YMCA Sexual Abuse: Rights & Options
If you experienced sexual abuse at a YMCA, you have legal rights and options, from reporting to law enforcement to filing a sexual abuse lawsuit.
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Author: Kathryn Kosmides
- YMCA sexual abuse is an ongoing problem across the organization’s more than 2,650 locations across the United States. The abuse can be perpetrated by YMCA employees, volunteers, or other participants.
- Individuals who experience sexual abuse at a YMCA can report the conduct to the organization, report it to law enforcement, and might be eligible to file a civil lawsuit to seek monetary compensation for the harm.
- Several individuals have already filed sexual abuse lawsuits against the YMCA. We encourage those who have experienced harm to explore this option.
YMCA Sexual Abuse: History of Allegations
With over 2,650 YMCA facilities nationwide, the organization serves over 4 million U.S. children annually. Its mission is to “strengthen communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.” Like many youth camps and organizations, the YMCA aims to help young people learn, develop skills, and interact with others their age.
While a majority of these children have positive experiences, there have been dozens of reported cases of YMCA sexual abuse over the years—with potentially many more that were never publicized or reported.
Sexual abuse at YMCA facilities has been perpetrated by the following:
- YMCA staff members
- YMCA volunteers
- YMCA event attendees, such as parents of other participants
- YMCA participants, including adults and children
While sexual abuse can happen to adult participants in YMCA programs—they serve over 7 million adult participants each year—a majority of the reported YMCA sexual abuse victims have been children.
Examples of reported child sexual abuse at a YMCA include:
- Sexual grooming
- Child sexual abuse material creation or possession by staff or volunteers
- Inappropriate touching, groping, and molestation
- Recording individuals in dressing rooms without their knowledge or consent
- Sexual assault, including forced oral sex
- Rape
If you experienced any form of sexual abuse by a YMCA staff member, volunteer, or participant, you have legal rights and options to seek justice, healing, and accountability. Helping Survivors is here to help. If you have questions and want to speak to an attorney about filing a YMCA sexual abuse lawsuit, contact us today. We can connect you with an experienced sexual abuse attorney who can explain your rights and evaluate your case for free.
YMCA Sexual Abuse: Legal Rights & Options
Often, children who have experienced sexual abuse do not tell anyone for years and suffer long-term effects from the harm. Whether the harm happened recently or years ago, everyone deserves to understand their rights and options after experiencing sexual abuse.
In general, you have three options:
- File a sexual abuse report with the YMCA organization
- Report the abuse to law enforcement
- File a sexual abuse lawsuit against the YMCA and other relevant third parties
Your ability to pursue these options, especially as it relates to civil or criminal court, will depend on a variety of factors and circumstances, including the civil and criminal statutes of limitations in the jurisdiction where the abuse occurred. Each state has set a deadline for survivors to file a lawsuit over sexual abuse. Each has also imposed a deadline for prosecutors to file criminal charges. These deadlines can be complex and confusing. Some states give as little as two years to take legal action over sexual abuse.
You can always report the abuse to the local YMCA branch and the national organization regardless of how long ago it happened. However, it is best to speak to a legal professional or an advocacy organization like Helping Survivors to learn if criminal charges are still possible or if you are eligible to file a civil lawsuit. Even if you think the deadline has passed, there may be exceptions or recent changes to the law. We can help you understand your rights and evaluate what options are available.
Let’s dive more into each of the options after experiencing YMCA sexual abuse.
Report Sexual Abuse to the YMCA Organization
The YMCA has a legal obligation to investigate any reports of child abuse. Filing a sexual abuse report with the YMCA will trigger an internal investigation, which may result in the termination of the accused employee, volunteer, or participant.
The YMCA provides an online form to report abuse. The organization also requires that sexual abuse or victimization of minors involving YMCA staff, volunteers, members, or participants be reported to local law enforcement. It
Whether the harm happened years ago or recently, we recommend speaking with an experienced attorney before filing a complaint with the YMCA. They can protect your rights and ensure you follow the correct procedures throughout the reporting process.
If you have already filed an internal sexual abuse complaint with the YMCA, we still recommend speaking to an experienced attorney as soon as possible. We can connect you with an experienced attorney today for a free consultation to ensure your rights are protected.
Report YMCA Sexual Abuse by Employee to Law Enforcement
YMCA employees, volunteers, or participants who commit sexual abuse can face criminal charges, which can result in imprisonment.
While many individuals hesitate to report such abuse to law enforcement, we strongly encourage anyone who has experienced sexual abuse by a YMCA staff member, volunteer, or participant to report the abuse if they feel safe doing so.
To report YMCA sexual abuse to law enforcement, you will likely need to visit the police precinct in the jurisdiction where the incident occurred. You can likely call ahead to schedule a time to file a report or walk into the precinct. Law enforcement is legally obligated to take your report—even if they believe the statute of limitations has expired. The report creates an important paper trail that can help others who come forward or support your claims if you take further legal action.
We recommend preparing by documenting what happened, noting who was involved, when it happened, and who may have witnessed it. Also, gather any evidence you can. If the evidence is not in your possession, note potential sources, such as video recordings. You can bring a trusted person to the police precinct for support if desired.
Filing a report initiates a criminal investigation. A prosecutor ultimately decides whether to press charges based on the applicable laws, evidence, and available resources. While an individual cannot press charges, filing a police report is often an important first step in seeking justice, even if criminal charges are not brought against the perpetrator.
File a YMCA Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
Over the last decade, many abuse survivors have filed lawsuits against the YMCA for sexual abuse. A civil lawsuit generally allows an individual to seek monetary compensation for their harm. While no amount of money can undo the trauma endured, those who file sexual abuse lawsuits can use the funds to pay for mental health support, take time off of work, and help them in the healing process. They can also recover compensation for the impacts of the harm on their lives, such as lost economic and educational opportunities, pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
Eligibility to file a YMCA sexual abuse lawsuit depends on various factors. A key determining factor is the civil statute of limitations. If the deadline has passed, an impacted individual can no longer file a lawsuit. Thus, we recommend speaking with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Some states give survivors as little as two years after an incident to file a sexual abuse lawsuit.
Survivors of YMCA sexual abuse have obtained several settlements and verdicts over the years, including the following notable results:
- $65 million awarded by a jury to a woman who was sexually abused for more than 7 years by a YMCA counselor
- $7.5 million jury verdict for a man sexually abused by two YMCA camp counselors in the 1970s
- Undisclosed settlement agreements in two civil cases filed by victims of an Indiana YMCA employee convicted of child molestation
Several YMCA sexual abuse lawsuits are still pending. Meanwhile, if you are exploring a sexual abuse lawsuit against the YMCA, we can connect you with an experienced attorney who will represent you with no upfront costs.
We are here to listen and advocate for you.
YMCA Sexual Abuse in the News
Over the last few decades, there has been a rise in reports of sexual abuse at YMCA facilities nationwide. Many cases have resulted in criminal charges against the perpetrators and civil lawsuits against the YMCA. Below are some cases that have made headlines over the last few years.
Pierce County Boy Awarded $7.5 Million for YMCA Sexual Abuse
An anonymous 56-year-old man filed a sexual abuse lawsuit in March 2022 in Washington state against the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties. He alleged two camp counselors sexually abused him from 1976 to 1979. He accused the camp of a “negligent, reckless, and outrageous failure to protect” him as a young child.
Following a March 2024 trial, the jury awarded him $7.5 million in damages.
FBI identified man accused of sexually assaulting an 8-year-old at Delaware YMCA
In June 2024, the New Castle County Division of Police announced a reward to identify a suspect accused of sexually assaulting a child at the YMCA Hanby Outdoor Center at Chestnut Street and Darley Road in Wilmington, Delaware.
In August 2024, the FBI identified the suspect as Nehemiah Billie J’Len Garcia and charged him with two counts of first-degree rape and two counts of committing a dangerous crime against a minor under 14. He also faces a federal arrest warrant for evading prosecution.
Michael Todd Pegram Criminally Charged & Lawsuits Filed for Sexual Abuse
Michael Pegram was a camp counselor at the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina in the 1990s and early 2000s. He is currently serving a 30-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to charges of first-degree sexual offense and taking indecent liberties with a child.
He was accused of hand-selecting young boys ages 10-14, who he then sexually groomed and assaulted. He allegedly hosted sleepovers, took the boys camping and to the beach, and even picked up male strippers.
Seven now-adult male victims have filed a lawsuit, naming Pegram, the Kernersville Family YMCA, and parent organizations the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina and the YMCA of the U.S.A. as defendants.
Parents Say YMCA Failed to Protect Their Girls from Molestation
Michael Begin served as a teacher’s aide at the YMCA of Greater Louisville, Kentucky. He is accused of inappropriately touching 17 children between the ages of 3 and 8 while working at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School and the Jeffersonville YMCA. He was convicted in 2019 and is currently serving 120 years in prison for 20 counts of level 4 felony child molestation.
Parents of the young victims have filed several lawsuits against the local organization and the local school district. One lawsuit alleges that Begins continued to sexually abuse a girl for nearly two months after the police began investigating him.
Eugene YMCA Worker Sentenced to Prison for Child Sex Abuse
In 2022, Christian Galindo, now 28, pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree sexual abuse of four victims under 10. He is serving 15 years and three months in prison for his charges.
Court documents state that before being hired by the YMCA Eugene in 2019, Galindo had been fired from Head Start and the City of Eugene, Oregon, recreational program due to inappropriate touching of a child. The YMCA Eugene employed Galindo at its after-school care program at Holt Elementary. He was reportedly still employed there during at least one incident.
Jury Awards $65 Million to Niagara County Woman for YMCA Camp Counselor Abuse
An anonymous woman was awarded $65 million in a lawsuit filed under the N.Y. Child Victims Act against a former YMCA Buffalo Niagra counselor—the largest award of its kind in Buffalo. Her suit alleged that James B. Jackson groomed and sexually assaulted her nearly every day over seven years in the 1990s. The woman obtained the verdict against Jackson himself. The woman has also filed a separate lawsuit against YMCA Buffalo Niagra.
The jury awarded her $20 million for pain and suffering, $20 million for future pain and suffering, and $25 million in punitive damages. Unfortunately, it is unclear how much she will collect, given that Jackson is 72 and does not appear to have the financial ability to pay the judgment.
What to Know About Filing a YMCA Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
Sexual abuse can be incredibly distressing and overwhelming, often leaving those harmed with many emotions and questions. We aim to empower survivors by providing guidance, support, and resources to help them move forward with their lives.
We help individuals understand why some choose to file claims, the steps involved in pursuing a civil lawsuit, and the importance of having an attorney experienced in sexual abuse cases by your side.
Any organization, especially one that provides services to children, has a legal obligation to provide a safe environment free from sexual abuse. It is also required to reasonably investigate reports of sexual abuse and take appropriate action to prevent future harm. An organization that breaches its duties or retaliates against the person who reported the abuse can be held liable in a lawsuit.
In general, sexual abuse survivors may seek compensation for the following damages:
- Pain and suffering and related non-economic damages
- Compensation for medical bills
- Compensation for the cost of mental health treatment
- Compensation for lost wages and lost opportunities
- Punitive damages, which aim to punish the defendant and deter future harm
The civil litigation process generally involves several steps. An experienced attorney will take on most of the legal work so you can focus your attention on healing.
In general, the steps to file a lawsuit against the YMCA for sexual abuse include:
- Document the Incident – Record every detail you recall about the abuse and collect any supporting evidence, such as messages or emails. Also consider potential evidence not in your possession, such as video recordings, and individuals you may have told following the incident.
- Consult with an Attorney – Speak with an experienced sexual abuse attorney who handles cases involving organizations like the YMCA. They can explain your options, guide you through the legal process, and advise you about potential outcomes.
- Review & Sign with a Law Firm – Most law firms handle these types of sexual abuse cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they recover compensation for you. This arrangement allows you to pursue justice without upfront costs.
- Law Firm Files Claims Against the YMCA – The process for filing suit varies by state. Your legal team will handle all procedural requirements and legal work, allowing you to focus on your life and moving forward.
- Court Appearances & Requests – If court appearances or filings are required, your attorney will manage them. In many cases, you do not need to attend personally.
- Discovery Process – This phase involves gathering and exchanging evidence, such as incident reports, internal YMCA policies, or records of prior complaints, to build a strong case. Your attorney will also prepare you for a deposition if one is needed. In a deposition, a party or witness provides testimony under oath.
- Settlement Negotiations or Trial – Throughout the case, both sides may negotiate a settlement. If an agreement is not reached, the case might proceed to trial and potentially go before a jury.
While this process may seem daunting, an experienced attorney will handle the majority of the process without you having to worry about the details. They should provide fierce advocacy and trauma-informed representation that puts your goals and interests first.
YMCA Sexual Abuse Lawsuit FAQs
Below, we address common questions from survivors of sexual abuse. If you have specific questions about your experience, we can connect you with an experienced attorney today.
What happens when you file a lawsuit against the YMCA?
While each state’s process for filing a sexual abuse lawsuit varies, the first step generally involves contacting the defendants to make them aware of the filing. From there, your lawyer will file the complaint in the correct jurisdiction and officially serve the named parties with the lawsuit.
After this, the defendants will respond to the claim. The parties will then engage in discovery, which involves the exchange of evidence by the parties.
Does it cost money to file a YMCA sexual abuse lawsuit?
Attorneys experienced in sexual abuse cases generally take them on a contingency basis. Under this arrangement, there are no upfront costs. The lawyer only gets paid if and when they recover compensation for you. They will receive a percentage of the compensation as their fee.
What is the civil statute of limitations for a YMCA sexual abuse lawsuit?
Every state has its own civil statute of limitations for filing sexual abuse lawsuits. Some states give as little as two years to file suit, while others have much longer deadlines.
Over the last few years, many states have also passed laws that have temporarily expanded the civil statute of limitations for sexual abuse lawsuits, such as the New York Adult Survivors Act.
Civil statutes of limitations are complex, especially if they have exceptions and lookback windows that may enable individuals to file previously time-barred claims. Thus, we recommend speaking with an experienced lawyer who can help evaluate your case and circumstances.
We can connect you with an experienced attorney who will evaluate the civil statute of limitations that applies to your case and answer other questions you may have about filing a YMCA sexual abuse lawsuit.
What evidence do I need to file a YMCA sexual abuse lawsuit?
Generally, the burden of proof is much lower in civil cases than in criminal ones. Therefore, it is possible to succeed in a civil case with limited physical evidence or witness testimony.
Given that individuals impacted by childhood sexual abuse often do not tell anyone for years, the evidence is often hard to come by. Even so, many survivors are still able to file and win civil cases for childhood sexual abuse, including YMCA sexual abuse lawsuits.
What types of compensation may I be entitled to if I file a YMCA sexual abuse lawsuit?
A civil lawsuit generally allows a plaintiff to seek monetary compensation for their losses. Compensable damages include medical bills, mental health treatment costs, lost wages, lost educational and economic opportunities, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Additionally, you might be entitled to an award of punitive damages to punish the defendant and deter future harm.
Each case is unique, and results vary. The amount of a settlement or verdict for YMCA sexual abuse depends on a variety of factors, including the nature and severity of the harm, the strength of the case, the extent of the losses, the culpability of the defendant, and more. An experienced attorney may be able to provide an estimate after evaluating the specifics of your case.
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