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Sexual Misconduct In Boy Scouts
The Boy Scouts of America was formed with a mission to instill morals and ethics in children
through a community bound by a Scout Oath. However, in recent years, thousands of former
Scouts have come forward to report sexual abuse and assault committed by Scoutmasters and
volunteers. The Boy Scouts organization has also played a role in covering up reports of abuse
and failing to take action to protect the children under their care. As victims find their courage to
come forward, the legal system has also tried to offer them support. Anchorage child sexual
assault attorney Sean Brown helps victims who have been sexually abused by a leader in the Boy
Scouts of America pursue proper legal action. Mr. Brown and his team understand how difficult it is for victims to revisit such trauma. We are dedicated to making sure our clients feel comfortable at all stages of legal proceedings. If you, or your child, has been sexually assaulted while under the care of the Boy Scouts of America, contact us today at 907-222-9900 to speak with an attorney about your legal options.
Boy Scouts of America Sexual Assault
Although only gaining widespread attention recently, sexual abuse of children in the Boy Scouts
of America (BSA) has been happening for over half a century. The BSA had an internal file
referred to as the “Perversion List,” which contained the names of over 8,000 scoutmasters and
BSA leaders who had been credibly accused of sexual abuse on children in their care. These
records also show reports of over 12,000 victims. Despite this knowledge, the BSA did not report
the assaults to authorities, nor did they take any action against the accused, leaving victims
traumatized and without recourse. However, victims can now take action, and one of the first
steps is to consult a seasoned Anchorage child sexual assault attorney who can help you explore
your legal rights.
Victims who have been subject to sexual abuse as a child can have various physical and
emotional symptoms throughout their lifetime. These symptoms can include:
Chronic pain
Obesity
Sexual and reproductive health issues
Eating disorders
Anxiety
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
These symptoms and illnesses have long-lasting effects on survivors of sexual assault. Often they
will need ongoing medical and therapeutic treatment to help in their recovery. Those responsible
for their harm should be the ones who bear the financial costs. Damages in these cases can
include past and future medical expenses, including hospital visits and therapy sessions; loss of
income; and pain and suffering compensation.
Due to the thousands of victims who have already filed lawsuits against the Boy Scouts of
America, the organization filed for bankruptcy. This bankruptcy means that the judge will
Boy Scouts of America Sexual Assault
determine the fairest way to divide the BSA’s assets, including insurance benefits, among the
abuse victims. A bankruptcy, however, does not mean these victims will not receive
compensation. If you’ve been sexually assaulted by a leader or volunteer of the Boy Scouts of
America, it is important to contact a child sexual abuse lawyer in Anchorage as soon as possible
so your legal options remain intact.
Anchorage Personal Injury Attorney
Being sexually assaulted as a child, and within an organization you trusted to keep you safe,
impacts the rest of your life. Holding both the invidual and the Boy Scouts of America
organization itself responsible can help regain your sense of power and help towards healing.
Anchorage child sexual abuse attorney Sean Brown is committed to obtaining justice on behalf
of his clients. The Alaska Accident and Injury Law Center helps victims of sexual abuse in all
areas of Western Alaska, including Anchorage, Aniak, Bethel, Hooper Bay, and Saint Mary’s. If
you have questions about your legal options following sexual abuse during your time as a
member of the Boy Scouts of America, call our office at 907-222-9900 today to learn about your
legal options.