The effects of childhood sexual abuse may persist long into adulthood. Along with having tangible costs related to treatment, they can decrease your overall quality of life.

Survivors are much more likely to report mental health diagnoses like depression and anxiety. Childhood sexual abuse can lead to eating disorders, substance use disorders, dissociative patterns, and other emotional or behavioral symptoms that can interfere with school and work. Some survivors also experience chronic or diffuse pain, predominately in the abdomen or pelvic area, that can be difficult to effectively treat. Between the loss of opportunity and productivity and the need for mental healthcare on top of help with any physical effects of the abuse, researchers estimate sexual abuse may cost survivors hundreds of thousands of dollars. 

You deserve the chance to recover this compensation, especially if you have not been able to access the care you need to help you move forward. We can negotiate with the YMCA and your abuser to secure a fair settlement or take your claim to court if they refuse to deal with you fairly. 

Holding Harmful Individuals and Organizations Accountable Can Prevent Abuse

With more survivors speaking up, we are learning how big the YMCA sexual abuse problem is—and how recent some of the transgressions. It’s clear the YMCA needs to clean house to ensure there are no abusers in its midst and implement policies to ensure those it hires or accepts as volunteers will not take advantage of their position to harm children.

Unfortunately, organizations tend to resist making such changes, either because they do not want to bear the cost or because some individuals near the top of the hierarchy benefit from lax policies and enforcement. We think it’s likely the only way to force the YMCA to change is by taking the organization to court. Between the negative press and the cost of lawsuits and settlements, we hope to make it more expensive for the organization to continue as it is than to make the much-needed changes. 

I’m Worried About My Child 

If you believe someone at the local YMCA has assaulted your child, you can and should take action. Our attorneys are here to help you understand your rights and legal options. Holding abusers who are currently in the organization accountable can not only protect your child but also others that person may have come into contact with.

Childhood sexual assault can leave children feeling unsafe and angry. They may not know who to trust. Some may blame themselves for the assault, especially if the individual who took advantage of them is someone they look up to and trust. 

Signs of childhood sexual assault include:

• Developmental regression
• Aggressive or otherwise out-of-line behaviors
• Distress at separation from caregivers or other trusted adults
• Withdrawal or avoidance of situations that might cause stress
• Emotional numbness
• Losing track of time and days
• Panic attacks
• Self-harm
• Substance use

We can connect you to resources to help you care for your child and keep them safe. Then, we can investigate the YMCA to identify an abuser and/or find evidence of their crimes.