Sex, It’s Everywhere Even In Our Schools By The Janitors - Pennsylvania Sexual Abuse Lawyers Weigh In
I recently read a story concerning a school janitor convicted of having sex with teenagers in Downingtown West High School. According to news sources, the janitor was a 25-year old former Downingtown West High School quarterback and was convicted on multiple sex offenses against three girls he befriended while working as a janitor at the school.
As a sexual abuse attorney who has prosecuted many sexual assault cases whether they be by physicians, teachers, or clergy, it appears that sexual abuse offenses continue to increase in frequency. As an experienced sexual assault attorney, I notice a common thread that seems to follow through many of our sexual assault cases. These cases typically involve an inappropriate molestation, rape, or assault by a person in a position of perceived power or authority who acts as a predator towards a typically inexperienced and vulnerable younger victim. Typically it involves one of the most atrocious betrayals one can imagine in a religious leader, teacher, or doctor. As a sexual abuse attorney who has personally handled high profile sexual assault cases, I am well aware that these offenses are some of the most insidious and devastating crimes and behaviors to inflict upon a child, adolescent or other person. I personally understand that a sexual assault can easily qualify as one of the most difficult and traumatic situations in a person’s entire life leading to a complete downward spiral and significant and post-traumatic stress disorders. In short, most sexual assault victims have the wind knocked out of their sails in an emotional and physically demonstrative manner often with severe economic and socially adverse consequences.
The events of sexual misconduct by teachers and other school officials, including janitors, continues to be an all too common occurrence that is vastly under reported in both public and private schools. Other investigations have revealed that many educational institutions have historically been very lax about background checks and screening applicants for teaching positions or other employment, including but not limited to janitors and support staff. We have also found that many school districts try to cover up sexual abuse by quietly dismissing a teacher, transferring them, or getting rid of the offending employee.
Our Pennsylvania sexual abuse lawyers recognize such exploitation must not go unpunished. Victims have the legal right to sue the predators who harm them, as well as the institutions that made it possible, didn’t stop it, or tried to hide it. Timing is especially critical when the abuse occurs in a public school as victims typically have a limited period of time to provide notice of their intent to file a lawsuit when the defendant is a government entity. Our sexual abuse lawyers work with a team of caring clinical psychologists and psychiatrists who will perform a confidential case evaluation dedicated to helping victims of sexual abuse. The sexual abuse lawyers of Reiff & Bily have recently joined forces with the legendary Beasley Firm who have collectively been awarded in excess of $2 billion dollars since 1958. Our sexual abuse lawyers have resolved some of the most high profile sexual abuse claims in Pennsylvania and in the United States. For a no obligation, free consultation, please contact us online at www.reiffandbily.com or toll free at 1-800-421-9595.
