School-Based Sexual Assault And Harassment: Protecting Our Children
Children and students of all ages are protected under federal laws, ensuring their safety and well-being in educational settings. Part of establishing that safety means entrusting teachers and other school staff with the mental and physical well-being of their students. Despite our trust in them, some of these staff members still choose to engage in sexual abuse against students. According to the National Education Association (NEA), sexual violence in schools has become a growing concern, further emphasizing the need for vigilance and accountability through swift legal action.
My name is Patrycja Karlin, and I am an attorney who has successfully brought high-profile lawsuits against Chicago Public Schools and won. At The Karlin Law Firm, LLC, I am dedicated to securing justice for victims of school-based sexual assault has been unwavering, and my experience in handling these sensitive cases ensures that families receive the support and compensation they deserve. If you or your child has been a victim of sexual abuse in a school setting, contact me today for a free consultation by calling 773-993-1266.
Recognizing And Combatting Sexual Abuse In Schools
Sexual abuse can occur in various ways within a school setting, involving teachers, coaches, other students and even school staff. It is the school’s responsibility to protect the students from harm, including from staff. When there are lapses in monitoring, lack of response from complaints, and insufficient reporting to authorities, there are opportunities for sexual abuse to happen.
Abuse in schools can happen in a number of ways. Common examples include inappropriate touching, grooming, coercion, and even the production of pornography. These actions, even if there was no physical contact, qualify as abuse. Schools have strict measures in place to prevent this kind of abuse from happening, but the abuse can still take place.
The long-term consequences of abuse can affect a victim for the rest of their lives. Sexual abuse can result in physical harm, emotional trauma and emotional disorders can permanently change the way a victim lives. The impact of sexual abuse can be permanent and impact the victim’s academic performance, social interactions and mental health.
Understanding “Grooming”
The term “grooming” has gained traction in recent years as a way to describe certain behaviors by sexual predators targeting young people. Here is how it’s defined by Child Protective Services:
“Grooming”: Behavior of a person in a position of trust or authority uses to build an emotional connection with a child or young person, including a student who may be over 18 years of age, to gain their trust and break down inhibitions for a sexual purpose.
The definition of grooming under this Policy includes but is not limited to the following:
(a.) A person commits grooming when they knowingly use a computer online service, internet service, local board service, or any other device capable of electronic data storage or transmission, performs an act in person or by conduct through a third party, or uses written communication to seduce, solicit, lure or entice, or attempt to seduce, solicit, lure, or entice a child…to commit any sex offenses… .
(b.) A person may be grooming a child or engaging in inappropriate intimate behavior with a child when the person engages in behavior that includes but is not limited to:
- Creating or engaging in isolated, one-on-one interactions with a child (e.g., transporting a child without the written authorization…, texting or direct messaging the child);
- Giving or attempting to give gifts to a child (e.g., money, clothing); or
- Crossing physical boundaries (e.g., touching, giving prolonged hugs, or making the child sit on the adult’s lap).
How A Settlement Can Help Victims Move Forward
While some people, after going through sexual assault, just want to forget the whole thing and put it behind them, a civil lawsuit can bring a considerable amount of good to their lives. By filing a claim in a school-based sexual assault case, victims can secure the resources they need to support themselves or their children. The compensation from these claims can cover any medical expenses, therapy costs, lost income and other costs associated with the assault. Furthermore, sexual abuse claims can provide the means to move away from the traumatic environment to a safer setting.
In addition to providing the victim with an opportunity to recover, a civil lawsuit for sexual abuse in a school also holds the school accountable for the actions that led to the incident, making it clear that any type of sexual abuse is unacceptable. Through swift legal action, I help families stop future incidents of abuse while helping victims take the next step toward a better future.
Taking On The Chicago Public School Board
The Karlin Law Firm, LLC, has a proven track record of challenging the Chicago Public School Board in cases of sexual abuse. One notable cause I took was the lawsuit against gym teacher Andrew Castro, which garnered significant media attention and highlighted the systemic issues within the school system. You can learn more about this case from CBS News and Chicago Sun-Times.
Sexual abuse claims highlight the importance of our educational systems properly defending our children and being accountable for their shortcomings. Through these claims, I can help ensure that schools implement the necessary measures to prevent abuse and provide a safe learning environment for all children.
$2M settlement reached in case of CPS gym teacher accused of grooming, assaulting students: lawyers
Bullying Can Be Stopped With Legal Action
Bullying in schools is a pervasive form of harassment that can have long-lasting effects on a student’s mental and emotional well-being. Just like sexual abuse, bullying can manifest in various forms, including physical violence, verbal abuse, cyberbullying, and social exclusion. These actions not only harm the victim’s sense of security and self-worth but also create a toxic environment that hinders academic performance and healthy social development. Recognizing the severe impact of bullying, The Karlin Law Firm, LLC, is committed to holding schools accountable for failing to protect students from such harmful behavior.
If your child has been a victim of bullying, I can provide the legal assistance needed to address this issue. With a proven track record of challenging educational institutions and securing justice for victims, I am well-equipped to handle cases of unlawful harassment by bullies. By taking legal action, you can ensure that the school implements necessary measures to prevent future incidents and create a safer environment for all students.
Seek The Justice Your Family Deserves
No parent should ever have to learn that their child was the victim of sexual abuse in their school. If your child has been a victim of sexual abuse in a school setting, do not hesitate to seek legal assistance. The sooner you reach out to me, the sooner I can resolve your claim and help you receive some closure for what happened.
I am dedicated to providing compassionate and effective representation to families affected by such traumatic events. You can receive the representation you would expect from an Illinois lawyer by calling my Chicago office at 773-993-1266 or emailing me here. Contact me today for a free consultation and take the first step towards justice and recovery.