New Jersey Juvenile Detention Center Sex Abuse Lawsuit

Sexual abuse in New Jersey juvenile detention centers is not just a series of isolated incidents. It’s a systemic issue that’s impacted generations of young people. In 2009, a US Department of Justice report revealed that some New Jersey juvenile facilities had some of the highest reported rates of sexual abuse in the country. The New Jersey training school and the juvenile medium security facility for males stood out with nearly a quarter of residents reporting sexual victimization. Unfortunately, abuse continued long after the report. In just the last year alone, multiple lawsuits and criminal charges have reignited public concern about abuse in these facilities. In January 2024, 50 former residents of the New Jersey Training School filed a lawsuit detailing decades of unchecked abuse by guards and counselors. In October 2024, two senior officers at the Bordontown female secure care facility were criminally charged for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor in their care. And in November, four men came forward to sue a Cumberland County facility, sharing that they were abused as minors between 1986 and 2005. They said they were either too afraid to report or believed that they wouldn’t be believed. If you or someone you know was abused in a New Jersey juvenile detention center, there are legal options available. You have the right to report the abuse to law enforcement. A criminal investigation may lead to criminal charges being pressed against perpetrators. But even if charges are not brought, filing a report creates an important paper trail for you and others. You may also be able to file a civil lawsuit against the individuals and/or the institution that enabled the abuse. Under the New Jersey Child Sexual Abuse Act, survivors can file a civil lawsuit until they turn 55 or within seven years of realizing the harm that abuse occurred. This expanded timeline means that even decades-old abuse cases may still be eligible for legal action. Pursuing a civil lawsuit can provide financial compensation for survivors. This might include costs for therapy, emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment of life, and more. An experienced attorney can walk you through this process, everything from reviewing your case, gathering evidence, and filing to representing you in court or negotiating a settlement on your behalf. If you’re ready to take the next step or just want to learn more, we can connect you with a trauma-informed, experienced lawyer for a free consultation today.