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Essex County Juvenile Detention Center Sex Abuse Lawsuit

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Video Transcript

The Essex County Juvenile Detention Center in New York, New Jersey, the largest youth detention facility in the state, has faced accusations of staff abuse and neglect for years. Now, survivors are stepping forward with lawsuits saying the system allowed child
sexual abuse to happen on its watch. In 2024 alone, survivors filed lawsuits alleging abuse at Essex County and other detention centers, while Disability Rights New Jersey sued the facility for blocking investigations into reports of violence, poor conditions, and
mistreatment. A federal judge later ordered the center to allow this oversight and access to its records.

Survivors of juvenile detention abuse in New Jersey have legal rights and options. First, you can report the individual perpetrator to law enforcement to launch a criminal investigation, regardless of how long ago the harm happened. You may be able to pursue a civil lawsuit against the institution for the harm that you endured. Here at Helping Survivors, we help connect individuals with experienced attorneys who can help explain your rights and legal options. They can also represent you in a case on contingency, meaning there are no upfront costs to pursuing a claim.

Please reach out to us today if you were impacted, have questions, or want to be connected with an experienced lawyer for free.

 

Featured in this Video

Kathryn Kosmides

Survivor Advocate of Helping Survivors