New Jersey Training School Sex Abuse Lawsuit

The New Jersey Training School in Monroe Township has operated for more than 150 years. Opened in 1867 and operated by the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission, this facility, sometimes called Skilman or Jamesburg, was supposed to provide structure and care for young boys in state custody. But over the decades, it’s become widely known for countless sexual abuse allegations.

Hundreds of men have come forward as survivors, saying they were abused as children by staff, guards, counselors, and even teachers, some as far back as the 1970s. Survivors have reported a pattern of coerced sexual acts, inappropriate touching, physical threats, and even retaliation for speaking out. Many say administrators either ignored the reports or isolated them to silence the abuse.

In January 2024, 50 former residents filed a lawsuit alleging a decades long culture of abuse. Then in March 2025, over 100 plaintiffs from across New Jersey asked the courts to consolidate their lawsuits into a single mass litigation. 95 of those lawsuits were filed in Middle Sex County, where the training school is located.

If you or a loved one was sexually abused at the New Jersey training school, you still have rights and options, even if the harm happened decades ago. Survivors can file a civil lawsuit against the states or staff, join a class action or mass tort case, report the abuse to the New Jersey Attorney General, the Juvenile Justice Commission, or report to local law enforcement.

New Jersey law allows survivors of child sexual abuse to file a civil lawsuit until age 55 or within 7 years of realizing the emotional harm they suffered. A civil lawsuit can provide compensation for the harm endured to cover medical bills, pain and suffering, and loss of wages. They can also help create policy change within these institutions, such as better background checks and reporting
requirements.

At helping survivors, we can connect you with trauma-informed attorneys who understand the nuances of institutional abuse and will advocate fiercely on your behalf. If you are looking to learn more about your rights and options, reach out to us today for a free consultation.