Maison Law stands with survivors of sexual abuse at California detention centers, advocating for your legal rights. While a lawsuit can’t completely undo the harm or criminally penalize offenders, we’re dedicated to using all legal avenues to help you. Contact us today for a free consultation to explore all available options to get the maximum financial support available to you under California law.
Legal Options If You Suffered Sexual Abuse at Camp Kenyon Scudder
Taking legal action against Camp Kenyon Scudder is a crucial step in moving forward with your life and protecting your rights. While Camp Kenyon Scudder was closed down as a juvenile detention camp with a slew of others, it still served LA County’s juvenile detention system for several years, during which there were incidents of sexual abuse to you and other incarcerated juveniles housed there.
Filing a lawsuit in open court against an abuser or the government may seem overwhelming, but our team is committed to supporting and protecting you. Here’s how we can help:
- Investigating the incidents of abuse – Thoroughly examining and documenting the instances of abuse to build a strong case.
- Establishing liability – We’ll work with you and our team to put together a timeline of the abuse and then figure out who or what agency is ultimately responsible.
- Gathering and presenting evidence – Collecting relevant evidence to substantiate your claims and presenting it effectively in court.
- Standing up for your rights in negotiations – Advocating for your rights during negotiations to ensure a fair resolution.
Once you decide to move forward, we will file your Complaint in court. A successful claim may potentially recover the following damages:
- Pain and suffering – These damages cover the physical pain and mental suffering you endured or continue to endure due to the abuse.
- Emotional distress – These are meant to address the emotional distress and associated costs stemming from the abuse.
- Medical expenses – These damages cover the costs associated with treatment, ongoing care, and therapy necessitated by the endured sexual abuse.
- Mental anguish – These address expenses linked to therapy and care that focus on the psychological trauma inflicted.
- Loss of companionship or enjoyment of life – These damages address the impact the abuse has had and will continue to have on your ability to build relationships with loved ones, along with the overall effect on your quality of life.
- Punitive damages – In some cases, additional damages could be awarded to penalize the facility for gross or negligent care, serving as a deterrent against future misconduct.
Statute of Limitations
California has a specific timeframe for survivors to file a claim. While normal injury claims have a two-year statute of limitations, the state recognizes the unique impact of sexual abuse.
Assembly Bill 218, also known as the Child Victims Act, extends the statute of limitations for claims involving sexual abuse. Individuals have the opportunity to file a claim for childhood sexual abuse or assault:
- Until the age of 40 or;
- Within 5 years of discovering injury or damage resulting from the abuse, depending on which comes first.
How is Sexual Abuse at Camp Kenyon Scudder Defined?
Throughout California’s juvenile detention and prison systems, sexual abuse remains a serious and ongoing concern. In its time, sexual abuse at Camp Kenyon Scudder and similar juvenile detention camps was influenced by both the camp’s environment and the broader issue at hand. While instances of sexual abuse at Camp Kenyon Scudder weren’t unique, there were various types:
- Physical – Physical sexual abuse is the most common type in this environment, involving non-consensual physical contact like touching, groping, rape, or assault.
- Verbal – Verbal sexual abuse is when someone says sexual things to you that you don’t want to hear, like comments, jokes, or behavior that makes you feel uncomfortable or scared.
- Emotional – Emotional sexual abuse is when someone in charge uses their power to manipulate or pressure you into sexual acts or threatens you if you don’t do what they want.
- Harassment – Non-contact sexual abuse is when someone does sexual things that don’t involve touching you, like showing explicit material, watching you without permission, or harassing you.
- Exploitation – Sexual exploitation is when people in charge at the juvenile detention camp misuse their power to make young individuals do sexual things in exchange for favors or by threatening them.
No matter what kind of abuse you suffered, the law is on your side in California. That said, there are still certain challenges you may face as you enter the legal process. However, with our team by your side, you can meet these challenges and lean on our support.
Other Challenges
Outside of the abuse, there are other unique challenges that present in claims against a public agency like LA County and the juvenile detention system as it relates to sexual abuse:
- Privacy – Keeping your information private is hard during legal matters. Our legal team will work to keep your identity and personal details safe.
- Emotional impact – Talking about the abuse and reliving tough experiences can be really emotional. Our legal team understands this and will be there to support you.
- Establishing credibility – It’s important to show that you and your witnesses can be trusted. The other side might question your story, and our legal team will be ready to defend your credibility.
- Access to evidence – Getting important records, like incident reports or videos, may be hard. Our legal team can figure out the legal steps to get this crucial evidence, even if there’s resistance.
Even with these challenges, it’s important to understand that you have legal rights in California. You don’t need to confront these challenges on your own. Maison Law and our team are here to assist you.
Dependable Support from Maison Law
Maison Law stands by your side if you have experienced sexual abuse at Camp Kenyon Scudder or any other juvenile detention camp in California. We offer personalized assistance and are dedicated to taking actions that hold those responsible accountable for their actions. Contact us today to set up your free, no-obligation consultation with our team.
