Boys and Girls Club Sexual Abuse in San Fernando
If you or your child is a survivor of sexual abuse at the Boys and Girls Club of San Fernando, contact Manly, Stewart & Finaldi right away to discuss your legal options. You may have grounds to file a civil lawsuit against the Boys and Girls Club, as well as other entities for failing to protect you. We are one of America’s leading law firms for child sexual abuse and assault cases. Find out how we can help you today.
The San Fernando Boys and Girls Club of America Has a History of Child Sexual Abuse
On October 1, 2019, former wrestling coach at the Boys and Girls Club of San Fernando Valley, Terry Gillard, was sentenced to 71 years in state prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting nine children at both the club and the high school where he worked (John H. Francis Polytechnic High School). Just a few weeks later, Manly, Stewart & Finaldi announced a lawsuit against the Boys and Girls Club of San Fernando, the Los Angeles Unified School District and its administrators for the sexual abuse by Gillard, calling him a “serial pedophile.”
The Boys and Girls Club of America should be a safe environment for parents to leave their children for after-school care in San Fernando. Yet, administrators of the club often fail to perform the duties necessary to keep young children safe. These duties include carefully vetting potential employees, having procedures in place for preventing child sexual abuse and reporting any allegations of sexually inappropriate behavior to the authorities right away.
Legal and ethical violations by the organization can increase the risk of child sexual abuse and assault. If the Boys and Girls Club or one of its workers should have done more to prevent or stop child sexual abuse, it could be held financially responsible.
Signs of Child Sexual Abuse
No parent ever wants to imagine that their child could be the victim of sexual abuse. It is important, however, to be aware of the potential signs of child sexual abuse. Although the Boys and Girls Club advertises itself as a safe and productive environment for kids, there are established cases of child abuse at these clubs around the country. It is important for any parent to learn the signs of child sexual abuse, which can include:
- Fear of certain people or places, such as the club
- Increase or decrease in appetite
- Changes in physical appearance or personal hygiene
- Depression or anxiety
- Regression (in younger children)
- Genital injuries or bruising on the upper thighs
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Teen pregnancy
- Substance use
- Poor performance in school
- Behavioral problems and outbursts
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Although some of these may simply be related to your child growing up, multiple red flags could point to something more sinister. If you have reason to believe that your child has been sexually abused or assaulted by a staff member or someone else at the Boys and Girls Club of San Fernando, notify the authorities right away. Then, when you are ready, seek justice against the party or parties that failed to protect your child with assistance from the aggressive litigators at Manly, Stewart & Finaldi.
Are You a Survivor of Boys and Girls Club Sexual Abuse in San Fernando? We Can Help
If you or someone you love suffered sexual abuse by former coach Terry Gillard or another employee of the San Fernando Boys and Girls Club of America, you may be entitled to financial compensation. While we know that no amount of money can ever make up for what you suffered, we believe in holding abusers and the institutions that perpetuate abuse accountable.
Our experienced sexual abuse lawyers can help you go up against the appropriate defendant(s) in pursuit of the justice and compensation that you deserve. Tell your story to a knowledgeable and compassionate attorney today. Call (855) 944-0710 or contact us online. Initial consultations are free and always confidential.