When sending your child to school you hope that they will receive from their teachers and other school personnel the guidance, education, respect and safety that a parent has—and should—come to expect. Indeed, this is likely in part why children often consider their teachers and school officials as respectable mentors that they can trust. Unfortunately, with the advent of thousands of allegations of sexual abuse of minors at the hands of their teachers and other school personnel, it is clear there is also a real opportunity for betrayal and harm.
Sexual abuse within a school setting can have devastating and long-term consequences on children. Outside of the abuse’s clear physical trauma, a child’s academic performance, social engagement, mental health and goals and motivations for their future may be severely jeopardized. Even short-lived abuse at an early age can have these lifelong effects.
School-related abuse can occur through any school official that has contact with your child before, during, and/or after the school day begins. These individuals can include:
- Teachers
- Aides
- Coaches
- Counselors
- Volunteers
- Bus drivers
- District employees in administrative positions
It is reported that the majority of children who have experienced sexual abuse at school do not disclose the abuse until much later in life, if at all. Behavior that could indicate a child is being sexually abused at school includes, but is not limited to: sudden changes in their eating habits, nightmares, acting distracted or distant, exhibiting uncharacteristic aggression and hostility, mood swings, referencing themselves with negative connotations (e.g. “bad” or “dirty”), or refusing to discuss school as often as in the past.
Slater Slater Schulman LLP is dedicated to the confidential representation of survivors of child sex abuse in an educational setting. If you or someone you love has suffered this form of abuse and wishes to file a claim, please contact Slater Slater Schulman LLP for a free, confidential consultation by filling out the form on this page or by calling our office at (800) 251-6990.
