J&Y Law is dedicated to helping survivors of Boy Scout sexual abuse and their families find justice. While the Boy Scouts of America is chartered to foster the values of citizenship in boys through outdoor activities and civic duties, the organization has long-allowed pedophiles to infiltrate its ranks, enabling the sexual abuse of generations of boys and young men in California and across the nation. The abuse has not only damaged many lives, but also the reputation of this once venerable institution.
Our experienced sexual abuse lawyers are committed to holding the Boy Scouts accountable for its decades-long negligent and reckless conduct. If you or a loved one were sexually abused by a Scoutmaster or Boy Scouts volunteer, you have powerful legal recourse under California law. By working with J&Y, you will have peace of mind knowing that we are in your corner.
When you become our client, you can rest assured that your privacy and your rights will be protected. Our legal team will provide you with informed representation and caring, efficient service when you need it most. Above all, we will fight tirelessly to win you just compensation. Please contact our office today for a free consultation.
The “Perversion Files” Cover-up
From its founding in 1910, the Boy Scouts were aware of allegations of sexual abuse of young boys at the hands of the scout leaders and volunteers. The organization began documenting allegations of misconduct by volunteers from the outset and used the files to quietly eradicate predators from its ranks, apparently to no avail.
A 2012 court order compelled the Boy Scouts to release thousands of documents, which became known as the Perversion Files. The documents revealed that the Scouts were aware of abuse occurring in chapters nationwide and, even worse, that the organization covered up the abuse by failing to report the allegations to the authorities.
That negligence allowed thousands of boys and young men to be sexually abused by adult volunteers and Scout leaders. In many cases, known, repeated sexual predators were simply moved to other chapters, rather than being ousted, and allowed to victimize more boys.
How AB 218 Helps Victims of Boy Scouts Sexual Abuse in California
On Jan. 1, 2020, AB 218 went into effect in California. This law made significant changes to the requirements for pursuing claims of childhood sexual abuse by:
- Expanding the definition of sexual abuse to include sexual assault, which covers offenses that were not previously considered sexual abuse under the law.
- Extending the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse claims to whichever is later: 22 years after the age of majority, or 5 years after the discovery of childhood sexual assault. In other words, survivors of boy scout sexual abuse have at least until the age of 40 to file a claim, while extending the date of discovery provides additional time.
- Reviving previously barred claims that may fall outside the expanded statute of limitations by creating a 3-year window to submit claims that were barred by previous time limits.
- Allowing victims to recover treble damages against organizations that have covered up child sexual abuse.
If you have been victimized by the Boy Scouts and have been denied the opportunity to pursue a claim because of prior time limitations, our highly skilled sexual abuse lawyers will protect your rights under AB 218.
How J&Y Law Can Help Survivors of Boy Scouts Sexual Abuse in California
At J&Y, we understand how difficult it can be for victims of childhood sexual abuse to confront their abusers, regardless of whether the abuse occurred recently or decades ago. We have a proven history of achieving successful outcomes in sexual abuse cases and will leverage our skills and resources to hold the Boy Scouts of America accountable.
Our compassionate team will stand by you and build a successful case by gathering evidence and identifying and interviewing witnesses, including the offender and other potential victims of Boy Scout sexual abuse. We are keenly aware that the passing of time makes this a difficult challenge, but we are prepared to stay the course.
Above all, we will demand damages to meet all of your resulting medical and financial needs, including:
- Medical bills and related expenses to cover any treatment for physical injuries, including injuries arising from self-harm
- Therapy and mental healthcare costs (past, present, and future)
- Prescription medications
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
Although no amount of money can erase the memory of Boy Scout sexual abuse, damages will provide you with financial resources to help you find healing and punish the Boy Scouts of America for its negligence in enabling you and other children to be abused.
Contact Our California Boy Scouts Abuse Lawyers Today
Whether you have learned your child was a victim of sexual abuse by the Boy Scouts or you are an adult who was victimized years ago, you need the compassionate representation and dependable service J&Y Law provides. Well-versed in the provisions of AB 218, we understand the highly sensitive nature of sexual abuse. You can trust us to fight for the compensation you need and deserve. You will not pay any attorneys’ fees until we recover for you. Please reach out to our office today so we can discuss your case.