As parents, we trust schools to provide a safe and nurturing environment for our children. Unfortunately, school sexual abuse cases are not uncommon, and they can have devastating effects on both the victim and their family. If your child has been a victim of sexual abuse at school, it is important to take action as soon as possible. At Babin Law, LLC our Ohio school sexual abuse lawyers can help you navigate the legal system and seek justice for your child. Contact us today for your free consultation with our Ohio school sexual abuse attorneys.
What is School Sexual Abuse?
School sexual abuse refers to any form of sexual misconduct that occurs in a school setting involving a student and an adult in a position of authority or trust, such as a teacher, coach, counselor, or administrator. This type of abuse can take many forms, including unwanted touching, sexual assault, sexual harassment, grooming, and exploitation. School sexual abuse can have long-lasting and profound effects on the victim, including emotional trauma, physical injury, and academic and social problems. It is important for victims to speak out and seek justice, and for schools to take proactive measures to prevent and respond to sexual abuse allegations.
Types of School Sexual Abuse in Ohio
There are various types of school sexual abuse that students can experience. Some of the most common forms of school sexual abuse in Ohio include:
- Grooming: This refers to the process by which an adult builds trust with a child in order to exploit them sexually.
- Sexual Harassment: This involves unwelcome sexual advances or comments that create a hostile or intimidating environment for the student.
- Sexual Assault: This involves any unwanted sexual contact, including rape or other forms of sexual violence.
- Exploitation: This involves using a position of power or trust to manipulate a student into sexual activity.
- Child Pornography: This involves the production or distribution of pornographic images or videos of minors.
- Sexting: This involves the sending or receiving of sexually explicit messages, photos or videos.
Harms from School Sexual Abuse in Ohio
The harms from school sexual abuse can be both physical and psychological, and they can have long-lasting effects on the victim’s well-being. Here are some common harms that can result from school sexual abuse:
- Physical injuries: Sexual abuse can result in physical injuries such as bruises, cuts, and sexually transmitted infections.
- Emotional trauma: Victims of school sexual abuse may experience a range of emotional trauma, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicidal thoughts.
- Academic problems: Students who have experienced sexual abuse may struggle with school attendance, concentration, and academic performance.
- Relationship problems: School sexual abuse can damage a victim’s ability to trust others, leading to difficulties in forming healthy relationships.
- Substance abuse: Victims of school sexual abuse in Ohio may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way of coping with their trauma.
- Sexual dysfunction: School sexual abuse can result in sexual dysfunction later in life, including difficulties with intimacy, arousal, and orgasm.
Examples of School Sexual Abuse Cases in Ohio
There have been several cases of victims recovering from school sexual abuse in Ohio. Here are some examples:
- In 2019, a former student of a Columbus City Schools teacher was awarded $3.25 million in damages after a jury found that the teacher had sexually abused the student in his classroom. The teacher was sentenced to 43 years in prison for his crimes.
- In 2020, a former student of a Catholic high school in Cincinnati was awarded $3.8 million in damages after a jury found that the school had failed to protect her from sexual abuse by a teacher. The teacher was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his crimes.
- In 2018, a former student of a Toledo high school was awarded $3 million in damages after a jury found that the school had failed to protect her from sexual abuse by a teacher. The teacher had previously been convicted of criminal charges and was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Statute of Limitations for Ohio School Sexual Abuse Cases
The statute of limitations refers to the time limit a plaintiff has to file a case. Recently, Ohio has recently enacted new laws that extend the statute of limitations for certain types of sexual abuse cases. The statute of limitations for civil claims involving sexual abuse is generally two years from the time the victim turns 18, or two years from the time the victim discovers or should have discovered the abuse. Additionally, Ohio recently enacted a law that allows victims of sexual abuse in schools to bring claims against the school district up to 35 years after the abuse occurred. The law also eliminates the statute of limitations for civil claims against school employees who have been convicted of sexual offenses.
Contact Our Ohio School Sexual Abuse Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been a victim of school sexual abuse in Ohio, it’s important to seek help and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. At Babin Law, LLC we can help you take steps towards healing and rebuilding your life. Our Ohio school sexual abuse attorneys can help you understand your legal rights and options for recovery, including compensation for medical expenses, emotional trauma, and other damages. Don’t wait to seek the help you need – contact us today for your free consultation.
