Baltimore sexual abuse lawyer Archives -

Helping Survivors of Montrose School Child Sexual Abuse

Posted on November 18, 2024 by Loni Liss

Our client, at the young age of 13 years old, entered the corridors of Montrose School in 1987. He experienced the worst kind of betrayal and child sexual abuse within a system designed to protect vulnerable youth.

Enduring unspeakable horrors at the hands of those entrusted with his care and rehabilitation, our client’s story is not an isolated incident. It reflects pervasive neglect and misconduct within facilities governed by the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS).

Today, The Yost Legal Group stands firm in its commitment to represent survivors of institutional child sexual abuse. We bring justice against those who turned their backs on innocent children and allowed such abuses to occur.

If you are a victim of child sexual abuse, contact an institutional sexual abuse lawyer at The Yost Legal Group. Our legal group is here to support and guide you through filing a claim against the state of Maryland. Our experienced attorneys work closely with survivors of sexual abuse and sex crimes.

Seeking Justice for Survivors of Montrose School Abuse

The Montrose School was established to nurture troubled youth through rehabilitation and education. It was supposed to be a haven where the young could be redirected towards brighter futures.

However, for many individuals like our client, it became a place where nightmares were lived out daily.

Mr. Bowman, an authority figure meant to provide guidance and protection, instead preyed on our client, a vulnerable youth at Montrose. He committed sexual acts so abhorrent that they left lasting scars on many vulnerable youths.

When our client confided in Ms. Hawkins, a staff member at Montrose, about these sexual assaults, what should have been a turning point toward safety instead spiraled into another chapter of exploitation.

Ms. Hawkins abused this trust by starting her own harmful sexual relationship with our client. This worsened his trauma.

These actions show serious problems in institutions meant to protect minors. The Yost Legal Group aims to address these issues by holding these institutions accountable.

Protecting children from sexual predators must always be at the forefront of juvenile detention centers and all children’s organizations.

Maryland Abuse Survivors, Take the First Step

We are helping survivors of Maryland who suffered abuse in an institutional environment fight back.

– Rape in juvenile detention centers

– Sexual abuse in schools

– Catholic church molestation

– Sexual abuse by teachers

– Sexual abuse in public schools

– Sexual abuse in hospitals

– Rape in foster care

Your Voice Matters: Fight Against Abuse in Juvenile Detention Centers

The DJS bears responsibility in this narrative. As a child-serving agency, it has strong authority over juvenile welfare centers like Montrose School. It looks after these children’s lives, including their education, rehabilitation, safety, and well-being.

Yet beneath this umbrella of state-sanctioned control lay opportunities for child sexual abuse that went unchecked until brave survivors stepped forward.

Empowering survivors is crucial for individual healing and systemic change. Each voice raised exposes cracks in institutional armor that must be addressed to reform juvenile justice systems across Maryland—and beyond.

Empowering Maryland Survivors to Claim Justice

By representing child sexual abuse claims against state entities involved in these abuses alongside other government agencies complicit through negligence or active participation—The Yost Legal Group aims to seek justice.

Even though promises were made, children sent to Montrose discovered a deteriorating, overcrowded, and understaffed facility.

They were molested and exposed to a long history of abuse by both staff and other residents, leaving them deeply traumatized. Many suffer to this day from depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Montrose’s institutional failures were notorious well before the Maryland State Legislature closed it in 1988.

Known as an overcrowded holding facility for juveniles, its excessive use of solitary confinement was particularly notorious.

Maryland Juvenile Detention Center Abuse Lawyers

Numerous victims allege they reported the abuse, yet facility administrators took no action. Beyond correctional officers, accusations also involve nurses, teachers, and counselors.

Some juvenile offenders in Montrose reported their abusers coerced them into sexual acts by promising extra food, phone calls, outdoor time, and other incentives. Others described facing threats of violence, solitary confinement, extended sentences, and transfers to more severe facilities.

Montrose School closed in 1988 due to severe issues, including incidents of suicide, self-harm, and both physical and sexual abuse involving staff and students.

Hundreds of Maryland youth at the Montrose School under state care suffered sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. Individuals in positions of trust and authority misused their roles to commit appalling acts of abuse against youth.

Because of the new Child Victims Act, the statute of limitations for sexual assault in Maryland is removed for many. Regardless of how long ago your abuse occurred, we may be able to seek justice and compensation for you.

A Broken Jail System Leads to Years of Trauma

Maryland’s juvenile detention centers have been a breeding ground for abuse rather than rehabilitation. The very institutions meant to protect and reform troubled youth became harbors for predators exploiting vulnerable children.

These facilities were meant to be places of correction and hope. Instead, they continued cycles of victimization. This left deep psychological scars on many young people.

The impact of child molestation extends far beyond the immediate physical violations endured by victims. For many survivors, the psychological ramifications are profound and debilitating.

Trust issues become deeply ingrained, relationships suffer, and self-worth diminishes. Understandably, this has led some victims into lives defined by criminal behavior or even suicide.

Counseling services are available and accessible for those to begin processing their trauma in a safe environment.

In addition to emotional healing resources, legal recourse is pivotal in addressing past wrongs while preventing future incidents. Survivors deserve justice—a validation that what they suffered was wrong.

Justice for Montrose School Abuse Survivors – Free Legal Consultation

If you or a loved one were at the Montrose facility in Maryland and suffered sexual abuse, contact The Yost Legal Group. Our child sexual abuse lawyers will fight to hold your abusers and the failing Maryland juvenile detention system accountable.

Our sexual assault lawyers will work to seek financial compensation for the trauma and abuse you suffered under state care. We will file a lawsuit, provide legal representation to you, and explain the legal process.

If you are a sexual assault survivor and suffered molestation and child sexual abuse in a Maryland juvenile detention center, contact our law office for help and guidance. We offer a 100% free consultation.

Contact us at 1-800-967-8529 or fill out the form, and we will contact you shortly. If someone sexually victimized you, that was not your fault. We will file a child sexual abuse case on your behalf.

The Yost Legal Group Does Not Charge Anything Upfront.

Our child abuse lawyers will listen to your story and represent you without you having to pay anything in advance. We get paid after we settle your case. If there is no recovery, no legal fees or expenses are due.

Sexual Abuse Lawyer – Child Sexual Abuse Attorney – Sex Abuse Lawyer

Catholic Church Sexual Abuse and the Path to Justice

Posted on February 1, 2024April 5, 2024 by Loni Liss

The unwavering trust and faith that congregants once had in the Catholic Church has been shaken by disturbing reports of abuses committed within their ranks. Catholic Church sexual abuse has traumatized so many children and families throughout Maryland.

The institutional coverup against the molestation of thousands of children extended over decades. In no place were these abuses more deeply ingrained than the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

Our compassionate team of lawyers is here for church sexual abuse survivors. We are committed to giving individuals a platform to be heard and a safe place to share their stories.

Time is limited for you to seek justice against the harmful actions of trusted clergy. You can contact The Yost Legal Group at 1-800-967-8529 for a confidential conversation to understand your rights.

A Legacy of Betrayal: The Archdiocese of Baltimore Scandal

The recent revelations from the report on the Archdiocese of Baltimore expose a disturbing truth.

Those meant to protect and serve have instead enabled and sheltered abusers, betraying the trust of their parishioners and tarnishing the sanctity of the Church.

For more than 80 years, a sinister culture of secrecy enabled a horrifying sequence of events to unfold. The survivors, burdened by the truth they carried, have endured many difficulties due to their trauma.

Our compassionate sexual abuse lawyers are committed to helping you through an essential part of your healing. You can take back your power by standing up and fighting back to make the Church accountable.

Survivors Sharing Their Stories of Abuse in Maryland

As a survivor of the Church’s betrayal many have lived with deep emotional scars. Many survivors have revealed that our confidential sanctuary is the first place they have shared their stories.

At The Yost Legal Group, our unwavering commitment is to listen, guide, and support. Your experience is significant. Together, we can bridge the gap between silent suffering and the start of a new beginning that belongs entirely to you.

A Beacon of Hope on the Road to Redemption

As dedicated lawyers representing survivors of Catholic church sexual abuse, we provide support and guidance.

Our approach goes beyond legal advocacy. We are empathetic as we fight for the rights that were violated by an institution led by coverups and greed.

You have a right, a voice, and a chance to be heard. Our role is to guide you through your legal options, explain the claim process, and provide support.

You do not have to pay anything upfront when we make your claim. We will handle your case on a contingent fee basis. We only get paid after we reach a financial recovery for you. And if there is no recovery, no fees or expenses are due.

We will fight tirelessly on your behalf. Please know that you are not alone; we stand as allies in your pursuit of a restored sense of self and justice.

Embracing Your Right to File a Claim: Time is of the Essence

Time is running out for survivors seeking to hold the Archdiocese accountable. Time is of the essence, as this window of opportunity is shortening because the Church filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy.

For the brave survivors ready to take the next step, our doors are open to you. By making a confidential claim, you shine a light that validates your own truth and can potentially spare future innocents from similar ordeals.

Moving Forward with Unyielding Resolve

We recognize that this path is personal and unique. Our role is to walk it with you, providing strength in unity.

Your story, your church abuse claim, and your pursuit of justice are catalysts for change. We applaud you and your strength for standing up against your abuser and demanding change and accountability.

The Time for Action Is Now

We hope you take the vital step of contacting us for a free, confidential consultation.

Your voice has the power to break the cycle of abuse and ensure those responsible for perpetuating this unacceptable legacy are held accountable.

We stand ready to champion your cause, convey empathy without judgment, and be a steadfast ally in your journey.

It is time to act. It is time to seek the justice you deserve. Contact our dedicated team at 800-967-8529.

If you or a loved one was molested by any member or employee of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, you have a right to file a claim. You have a chance to come forward now to tell your truth in a safe, confidential environment. If you have any questions at all about the process of filing a claim, please give us a call. We would be happy to explain everything to you without any obligation.

The Voice of a Survivor of Church Sexual Abuse in Baltimore

Posted on January 19, 2024April 5, 2024 by Loni Liss

Rebecca was a sweet 14-year-old little girl in the 8th grade when she was violently raped and sexually assaulted. The sexual abuse and rape happened while she was in school at St Peter Clavers Catholic School in Baltimore. They told her that the church sexual abuse was her fault.

Life has been very challenging for our client. She had to fight internal demons her entire life just to get from one day to the next. She didn’t realize until recently that the abuse she sustained as a young girl was not her fault.

Sadly, Rebecca carried the trauma of her childhood sexual abuse throughout her life, like many other survivors. Now, 50 years later, she has hired The Yost Legal Group to file a claim on her behalf against the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

Rebecca is standing up and speaking out by writing poems about the abuse. She is extremely shy but has found her voice through her writings. Here is a poem Rebecca wanted to share.

The Catholic Church allowed the sexual abuse of thousands of children.

Rebecca’s Poem, A Survivor’s POINT OF VIEW

It was such an honor serving next to God’s right-hand man.

They taught us all we know about being a devoted Catholic.

We served as altar boys. We did folk masses and then the long-awaited confirmation.

But through it all, you taught us something else.

You said we should be honored to be selected.

At first, you touched us. You knew what to do and where to touch.

You said we know you were doing the right thing because it feels good.

We were confused. What is this you are doing? How could this be right?

But you kept coming. You kept touching and exploring.

We complained. We don’t want to do this. But you insisted that we should be honored.

God chose us. We are special. But you can’t tell anyone.

Then you wanted us to touch you. This can’t be right.

But you know best. You’re an adult. You are next to God.

What do we know? We are just kids. You are here to take care of us, right?

Then it happens. We are violated in the ultimate way.

It hurts so bad. We beg you to stop. We cry to no avail.

Then it’s over. You tell us this is our little secret.

Little do we know you’ll be back for more and more.

Why do we feel so dirty and bad? We can’t stand to look at ourselves.

We can’t concentrate. How can we face our parents? If they knew, they would disown us.

This secret is killing us, but we can’t tell. We are wrong. We are bad.

We wish we could just disappear. We’re not fit to be in this world.

Life sucks.

Now we are older. The abuse has stopped, but the pain lingers on.

We haven’t told anyone. He got away with it.

He ruined our lives. We suffered unnecessarily, and for what, your pleasure?

We trusted you. We put our lives in your hands.

You hurt us in more ways than one, and you’re not even sorry.

You teach us to atone for our sins, to confess to God.

When will you? What penance will you do for your sins? 10 Hail Mary’s?

You were wrong. You owe us compensation and restitution for our pain and suffering.

You also owe us your solemn oath that this will not happen again.

All of you let this happen, but no more.

If the Catholic Church is for real, then they will take steps to ensure our safety and not cover up wrongdoing.

As for us, pray for us that we will heal. In fact, now that the secret is out, that is the beginning of healing.

We know now. We are not dirty. We are not bad.

We were victims but are now survivors and productive members of society.

We are united. You can no longer hurt us, and we are determined that you will not hurt anyone else.

We are strong, and we are one.

—- By Rebecca W.

Let The Yost Legal Group File a child sexual abuse claim on your behalf.

The church enabled the child sexual abuse of thousands of children over the last 75 years. At The Yost Legal Group, our church sexual abuse lawyers are fighting back for all survivors to seek justice and financial compensation.

Rebecca, along with many other men and women, has hired The Yost Legal Group to file a claim against the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Our sexual assault lawyers will fight back against the injustice of the church molestation.

It is time to come forward and tell your story. Because of the bankruptcy, time is running out for you to file a claim. If you were molested at church, our caring and compassionate child sexual abuse lawyers can help you.

By telling your story, you can help prevent other children from suffering abuse.

If you were sexually abused at church, in school, or at an after-school program connected to the Archdiocese of Baltimore, call us at 1-800-967-8529.

We are here to listen to your story and fight for the justice you deserve.

Free Legal Consultation to Discuss Church Sexual Abuse Claims.

It will NOT cost you anything to discuss your case. We do not charge anything upfront. In fact, you do not need to pay us anything until after we settle your case. And if there is no settlement, there are no fees or expenses due.

The Yost Legal Group is honored to represent Rebecca and all survivors of child sexual abuse by the church.

School District Pays $3.9 Million in Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

Posted on July 27, 2023July 27, 2023 by Loni Liss

Lawsuit Won for Failing to Stop Abusive Paraeducator

The Tahoma School District recently paid a sexual abuse survivor $3.9 million to resolve a child sexual abuse lawsuit. The School District negligently continued to employ Bryan Neyers, a former para-teacher, after receiving allegations that he was sexually abusing and grooming students.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of a student in January 2022 in King County Superior Court. The sexual abuse lawsuit alleges that the student was sexually abused when he was between 5 and 7 years old by a paraeducator. The molestation took place in Tahoma Elementary School’s Early Enrichment Program.

The alleged sexual abuse occurred between 2018 and 2020. The man faces child rape and molestation charges involving three young boys and first-degree rape charges involving a fourth child.

Neyers began working at Tahoma Elementary School in 2015. Within a year, the Maple Valley school district started receiving reports about Neyers’s concerning behavior, such as a lack of boundaries with students.

School officials did not meet with Neyers to address his behavior until June 2018. Even with that meeting, they still failed to take proper actions to address the issue, according to court documents.

If you or a loved one is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse in a school or other educational setting, you may have a case under Maryland’s new law. If you are ready to talk, we are here to listen. Call The Yost Legal Group for a free and confidential consultation at 1-800-967-8529.

Protecting Children from Sexual Abuse: Understanding the Grooming Process

When it comes to sexual abuse, understanding the grooming process is crucial. In certain cases, grooming can be an independent intentional tort requiring a child sexual abuse attorney to prove damages.

Grooming serves as a warning sign, providing organizations and caregivers an opportunity to intervene and prevent the abuse from happening. Grooming often comes before the act of physical abuse. The grooming process usually has three stages:

Isolating: Most children know the importance of not accepting rides from unfamiliar adults. However, when the adults are a coach, teacher, sponsor, or other such person, a child might hesitate to refuse.

The adult may tell children they have special abilities and would benefit from one-on-one coaching or tutoring. Many children do not say no. Furthermore, many organizations allow such behavior, and caregivers do not see the red flag.

Gaining Trust: Over time, the one-on-one sessions can become more intimate. This intimacy is usually two-way. Groomers share secrets with children or, at least, makeup secrets to further gain trust. The transition could take a few weeks or a few years.

Frequently, the groomer also buys gifts for the targeted child. Inappropriate comments or activities usually begin at this point as well.

Concealing and Controlling the Relationship: One of the gifts might include a phone or other communication device. Inappropriate comments and activities escalate, usually accompanied by a “Don’t tell anyone about this.” Examples of these activities include photographing a child in a dance costume or playing with a child and “accidentally” touching the child’s genitals.

Fight back against child sexual assault with The Yost Legal Group

The most significant standalone grooming case to date might be 2011’s United States vs. Chambers (No. 09-3654). A jury convicted the defendant of violating the federal enticement statute.

Chambers argued that, although he chatted with an undercover agent for several months, he did not intend to meet “the girl,” nor did he take a substantial step toward meeting her.

The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals disagreed, noting that “child sexual abuse can be accomplished by several means and is often carried out through a period of grooming.”

The court recognized that grooming refers to deliberate actions taken by a defendant to expose a child to sexual material. The defendant’s ultimate goal is to form an emotional connection with the child and reduce the child’s inhibitions to prepare the child for sexual activity.

The burden of proof in criminal court is beyond any reasonable doubt. The burden of proof in civil court is much lower. In that sense, even just a little evidence of grooming goes a long way.

What are the kinds of sexual abuse?

Grooming a child is just one form of sexual abuse. It is also worth noting that “abuse” is different from “assault.” Only some forms of sexual abuse involve physical contact.

These kinds of abuse include:

Verbal: Crude jokes might be the most common form of verbal sexual abuse. Many of these abuse survivors do not speak up.

Usually, because they are afraid of the social or relational consequences of speaking up. One or two isolated incidents might not be actionable. But a pattern of conduct is a tort.

Ritualistic: We move from perhaps the most common form of sexual abuse to maybe the most uncommon form. Nevertheless, ritualistic abuse happens, and it hurts. Making matters worse, many survivors are brainwashed to accept things like incest rituals, genital mutilation, child marriage, and chants during abuse.
Visual: Unwanted exposure to explicit images is sexual abuse. Children cannot simply change the channel. Instead, they must bear the harmful consequences of uninvited exposure to sexually explicit photos, sexting or airdropping, and exhibitionism or flashing.
Physical: Examples of physical sexual abuse include non-consensual cornering, tickling, kissing, excessive cleaning of genitals, touching, fondling, physical restraint, enemas, invasion of privacy, and stalking. Disproportionate power relationships (teacher and student) influence the potential for physical sexual abuse.

The impact of child sexual abuse causes long-lasting mental and physical injuries such as Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The cumulative effects of this type of stressful situation on child sexual abuse survivors can alter brain chemistry.

The resulting imbalance causes symptoms like anger, depression, and hypervigilance. Any form of child sex abuse or sexual violence against a child is unacceptable. These acts on young athletes by sports coaches, or sexual contact by a YMCA employee all must be brought to justice.

Is an organization responsible if the abuse happened at their location?

Individuals are criminally responsible when they sexually abuse children. But criminal cases usually do not compensate victims. To obtain the compensation victims need and deserve, an experienced sexual assault lawyer typically uses the negligent supervision theory.

Organizations negligently supervise employees when they do not adequately investigate misconduct allegations or do not properly follow through on such allegations.

Unfortunately, many organizations do not take abuse allegations seriously, especially in non-violent sexual abuse cases. Instead, they sweep things under the rug. The Baltimore Catholic Church ignored such allegations for decades. That is the main reason Maryland lawmakers abolished the statute of limitations in these matters.

Sadly, organizations like the YMCA, the Boy Scouts, and Foster Care are all breeding grounds for pedophiles. These investigations must be transparent, efficient, and thorough. Then, when investigations end, organizations must take appropriate action based solely on the facts uncovered.

Contact a compassionate child sexual abuse lawyer

Under Maryland’s new law, childhood sexual abuse survivors are entitled to significant compensation. If you or a loved one was sexually abused by a teacher, guidance counselor, or other school faculty or staff, you may have a case.

For a free and confidential consultation with a compassionate childhood sexual abuse lawyer, call The Yost Legal Group today: 1-800-967-8529. You can also click this link to fill out a form online, and someone will contact you shortly.

Looking for signs of child sexual abuse is one indicator. If you think the Department of Education isn’t taking your complaint about harm to your child seriously, contact us. If your child was abused by a coach, we are here to help.

We should take sexual abuse in public schools vs. the catholic church very seriously. We must hold these organizations accountable.

Athlete Sexual Abuse Lawyer – Foster Care Sexual Abuse Lawyer – School Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Teacher Sexual Abuse Lawyer – Therapist Sexual Abuse Lawyer – Boy Scouts Sexual Abuse Lawyer

YMCA Sexual Abuse Lawyer – Athletic Trainer Sexual Abuse Lawyer

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