Decades of Hidden Scouting Abuse

Since the 1920s, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) have kept confidential files of the names of its staff and volunteers implicated in sexual abuse.  These files, known as the "Perversion Files", were kept secret for decades.  Boys were taught to place great trust in their scout leaders. That trust was exploited by those who abused them.

As of January, 2020, a court deposition listed 7,819 suspected abusers and 12,254 victims.  The formerly hallowed national organization filed for federal bankruptcy protection after thousands of men and boys sought settlements for alleged sexual abuse by scoutmasters or scout leaders.

In many cases, alleged perpetrators in the Boy Scouts of America were not reported to police, and were allowed to quietly resign. Abuse happened in nearly every Scouting program, from Cub Scouts through Venture Crews and Explorer Scouts.  Multiple cases of known predators in leadership positions have been uncovered.

The Boy Scouts of America's bankruptcy filing will provide a day of reckoning for the BSA, and a measure of validation for victims and suvivors

The bankruptcy filing (February 18, 2020) could yield important evidence in the thousands of sexual abuse cases against the organization, which may explain what the BSA knew about the abuse, when they learned it, and how it was handled.  This filing provides a great measure of validation to victims and survivors of sexual abuse. As Mitchell Garabedian explained to the Boston Globe, “They’re going to have to fairly compensate victims of sexual abuse and hopefully reveal all files in their possession concerning sexual abuse.”

Over the past several decades many victims who suffered abuse in Scouting have contacted Mitchell Garabedian seeking justice. Mitchell Garabedian has been able to obtain numerous large settlements validating the claims of these survivors. To Mitchell Garabedian it is an honor to represent these courageous survivors of Scouting sexual abuse.

If you or someone you love was sexually abused by a Boy Scout leader or someone associated with the Boy Scouts, please contact us to learn your options and ensure that your rights are protected.   It is our experience that it is often extremely difficult for those abused to come forward with abuse allegations. Reporting the sexual abuse is an important step in the healing process for victims and survivors.

Boy Scout Abuse Victims and Survivors Should File a Claim

The Bankruptcy Court recently approved the November 16, 2020 deadline to submit an approved Proof of Claim Form, that all BSA sexual abuse victims and survivors must submit.

But with the deadline approaching, victims and survivors have less than six months to file a claim, or else they risk being barred from ever coming forward again.  However, there is no time limitation with regard to how much time has passed from when the abuse occurred. 

Victims and survivors should file a claim regardless of how much time has passed.

The Law Offices of Mitchell Garabedian Will Help You

The Law Offices of Mitchell Garabedian is here to help you through the process of filing a claim by providing you with experienced legal representation. The sooner you come forward, the better. Our experienced legal team is here to help you gain a degree of validation. Be proud!

As advocates for victims and survivors of sexual abuse, our experience has demonstrated to us that by filing a claim you will empower yourself, obtain justice you deserve, empower other victims and survivors of sexual abuse, and make the world a safer place for children and vulnerable adults.

Please fill out the form below TODAY for a FREE CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION: