More Evidence of Boys Scouts Failing to Protect Kids from Sexual Abuse

By Taylor & Ring | September 5, 2019

The Washington Post recently reported that a Boy Scout identified as S.D., was sexually assaulted hundreds of times by a scout leader. The incidents happened in the 1970s in Pennsylvania. A lawsuit has been filed on behalf of the plaintiff against the Boy Scouts, the Penn Mountains Council, and the alleged abuser.

It is one of many examples of previously unreported sexual assault claims uncovered by the legal advocacy group Abused in Scouting. Per the Post, there are at least 350 people who should have been listed in the “ineligible volunteer files,” but were not. Abused in Scouting has been working to disclose information from those files.

The facts alleged in the complaint

S.D.’s complaint alleges that when he was 12 or 13, back around 1974 or 1975, that he was a victimized by an assistant scoutmaster who “actively groomed young boys under his charge for later sexual molestation.” S.D. alleges that the scoutmaster subjected him to “’hundreds of instances of fondling, hundreds of incidents of oral sexual assault and repeated attempts of anal penetration’ at Camp Acahela, a Boy Scouts retreat in eastern Pennsylvania, as well as at his abuser’s home.”

The Washington Post story continues by stating that Abused in Scouting has collected hundreds (500 were detailed in their review) of allegations of sexual abuse during their time with the Scouts. The investigation into sexual abuse is gathering speed because of concerns that the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is considering filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. S.D. came forward after viewing television ads by the Abused in Scouting organization.

The aims of the litigation are to compensate the victims for these terrible wrongs, to help stop any attempts to cover-up wrongs by other, and to protect new members of the Boy Scouts organization. The BSA says it has reported about 120 people based on the information it has received, and that it is using background checks and screening efforts to weed out any new scout employees who may pose a risk to children.

What to do if you were sexually abused when you were a Scout

Many victims of childhood abuse don’t disclose the abuse until decades later – due to embarrassment, humiliation, fear, and other reasons. For many who do come forward, building a case can be a challenge: the “evidence” may no longer exist, and the statute of limitations may have run out on a claim. We recommend that you call us for help, as we have specific experience working with adult victims of childhood sexual abuse. If you were sexually assaulted, abused, or molested while you were in the BSA, or in any youth organization, we want to help you seek the justice and closure you deserve.

Sexual abuse devastates lives. The experienced Los Angeles sexual abuse attorneys at Taylor & Ring have the experience and resources to help you get justice. We have been fighting for abuse victims for more than 35 years. We understand the trauma you’re going through. For help now, call us at 310.776.6390 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.

Posted in Sexual Abuse