Pennsylvania Juvenile Detention Center Abuse
Video Transcript
In today’s video we’re addressing a deeply troubling issue plaguing juvenile detention centers across Pennsylvania: sexual abuse of incarcerated youth.
Despite being designed as rehabilitative spaces, these facilities have become sites of severe and ongoing abuse allegations spanning sexual harassment, unnecessary strip searches, and sexual assault with reported victims as young as ten years old.
Pennsylvania incarcerates juveniles at a rate higher than the national average. Many of these young people are first-time offenders, considered low-risk for reoffending. Yet, instead of support and guidance, they face environments riddled with abuse and retaliation.
The systemic issues have spurred over 200 sexual abuse lawsuits in the last year and calls for major reforms for these facilities by former incarcerated youth and their families.
If you or someone you know experienced any form of sexual abuse by Pennsylvania juvenile detention center staff members, whether at a privately-run or government-operated facility, you have legal rights and options.
You can report to the local oversight agency, The Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services (BJJS) which can trigger an internal investigation against specific employees. You can file a report with law enforcement – although we understand how this may be difficult for individuals to do given their likely mistrust in the system given their circumstances.
You can also likely file a lawsuit against the facility, county and other relevant third parties to seek monetary compensation for the harm that happened to you. While no amount of money can undo the harm that happened, it can help pay for mental health support and enable you to start the healing process.
We can connect you with an experienced juvenile detention center abuse lawyer who can provide a free consultation to help you evaluate your rights and options. If you choose to move forward in filing a lawsuit against a Pennsylvania youth detention center, they can represent you on contingency – meaning there are no upfront costs to filing a lawsuit and pursuing justice and accountability.
We’re here to help all survivors of sexual abuse – please get in touch today.
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