Recent lawsuits have surfaced against Four Winds Hospitals, located in Saratoga Springs and Katonah, New York, accusing the psychiatric institution of widespread sexual abuse involving minors under their care. Two dozen lawsuits have been filed, detailing horrific abuse allegations that date back from 2000 to 2023.
The lawsuits allege that staff members at Four Winds engaged in sexual abuse, coercing vulnerable children into acts of abuse while they were patients at the facility. Many plaintiffs were minors at the time, with one as young as six. The abuse reportedly took place in hospital facilities designed to care for children, adolescents, and adults with mental health challenges.
Allegations of Abuse by Staff and Cover-up
According to an attorney representing the plaintiffs, the victims were allegedly subjected to threats, including being told they wouldn’t be able to leave, that no one would believe them, or that they were “crazy.” These tactics were reportedly used to silence victims and trap them in a vulnerable position. Some victims recounted physical abuse, including incidents where staff allegedly groped minors while they were in the shower.
These allegations emphasized the horrors of the situation, explaining that these children, already struggling with mental health difficulties, were made to endure even more suffering under the care of the people who were supposed to protect them.
“The thought of being trapped in a facility like that – already suffering mental health difficulties and being trapped in a facility like that with your abusers – it’s just horrific,” the attorney stated.
Four Winds’s Response
Four Winds Hospitals have filed responses denying the allegations and calling for the dismissal of the complaints. While the cases are still in the early stages, the plaintiffs are working to gather more evidence and support for their claims. As part of their legal efforts, Long and her team are investigating records and public reports to corroborate the plaintiffs’ testimonies.
A spokesperson for the Saratoga Springs Police confirmed that abuse reports have been made, but due to the involvement of minors, they could not release specific details on the investigations.
Additional Allegations and Investigations Into Four Winds
The lawsuits are not the only concerning revelations surrounding Four Winds. Court documents filed in Westchester County mentioned an investigation into the rape of a 10-year-old at the Gatehouse Cottage at Four Winds Westchester. Additionally, a previous case in 2017 involved a former employee of the Katonah location, Dominic Sbordone, who was prosecuted for sexually abusing a 19-year-old patient.
Four Winds, which provides both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services, is under increasing scrutiny. The facility is accused of failing to adequately supervise staff members and failing to act on previous allegations of abuse.
Take Action Against Four Winds Psychiatric Hospital
If you or someone you know has experienced abuse at Four Winds Hospitals or any similar facility, it’s important to know that you have the right to pursue justice. Survivors of abuse, even if they haven’t stepped forward yet, are entitled to seek accountability for the trauma they’ve endured. At Helping Survivors, we can connect you with experienced attorneys who specialize in cases involving abuse in juvenile facilities and mental health.
At Helping Survivors, our team of legal professionals is ready to offer free, confidential consultations. We can help you understand your legal rights and guide you through the process of holding those responsible accountable for their actions. Don’t wait — take action today to ensure justice is served.
