Rights and Options: Sexual Abuse in New York Juvenile Detention Centers

Sexual abuse in juvenile detention centers is a devastating reality for many individuals who find themselves within this system. These young people are often already in vulnerable positions, only to be harmed further by a system that was supposed to help and heal them. If you or your child has been sexually assaulted while incarcerated in a juvenile detention center in New York, it’s important to understand the legal options available to you.

The first option you have is to report the harm in an official capacity. This should be done with the full knowledge and consent of the impacted individual, as they could fear or actually face further harm or retaliation. Official reports can be filed to the state oversight agency — in this case, the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. You may want to contact RAINN or another hotline for more information prior to officially reporting. This will start an internal investigation into the abuse and may also result in a criminal investigation, although that is not guaranteed.

To start a criminal investigation, which may result in the perpetrator or perpetrators facing criminal charges, a report must be made to law enforcement. We understand that many impacted individuals may be very hesitant to report to law enforcement, and we encourage them to reach out to us or another organization if they have questions or concerns.

Survivors of sexual abuse and their families may also be able to pursue a civil lawsuit. A civil lawsuit can hold the facility accountable for not preventing the abuse or failing to protect the child. These cases can enable individuals to seek financial compensation to cover medical bills, therapy, and emotional distress caused by the harm.

When abuse in juvenile detention centers occurs, specific oversight agencies and facilities can be held accountable for failing to provide a safe environment. It’s important to consult with an attorney who specializes in juvenile detention center sexual abuse cases in New York to understand your legal options.

Seeking legal action can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with the trauma of abuse. If you or a loved one has been sexually abused while incarcerated in a New York juvenile detention center, please reach out to us today. We can help you understand your legal rights and options and put you in touch with an experienced attorney for free. And if they can take your case, there will be no upfront cost to pursuing a civil lawsuit for the harm that happened to you. Please get in touch with us today to learn more.