When parents entrust their children to a boarding school, they do so with the expectation of a safe and nurturing environment. Unfortunately, some of these institutions have been the setting for appalling acts of sex abuse. If you or your loved one is a survivor of such an atrocity, you need a steadfast advocate to fight for your rights. As an experienced boarding school sexual abuse law firm in Maryland, we are devoted to providing victims and their families the justice they deserve.
Having worked extensively with sexual abuse cases in Maryland, We understand the unique complexities involved in these situations. The trauma caused by such abuse can be devastating and long-lasting. We are committed to providing compassionate and individualized representation, ensuring the survivors and their families feel heard, validated, and supported throughout the process.
Aaron Blank Esq.
Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Blank Kim Injury Law
8455 Colesville Rd #920,
Silver Spring, MD 20910
XXWC+74 Silver Spring, Maryland
Reporting abuse at a boarding school is a crucial step in protecting victims and preventing future abuse. Here is a general guide on how to report boarding school abuse in Maryland:
Ensure Safety: The immediate safety of the child is paramount. If the child is in immediate danger, call 911.
Contact Local Authorities: Report the abuse to local law enforcement authorities. This often involves calling the non-emergency number of your local police department to report the incident.
Report to Child Protective Services: In Maryland, anyone who suspects child abuse or neglect is required by law to report it. Contact your local Department of Social Services or the Child Protective Services (CPS) hotline at 1-800-332-6347. You can do this anonymously if you prefer.
Notify the School Administration: Notify the boarding school administration about the abuse. They should take immediate steps to ensure the safety of the child and all students. However, do not rely on the school administration to make the legal reports.
Document the Abuse: Write down everything the victim can remember about the abuse, including who was involved, what happened, when and where it happened, and if there were any witnesses. This will be important for any investigation.
Consult a Lawyer: Seek the guidance of a lawyer who specializes in boarding school abuse cases. They can advise you on your rights and guide you through the process of seeking justice.
Remember, in Maryland, it is mandatory to report suspected child abuse. Failure to do so can result in penalties. Most importantly, believe and support the child or person coming forward with their experiences. It can be incredibly difficult to speak up about abuse, and they will need your support throughout this process.
Child abuse, including abuse that occurs in schools, can have devastating long-term effects that can last into adulthood. These effects can manifest themselves in a variety of ways, including physical, psychological, and behavioral repercussions. Here are some potential long-term effects of child abuse or sexual assault:
Physical Health Problems: Chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and other health problems have been associated with child abuse. Some abused children may experience physical injuries that result in long-term disabilities.
Mental Health Issues: Childhood abuse can lead to a range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicide ideation or attempts. It can also increase the likelihood of personality disorders and psychotic illnesses.
Academic and Cognitive Impacts: Children who are abused may experience difficulties with learning and school performance due to the trauma and stress they are enduring. They might have difficulties concentrating, lowered academic performance, or may even drop out of school.
Interpersonal Difficulties: Abused children may have difficulty forming and maintaining healthy relationships in adulthood due to issues with trust and attachment. They may also have a higher risk of entering abusive relationships themselves.
Substance Abuse: To cope with their trauma, some survivors of child abuse may resort to alcohol, drugs, or other forms of substance abuse.
Behavioral Problems: Child abuse can lead to various behavioral issues, including aggression, antisocial behavior, and difficulties with self-regulation. Children who are abused may also engage in risky behaviors as they grow older, such as criminal activities.
Self-esteem Issues: Children who are abused may develop a negative self-image and struggle with low self-esteem, feeling unworthy of love or care.
Re-victimization: People who were abused as children are more likely to be victims of abuse later in life.
It's essential to understand that these are potential effects and do not apply to every child who experiences abuse. Each individual's experience and reaction to trauma are unique. Support, intervention, and therapy can significantly mitigate these effects and help survivors recover and lead fulfilling lives.
Maryland is home to a number of renowned boarding schools that offer diverse educational opportunities. Here are some of the boarding schools that are located in Maryland:
St. Paul's School: Located in Brooklandville, St. Paul's School offers a co-educational environment for grades K-12. The school also has a separate all-girls division known as St. Paul's School for Girls.
McDonogh School: Based in Owings Mills, McDonogh School serves students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Although primarily a day school, it does offer a boarding program for high school students.
The Oldfields School: Located in Sparks Glencoe, Oldfields is an all-girls boarding and day school serving grades 8-12.
St. James School: This co-educational boarding school in Hagerstown serves students in grades 8-12.
West Nottingham Academy: Founded in 1744, this co-educational boarding and day school in Colora serves students in grades 9-12. It is recognized as the oldest boarding school in the United States.
Garrison Forest School: Located in Owings Mills, this school serves girls from grades K-12 and also offers a co-educational program for children from ages two through Pre-K. The high school boarding program is for girls only.
The Gunston School: Located in Centreville, this co-educational day school serves students in grades 9-12 and also offers a homestay program for international students.
The Key School: Based in Annapolis, this is a co-educational day school for students from 2.5 years of age through grade 12.
Please note that this list of boarding schools does not mean they are associated with any reports of sexual abuse.
Maryland law has specific provisions for the statute of limitations concerning child sexual abuse cases, including those involving boarding schools.
Criminal Cases: There is no statute of limitations for felony sexual abuse crimes against minors in Maryland. This means that criminal charges can be filed at any time, regardless of how much time has passed since the alleged offense.
Civil Cases: In Maryland, victims of child sexual abuse generally have until the age of 38 to file a civil lawsuit against their abusers. This includes a "discovery rule," allowing survivors three years from the date they discover or should have discovered that their psychological injuries were caused by the abuse to file a lawsuit, even if this realization occurs after they have turned 38.
As a dedicated and experienced boarding school abuse law firm in Maryland, the legal team at Maryland Injury Guys are committed to standing alongside survivors and their families. We understand the deep pain and lasting effects that these horrendous acts can have. With our extensive experience, legal knowledge, and unwavering support, we strive to seek justice against those who have violated the trust within the boarding school setting.
We firmly believe in every survivor's right to healing and justice, and we are here to assist in their journey. If you or a loved one has been a victim of boarding school abuse in Maryland, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are ready to listen, help, and guide you through this process, ensuring that your voice is heard, and your rights are protected.
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This originally appeared at https://abuseguardian.com/sexual-assault-lawyer/maryland/boarding-school-abuse-md/.