Maryland House of Corrections Sexual Abuse
The Maryland House of Corrections opened in January 1879. The center’s original design was to house convicts sentenced to less than three years’ imprisonment, including both male and female inmates.
However, surfacing allegations of sexual abuse have led to scrutiny over the facility’s supervision, staff screenings, and other administration issues. If you or a loved one experienced sexual abuse at the Maryland House of Corrections, call Helping Survivors today. We can help connect you with an attorney who can assist with a civil claim.
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- Despite no specific cases from the Maryland House of Corrections, similar facilities across the state face serious sexual abuse allegations by staff. The Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023 eliminated the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse claims, leading to over 1,500 lawsuits, with many pending.
- Maryland law criminalizes sexual assault, child sexual abuse, and misconduct by institutional staff, even with apparent consent.
- Survivors can file civil lawsuits to seek damages, including compensation for emotional distress and medical expenses. Key steps involve reporting the abuse, consulting an experienced attorney, gathering evidence, and understanding filing deadlines. Helping Survivors provides guidance and legal resources for victims.
Overview of the Maryland House of Corrections Sexual Abuse Allegations
While no public reports have been made concerning the Maryland House of Corrections, several other similar facilities are facing allegations of sexual abuse, indicating a statewide problem. These allegations range in age groups and types of abuse, including coercion, bribery, physical assault, and neglect. Similarly, the abuse was allegedly carried out by various staff members, such as guards, counselors, nurses, and teachers.
Childhood Abuse
Maryland passed the Child Victims Act of 2023, abolishing the statute of limitations on child sexual abuse claims. As a result, over 1,500 lawsuits have been filed. Additionally, over 4,000 cases are still pending, which could increase the total lawsuits concerning juvenile detention facilities and other centers to more than 5,000.
- Overview of the Maryland House of Corrections Sexual Abuse Allegations
- What Laws Protect Individuals from Sexual Abuse in Maryland?
- What Legal Options are Available for Victims of Sexual Abuse at the Maryland House of Corrections?
- How Can Helping Survivors Assist Victims of Sexual Abuse at the Maryland House of Corrections?
- Want To Speak With A Lawyer?
What Laws Protect Individuals from Sexual Abuse in Maryland?
Maryland provides specific state laws that address sexual abuse, including sexual assault, harassment, and misconduct.
Sexual Assault
Maryland Criminal Law Title 3, Subtitle 3 prohibits sexual assault, specifically under sections 3-303 and 3-304, which provide definitions for forms of this crime. Penalties could include long-term imprisonment and mandatory sex offender registration.
Child Sexual Abuse
Similarly, section 3-602 outlaws sexual acts with a minor, including exploitation of a person under 18 by someone in a position of authority, like a guardian, teacher, or institutional staff member. These crimes are categorized as felony offenses and come with severe consequences.
Sexual Misconduct
Under section 3-314, no sexual acts may take place between inmates and correctional officers, law enforcement, or staff in juvenile facilities. This includes instances where the act was allegedly consensual and emphasizes the inherent power imbalance in these institutional environments.
Statute of Limitations
In 2023, Maryland’s Child Victims Act removed the statute of limitations for civil claims related to child sexual abuse. Through this, individuals can file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrators or the institution, regardless of when the abuse took place.
What Legal Options are Available for Victims of Sexual Abuse at the Maryland House of Corrections?
Individuals who have experienced sexual abuse can initiate a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator(s) and possibly the Maryland House of Corrections for damages such as the following:
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
Call Helping Survivors today to speak with a compassionate member of our team. We can help you find the right attorney to represent you and advocate on your behalf throughout the claims process.
How to File a Maryland House of Corrections Lawsuit for Sexual Abuse
If you are considering filing a lawsuit, it is advisable to first report your concerns to the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. This means submitting a formal complaint regarding the abuse directly to the facility. While this step is not always necessary for every situation, it can be a valuable part of strengthening your case.
To file a lawsuit, you must take several essential steps:
- Report the Abuse to the correct authorities, including the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and local law enforcement. We understand that an experience as traumatic as sexual abuse can make it challenging to report. These situations often come with feelings of shame and fear. Our team can help you navigate the reporting process and ensure you feel informed and protected throughout.
- Consult an Attorney. Find a lawyer who works on civil claims and has experience in the legal realm of sexual abuse cases. While you can file a claim on your own, having an advocate to guide you in your case can make the difference between winning compensation or not. At Helping Survivors, we can connect you to a legal professional who has extensive knowledge of sexual abuse civil claims.
- Understand Filing Deadlines. The statute of limitations was lifted on child sexual abuse cases in Maryland, meaning you have no time limit to file. However, for adult sexual abuse, individuals typically have three years from the date of the incident to file. Exceptions may apply, so it is essential to consult with an attorney who can determine the deadlines applicable to your specific situation.
- Prepare Your Complaint and Collect Evidence. Gather information, such as the defendants’ names, details of the incident, and a list of damages you seek. You will need to gather as much evidence as possible, including medical reports that document injuries from the incident, witness testimonies, and other forms of proof.
How Can Helping Survivors Assist Victims of Sexual Abuse at the Maryland House of Corrections?
When you or a family member experiences something as traumatic as sexual abuse, you may be unsure of where to turn or what your next steps look like. Our compassionate team understands the trials that come with recovery and moving forward with your life.
Helping Survivors is your advocate in seeking justice for sexual abuse. We can help you pursue the compensation you or your loved one is entitled to. Contact our office today to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Want To Speak With A Lawyer?
