More than 1,200 sexual assault survivors helped since 2023.
More than 1,200 sexual assault survivors helped since 2023.

Montrose Juvenile Hall Sexual Abuse

Montrose Juvenile Hall has seen its fair share of sexual abuse allegations. The facility has faced severe scrutiny along with several other juvenile detention centers in Maryland.

If you or your loved one was a survivor of sexual abuse at Montrose Juvenile Hall, please know that you are not alone. You have legal rights to pursue justice, and our compassionate team is here to provide the support and guidance you need to do so.

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Key Takeaways
  • Montrose Juvenile Hall, located in Maryland, was a state facility for girls under 18 from 1866 to 1988. It provided education, life skills training, vocational prep, and counseling.
  • Numerous survivors have alleged staff sexual abuse, leading to lawsuits after the 2023 Child Victims Act removed the statute of limitations, allowing victims to pursue justice regardless of when the abuse happened.
  • Survivors can file civil lawsuits for emotional distress, physical harm, and mental health treatment. Additionally, attorneys can enhance compensation, particularly in cases of institutional negligence or systemic abuse

What is Montrose Juvenile Hall?

Montrose Juvenile Hall was a state-run juvenile facility located at 5721 Montrose Parkway in Rockville, Maryland. The facility was dedicated to the rehabilitation and reintegration of adolescent females. From its opening in 1866 to its eventual closure in 1988, the center operated under several different names due to administrative changes, including the Montrose School for Girls and the Maryland Industrial School for Girls.

Some of the services provided at Montrose Juvenile Hall included:

  • Life skills development
  • Education and academic programs
  • Vocational training for employment preparation
  • Counseling services to address emotional and behavioral problems, including individual and group therapy

Montrose Juvenile Hall typically catered to young females under the age of 18. The facility was overseen by the State Department of Education and the Department of Juvenile Services.

Sexual Abuse Allegations at Montrose Juvenile Hall

Numerous individuals have come forward with allegations of sex abuse at Montrose Juvenile Hall and other juvenile detention centers in Maryland. One tragic case involved a teenager being hospitalized due to complications from STIs she contracted from alleged repeated rapes at the facility. Survivors of sexual assault and abuse at Maryland juvenile halls have pointed to perpetrators such as correctional officers, nurses, teachers, and counselors.

Juvenile detention centers across Maryland have seen a spike in allegations and lawsuits, especially since the removal of the statute of limitations for these types of claims. The Child Victims Act of 2023 allows individuals to file civil lawsuits at any point following the alleged abuse. Previously, victims were limited to filing until the age of 38. This significant change increases accountability for perpetrators and provides many survivors the opportunity to pursue justice.

Legal Options for Survivors of Montrose Juvenile Hall

Survivors of Montrose Juvenile Hall sexual abuse have the right to seek justice and compensation for the harm they endured. Individuals can report the abuse to law enforcement, the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, or other relevant authorities.

How to File a Civil Lawsuit

Those who experienced sexual abuse at a juvenile detention center can file a civil lawsuit for damages against the perpetrator. They may also be able to hold Montrose Juvenile Hall or another detention center liable for negligence, failure to prevent the abuse, and improper handling of the incident.

Checking Case Validity

To be eligible for compensation, you must first have a case that provides proper evidence and personal implications. Fortunately, for those who reside in Maryland, the state removed the statute of limitations on child sexual abuse cases, and the deadline no longer applies.

Identifying the Proper Court

Most civil suits in Maryland are filed with the district or circuit court. The district court handles cases with a value of less than $30,000, while the circuit court handles more complex and higher-value cases. In some cases involving institutions or the state, the claim may be heard in federal court.

Drafting and Filing

When you file a complaint, you will need to include the allegation, the defendant, and the type and amount of compensation you seek. It is essential to use the correct form. Maryland courts provide numerous online forms.

What Type of Compensation is Available to Survivors of Montrose Juvenile Hall?

Several types of compensation may be available to victims of sexual abuse at a juvenile facility, including damages for emotional distress, physical harm, and other losses.

  • Emotional Distress – Survivors can seek compensation for the physical, emotional, and psychological pain caused by the abuse. This includes long-term trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions that have resulted.
  • Physical Injury Treatment – If the abuse caused physical harm, survivors can seek compensation for medical expenses incurred due to doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, or any other treatments needed to address physical injuries.
  • Mental Health Treatment – Survivors can seek compensation for therapy, counseling, psychiatric care, and other mental health treatments required to heal from the emotional and psychological effects of the abuse.
  • Pain and Suffering – For those whose injuries have an overall impact on their quality of life, pain and suffering damages can compensate for these losses. This can also cover loss of enjoyment of life, physical and emotional pain, and loss of self-esteem.

Understanding the common damages that fall into sexual abuse cases can empower survivors to seek the help they need. For more information on the types of compensation that may be available to you or your loved one, get in touch with Helping Survivors today.

Eligibility for Compensation Under Maryland Law

Survivors of sexual abuse have the right to seek compensation for their suffering. Anyone who has experienced sexual misconduct or harassment at Montrose Juvenile Hall may be eligible for financial recovery based on the damages they have suffered.

Our team can connect you with a knowledgeable lawyer who understands how to thoroughly review your case, accurately calculate damages, and pursue fair compensation. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more.

The Role of an Attorney in Maximizing Compensation

An experienced attorney can identify and pursue all forms of compensation to which the survivor is entitled, including compensatory damages such as pain and suffering and medical expenses, as well as punitive damages to punish the defendant and deter future misconduct.

In cases where the abuse was caused by institutional neglect or systemic failure, an attorney can pursue claims against the institution for its role in enabling or failing to prevent the incident or incidents. This can result in larger compensation packages as the institution may be held liable for the negligence or failure to protect the survivor.

A lawyer can also ensure that long-term damages, such as future medical expenses or loss of earning capacity, are considered and included in the compensation claim. Our team can connect you with a dedicated and compassionate attorney who can navigate your case and answer any questions you may have.

How Can Helping Survivors Assist in Pursuing Justice?

Helping Survivors plays a vital role in assisting survivors of sexual abuse at Montrose Juvenile Hall or another Maryland detention center. We provide legal resources, complimentary consultations, and comprehensive representation to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Allow us to advocate for your legal rights today. Call to schedule a complimentary case evaluation.

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