Private School Teacher Sexual Abuse Claims

If you or your child has been subjected to sexual abuse by a teacher or other private school employee, call Berman & Simmons Trial Attorneys to schedule a free consultation today at (207) 784-3576.

Justice for Private School Sexual Abuse Survivors

Students are sexually abused or molested by educators far too often at private educational institutions. Sexually abusive teachers and school employees need to face the legal consequences for their unthinkable actions. In the case of private schools and sexual abuse by their teachers and educators, don’t hesitate to seek legal help from an experienced private school sexual abuse attorney in Maine.

Berman & Simmons Trial Attorneys advocate for rape, assault, and sexual abuse survivors throughout Maine, and seek to provide justice for those who were sexually abused by an educator at their private school. Contact us to speak with one of our experienced sex abuse attorneys today.

How Common is Sexual Abuse at a Private School Institution?

Sexual abuse at a private school institution is unfortunately more common than one may think.
1 in 10 students at private schools have been victimized by a teacher’s sexual abuse.

As reported by the American Association of University Women, about one in ten students in grades eight through eleven reported being abused by either a teacher or a school employee at least once. Of these incidents, two-thirds involved physical contact.

Sexual abuse occurs at private schools of all types, including:

• Boarding schools
• Day schools
• Prep schools
• Therapeutic and special purpose schools
• Parochial and religious schools

Private School Sexual Abuse is Not Limited to Teachers

Teacher sexual abuse is the most common form of sex abuse at private schools. Because educators work alone with children and are in a position of authority, they can more easily take advantage of their victims. The sad reality is that many sexual predators will take up teaching jobs so they can groom and abuse new victims.

In a private school setting, predators can find and target children in a variety of ways. When people think of sexual abuse in private schools and institutions, they often attribute these crimes only to teachers, but other people entrusted with your children at school could also be responsible. Below is a list of examples:

• Tutors
• Teachers’ aids
• Special education techs
• Principals, Vice Principals, or Deans
• Administrative Staff
• Supervisors
• Sport coaches and athletic trainers
• School counselors
• Janitors
• Other students

If you suspect your child has been molested by a teacher, counselor, tutor, supervisor, or another student at a private school, seek help from Berman & Simmons Trial attorneys to hold them accountable.

Our private school sexual abuse attorneys have managed many complicated cases involving teacher abuse over the years. We understand how difficult and sensitive these matters are and will provide experienced, dedicated, and compassionate legal representation for families and loved ones of those who have been abused.

The legal process can be a healing process for a survivor of child molestation in school, ultimately providing them with closure. Berman & Simmons trial attorneys help their clients and prevent future victims by making private educational institutions safer for children. We seek justice for our clients and survivors of private school sexual abuse. If your child or a child you know has been molested at a private educational institution, contact our child sexual abuse lawyers in Maine today.

What are the Warning Signs of Child Sex Abuse?

Child sexual abuse can be difficult to recognize. Physical symptoms can be noticed: bruises around the genitals, anus, and/or pelvis; difficulty walking or sitting; as well as pain in the bathroom — these are signs of sexual abuse regardless of age. Behavioral symptoms in children can be harder to recognize and can also vary based on their age.

Younger Children

• The child may revert back to earlier behaviors, such as thumb sucking and bedwetting
• Playing with dolls or other children in a sexually aggressive manner
• Resistance or agitation during bedtime or bath time routine, when clothing needs to be removed and replaced

Older Children and Teens

• Personal hygiene and grooming changes
• Cutting and self-injury
• Depression or anxiety, including thoughts of suicide
• Other self-destructive behaviors, such as alcohol or drug abuse
• Either hiding as much of their body as possible or wearing clothing with excessive skin exposure

Children of Any Age

• Changes in mood or behavior
• Suddenly changing eating habits
• Sleep disturbances or nightmares
• Art that contains sexually explicit or violent content (writing, drawing, etc.).

Warning Signs that a Private School Teacher is Molesting a Student

Many child abusers groom and intimidate their victims. In the vast number of cases, a private school teacher who sexually abuses students encourages sexual discussion and/or makes sexual innuendos to get the potential victim to let down their guard or become more vulnerable. When a teacher abuses a student, he or she may threaten the student, and if the child attempts to seek help or reports the abuse they may fear retaliation from their abuser. That is why it is so important to watch for potential signs of grooming at private school institutions.

The following examples may indicate a private school teacher is grooming a child:

• Repeatedly rewarding a particular child more than others
• Spending time alone with the child at lunch, recess, or after school
• Unwarranted attention or gifts
• Getting involved in the child’s personal affairs or giving rides
• Attending events or activities outside of the classroom to form a closer relationship with the child
• Making secret plans with the child after school

It’s critical for parents to be attentive to their children’s behavior. Pay close attention if you notice a sudden change in your child’s behavior, and encourage them to explain what is troubling them regardless of fear.

Growing up can bring about sudden behavioral changes, but parents should always investigate any changes to ensure they aren’t a reaction to abuse, especially if their children attend a private educational institution. Click here for a complete list of warning signs of child molestation.

A child who has been sexually molested may not understand what is happening and may display various alarming behaviors. An unexpected interest in sexual topics or sexually charged language may indicate that a child has been abused. A child who suddenly withdraws becomes emotional, unpredictable, or avoids going to school could be frightened of the teacher/educator who has abused him or her.

What You Can Do if You Suspect a Private School Teacher is Sexually Abusing Your Child

According to RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) the following steps should be taken if your child exhibits signs of physical abuse or molestation, and you believe that a private school teacher is responsible:

1. Talk to your child first and make sure you are able to support them at this difficult time. Additionally, contact your local law enforcement if your child reports abuse.
2. Take your child to the hospital. Get a rape kit right away.
3. Take photos of the injuries with permission. Ask your child if it is okay to take pictures if they have sustained bruising. Then give the police those photos. Most likely, the hospital and/or police will take photographs as well.
4. Offer encouragement to your child during this time. It can be terrifying to speak with law enforcement. Your child may not want you to be in the room when they describe what happened. If he or she doesn’t disclose the details to you, make sure your child has an advocate present during the process.
5. Talk to the police about contacting the school. It is natural to want to find the teacher or to confront the school. You should not do this. You should contact the police instead. They are trained to handle these kinds of horrible situations.
6. Contact a lawyer. Representation is essential. Once you’ve spoken with the police and taken care of your child’s health, call us. Berman & Simmons Trial Attorneys have handled hundreds of cases of teacher and school staff sexual abuse, including cases involving sexual touching, sexual grabbing, locker room transgressions, and inappropriate relationships.
7. Close your social media profiles and the profiles of your children. Posting on social media does nothing for you, and it can harm your case. You should also stay away from the comment section.

The Rights of a Private School Sexual Abuse Survivor

Each school abuse case is unique, and the rights and options a private school sexual abuse survivor has may depend on the details and circumstances surrounding the incident. Here’s an example:

• Parents of minor children can contact the police and hire an experienced private school teacher sex abuse lawyer to pursue criminal and civil legal action against the offender, the school, and others liable for the abuse.
• An adult who was abused as a minor may have the right to pursue legal action against those responsible. As a result of new legislation, many adult survivors of child sex abuse from private schools and private educational institutions in Maine are now able to file civil lawsuits for damages, regardless of when the abuse occurred.

Additionally, other factors that may influence your case and the way in which you seek justice including the time at which the abuse occurred at the private institution. The type of abuse can also be a factor, but many actions can qualify as abuse, such as:

• Inappropriate touching or remarks
• Sexual contact with a minor either in or outside of school
• Inappropriate texts or emails
• Sexual assault, rape, and molestation
• Inappropriate relationship with a minor

Our firm has experience handling private school abuse cases, so we can give you the insight and guidance you need to understand your options.

A confidential review of your case may indicate you could benefit from taking legal action. Survivors have rights that are very important to you as you navigate the process, including the right to legal representation, the right to confidentiality, and the right to tell your story at the trial. However, many cases are settled before court.

Survivors also have the right to seek financial compensation for your damages as a victim of abuse. This compensation might include:

• Medical bills and expenses
• Psychological treatment
• Emotional trauma
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of income
• Economic and noneconomic damages resulting from abuse

At Berman & Simmons Trial Attorneys, our private school sex abuse lawyers in Maine are devoted to protecting the rights of abuse survivors during legal proceedings. We provide our clients with more than legal support and guidance; we also provide resources and support to help them address the emotional and psychological aftermath of child sexual abuse.

Get a Free Case Evaluation with a Private School Teacher Sex Abuse Lawyer in Maine

Berman & Simmons Trial Attorneys offer free, confidential consultations to discuss your potential sexual abuse case and how we can help. To talk to a private school teacher sex abuse attorney in Maine about your case, call (207) 784-3576 or contact us online now.

Hire Our Qualified Sexual Abuse Attorneys in Maine

If you’ve been sexually abused at a private school and need expert legal counsel, turn to Berman & Simmons. Our sexual abuse lawyers will help you get maximum compensation and bring accountability to institutional abuse.

If you suffered sexual abuse as a child and are ready to speak with one of our Maine child sexual abuse attorneys and learn more about your rights, please contact us to arrange a free, confidential initial consultation.