for help.
We know how to get our clients the results they need in the toughest legal arenas.
The Numbers on School Sexual Abuse
The Association for the Treatment and Prevention of Sexual Abuse (ATSA) published a more recent survey documenting the Nature and Scope of Educator Misconduct. The study included 6632 participants–recent high school graduates–from several states and asked for their experiences with sexual misconduct in educational settings. Results revealed:
- 11.7% experienced at least one form of educator sexual misconduct during their K-12 years
- 63% of the offenses were by academic teachers
- 20% of the offenses were by coaches and physical education teachers
- 85% of offenders were male
- 72% of victims were female
- Only 4% of victims disclosed their abuse to authorities
In some cases, abuse involved sexual intercourse or oral sex. Other times, students were touched, kissed, groomed, given gifts, received sexual photos or messages, or subjected to sexual comments, and sadly, the study also showed “those who reported misconduct showed significantly more difficulties in current psychosocial functioning than those who did not report educator misconduct.”
A teacher sexual abuse lawyer from White Law PLLC can help you fight to hold these so-called educators accountable for their appalling actions.
We know how to get our clients the results they need in the toughest legal arenas.
Damages Available in a School Sexual Abuse Case
The White Law PLLC team will investigate your abuse claim thoroughly, gathering evidence to prove the offender’s liability. Every case and settlement demand is different. That said, you can expect your school sexual abuse lawyer in Grand Rapids to fight for:
- Medical expenses for any physical injury or condition caused by the abuse
- Counseling expenses and continuing costs if you need extended care
- Emotional and psychological distress
- Income lost during recovery or opportunities lost if effects of the abuse rendered you incapable of earning a living
- Any other abuse-related losses or expenses
Often, victims feel like they are retaking control of their lives by exposing their abusers and take comfort from knowing they have a hand in protecting potential victims from this predator. They also take pride in possibly deterring other abusers from harming others as the potential predators fear similar exposure. You deserve those positive outcomes.
In many cases, schools or school districts bear liability for the abuse as their negligence allowed it to occur and continue. In these scenarios, your demand for justice sends a message to your school district and others–that children must be protected. Your efforts can effect positive change for future students.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
School Sexual Abuse Is Unacceptable
Schools must be safe spaces. Children must be able to learn and grow in healthy environments and under the care of trustworthy educators. If your school failed to provide you with this opportunity, connect with a Grand Rapids school sexual abuse lawyer from White Law PLLC.
Our compassionate, experienced, and aggressive team will work tirelessly to hold your abuser and other negligent parties accountable. We will fight to get you justice and make schools safer for everyone.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.
