Boys Scouts of America Sexual Abuse Attorneys in New York

Boy Scouts of America officials maintain that they tracked cases of suspected sexual abuse in the so-called “perversion files” in order to protect the youth organization’s young members and to remove predators from their ranks. However, the release of these files shows how that system failed many times. Some believe the files may have been used more to protect the Boy Scouts brand rather than to protect the children.

In 2012, an Oregon judge presiding over a sexual abuse lawsuit against Boy Scouts ordered the release of more than 1,200 “perversion files” from 1965-1985. The release of those files helped many men who were sexually abused as Boy Scouts to realize that they were not alone. It also revealed the organization’s pattern of woefully inadequate responses to suspected child abuse cases. Many survivors have accused Boys Scouts of America of engaging in a cover-up of the abuse.

More recently, The Los Angeles Times reviewed more than 1,200 files from 1970 to 1991. The review found more than 125 cases from across the nation in which “men allegedly continued to molest Scouts after the organization was first presented with detailed allegations of abusive behavior.” In many cases, BSA officials not only failed to report the abuse to law enforcement, but they even failed to notify parents of the alleged victims.

As the newspaper notes, Boy Scouts has taken several steps to address the issue of sexual abuse. For instance, in 2008, the organization mandated criminal background checks of all volunteers. Also, since 2010, Boy Scouts has required all organization members to report any suspected child abuse to law enforcement. Still, those steps have come too late for countless victims. Additionally, the organization still refuses to release the entirety of its “perversion files” – even though new court cases against the organization may soon force it to do so.

If you or a loved one suffered sexual abuse as a member of the Boys Scouts of America, the attorneys of Powers & Santola, LLP, will help you to seek justice. As a victim, you may be entitled to compensation, including compensation for medical expenses and therapy costs related to the abuse. We stand ready to fight for you.

We have assembled a legal team to focus specifically on childhood sexual abuse cases. The team includes former Special Victims Unit law enforcement officers. They have handled hundreds of sexual abuse cases over the course of their careers. They have a deep understanding of victims, and they know how to effectively investigate these cases.

To learn more about how the New York Child Victims Act may affect your case and to discuss how we can help you, contact us today. You can speak with a member of our legal team in a free and completely confidential consultation.