Many of the victims of sexual assault at Devereux Health campuses were strong enough to seek out legal representation and fight for the compensation they deserved. However, this is no easy feat. Learn more about a Devereux sexual abuse lawsuit from our team of lawyers.
After having their claims of sexual abuse be denied or swept under the rug, victims of sex crimes often retreat into themselves and away from the outside world; their lives are deeply affected. There is significant difficulty maintaining existing relationships, even with family members. Building bonds with new people becomes almost impossible, too. But the legal process for seeking and obtaining justice is one that can help victims to heal and regain their strength and confidence.
Are you looking for a lawyer for sexual abuse by a doctor? If you or a loved one were the victims of sexual assault or abuse at Devereux or by a Devereux employee, you need to know that you are not alone in your struggle. The Abuse Guardian attorneys have experience defending the rights of victims of sex crimes, and they will stand with you as you fight back against those who have caused you and others harm. Your bravery can help those who suffer in the shadows to share their stories and advance the ongoing battle against this senseless suffering and trauma.
An extensive report recently released by The Philadelphia Enquirer has unearthed decades of sexual abuse and the names of dozens of victims who were sexually assaulted while they resided in Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health centers across the country.
With 15 “campuses” serving over 5,000 children across various states including Pennsylvania, Arizona, Texas, New Jersey, Georgia, Florida, and more, Devereux is the largest health center of its kind in the United States. Their mission, to “connect the latest scientific and medical advancements to practical, effective interventions in the treatment of behavioral health,” has been marred by the most recent allegations.
But Devereux is no stranger to claims of sexual abuse on the part of its staff members, which are known as Direct Support Specialists or DSPs. As many as 41 children, some as young as 12 at the time of the incident, have been raped or otherwise sexually assaulted by Devereux’s DSPs. Here are just some of the examples which have been brought to light by investigative reporters who form part of the renowned Philly newspaper:
The extensive list above represents only some of the confirmed instances of abuse at Devereux Health Centers in the last decade. However, many more were found, some dating as far back as 1997.
Each and every time that damages were awarded to victims who fought for justice with the help of child sexual abuse attorneys, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health representatives made promises to take action so as to prevent any more minors from being victimized. And yet, the horrid abuse continued.
The jury that decided the case of James Singleterry (last on the list above) took less than an hour to return their verdict in favor of the victim. What’s more, the victim and their loved ones were awarded $50 million in punitive damages to be paid by Devereux. As you can see above, that occurred in 2012, and additional instances of sexual abuse at Devereux centers have continued to surface.
The fight against these organizations that enable and even protect sexual predators must never cease. As sex crimes advocates, the experienced attorneys at Abuse Guardian have made it their mission to make sure it does not.