Sexual abuse of children is one of the worst crimes imaginable and there are many people in Connecticut who have been victimized and suffered lifelong aftereffects from it. This is a matter that will affect a person not just physically, but emotionally as well. With the number of high-profile cases involving people who were arrested and convicted of child sexual abuse, a greater number of people are choosing to come forward with their own stories of abuse.
One case that has been in the spotlight for several years involves former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky. Those who have been victims of abuse should pay attention to this case to grasp how extensive the damage can be and how they can file a case. Two men who were administrators at the university, the former athletic director and the former vice-president admitted that they mishandled the allegations against Sandusky. The two men, ages 62 and 67, are facing jail time for their admissions. In addition, the former president of the university, 68, was charged. His case is ongoing.
The men did not adequately address a graduate assistant reporting that he had witnessed Sandusky committing abuse on a child while in the locker room shower. The men failed to adhere to the law when they did not report the incident to law enforcement or child welfare. Due to that failure, more children were abused by Sandusky including another one in the shower at Penn State. In a report by the former director of the FBI, it was determined that former head coach Joe Paterno and the other administrators kept the allegations quiet because they were worried about negative publicity.
The university has paid settlements of $93 million to 33 people who stated they were victims of sexual abuse at his hands. The litany of offenses and acts that contributed to the cover up with so many young people facing abuse is not unusual. In the U.S., there are approximately 39 million people who were sexually abused as children. 14 percent of people in Connecticut have reported being abused. While a financial settlement or judgment cannot erase the scars that accompany victims there of sex abuse, they have a right to be compensated and force the abuser and anyone who helped to cover up the crimes to be held responsible. It is important to call as soon as possible due to the Connecticut law that a victim will have 30 years after the age of adulthood – generally until age 48 – to file a case. A caring and experienced legal professional can help with pursuing compensation in a lawsuit.
Source: foxnews.com, “2 Penn State ex-administrators plead guilty in Jerry Sandusky abuse case,” March 13, 2017
