Big Brothers Big Sisters Sexual Abuse Attorney

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) is one of the largest youth organizations in the country. It seeks to foster positive relationships between youth volunteers and at-risk children through long-lasting mentoring. 

The organization’s history spans 12 decades, formally becoming Big Brothers Big Sisters of America in 1977 [1]. Currently, around 135,000 “Littles” are matched to adult volunteers, nicknamed “Bigs” [2]. 

While all chapters of Big Brothers Big Sisters conduct comprehensive background checks, including interviews with intake specialists who are trained to identify sexual predators, child abuse has been reported in local organizations across the country, causing life-long harm to vulnerable children [3].

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is committed to protecting victims and holding organizations accountable. If you or a loved one have been harmed by Big Brother Big Sisters’ failure to prevent potential abuse, we’re here to help.

Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

Our law office has decades of experience working with young people who Big Brothers Big Sisters mentors or others have sexually abused. As a result, we’ve recovered millions in damages for our clients.

• Personalized, Compassionate Representation – We are aware of the many complexities that come with sexual abuse cases and do everything possible to protect victims from further harm. Our compassionate attorneys will ensure abusers are held accountable without retraumatizing victims or their families.
• Comprehensive Legal Support – Our legal team will handle all aspects of your Big Brothers Big Sisters sexual abuse case, including working with local law enforcement, consulting with experts in child sex violence, interviewing other Little Sisters or Little Brothers, and reviewing organization records.
• Client-Centered Approach – We pursue justice to seek compensation and provide closure to families harmed by this egregious crime. As such, we focus on the victim and their family, keeping you at the forefront of all decisions made in your case. 
• No Fee Unless We Win – Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we are able to hold the abusers accountable. 

About Big Brothers Big Sisters Sexual Abuse

Child sexual abuse is defined as any interaction between an adult and a child that is meant to bring sexual satisfaction either to the perpetrator or to other parties [4]. This can include inappropriate touching between the victim and the guilty party, sexual battery, showing children sexually explicit images, or producing child pornography for other adults to watch. 

In Big Brothers Big Sisters, sexual abuse has been recognized as a problem for decades.  The American Bar Association found 304 cases of sexual abuse in the organization between 1982 and 1991 [5]. In one case in California, a mentor molested four victims, which Big Brothers Big Sisters addressed in-house rather than informing the police, putting other children at risk [6].

Despite Big Brothers Big Sisters having an official policy of mandated reporting for any cases of suspected sexual abuse or physical violence, multiple cases have come to light where adult volunteers were continually allowed access to vulnerable children for years [7]. 

In one case in Utah, a Little Brother was abused for five years before the victim disclosed the abuse to a school counselor [8].   

When institutions fail vulnerable children, victims may experience a serious sense of betrayal and loss of trust, compounding their trauma and leading to lifelong difficulties. As such, we work hard to hold any negligent organization responsible for failing to protect a victim from predatory volunteers, providing the closure necessary to heal. 

Child Victims’ Legal Rights

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is a personal injury law firm that pursues civil actions related to childhood sexual abuse rather than criminal charges. We ensure victims and their families are able to exercise their legal rights, which include:

• The right to report abuse to Big Brother Big Sisters and to law enforcement;
• The right to seek compensation for damages related to sexual abuse;
• The right to hold the abuser and the related organization accountable.

Liability for Big Brothers Big Sisters Sexual Abuse Cases

When childhood sexual abuse occurs in a Big Brothers Big Sisters program, both the individual and the affiliated organization can be held accountable.

Big Brothers Big Sisters may be liable for negligence. In a sexual abuse case, this includes the following factors:

• Duty of Care – BBBS was obligated to prevent abusers from becoming mentors by performing adequate background checks and screening potential participants.
• Breach of Duty – The organization failed to adequately screen its participants.
• Causation – The abuser would not have gained access to the victim had it not been for BBBS’s failure to vet its members.
• Damages – The abused child and their family suffered financial losses as a result of this breach. 

Signs and Impact of Childhood Sexual Abuse

It’s indispensable to recognize the signs of sexual abuse in children, as early intervention can both stop the abuse and prevent lifelong damage to the child’s mental well-being. Common signs of abuse include:

• Changes in mood or behavior
• New and unusual fears
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory loss
• Bedwetting
• Developmentally inappropriate sexual knowledge
• Aggression or destructive behaviors
• Social anxiety
• Poor school performance
• Nondescript physical symptoms
• Vague questions about ‘secrets’ or ‘games’ [9]

What to Do If You or Your Child Has Been Sexually Abused at Big Brothers Big Sisters

As sexual abuse can have life-long consequences, it’s crucial to seek help immediately. Follow these steps as soon as possible if you or your loved one has suffered abuse in Big Brothers Big Sisters.

• Seek Medical Attention – Go to the hospital and explain the circumstances. They will be able to connect you with professionals trained to assist victims.
• Contact the Police – Call the police with as many details as you may have, and inform them if the victim is underage so they can bring in specialists.
• Inform BBBS – Inform Big Brothers Big Sisters immediately so they can suspend the mentor.
• Gather Evidence – Take photos and collect all communications you may have from the abuser.
• Contact a Sexual Abuse Attorney – We’re just a call away from helping you explore your legal options.

How a Sexual Abuse Attorney Can Help

A child sexual abuse lawyer from our firm will guide you through the entire legal process, which includes:

• Gathering evidence of abuse
• Interviewing witnesses and organization officials
• Partnering with law enforcement
• Communicating with third parties on your behalf
• Negotiating with insurance companies for an appropriate settlement
• Offering trial representation

Damages You Can Recover in a Big Brothers Big Sisters Sexual Abuse Claim

We will ensure you receive compensation meant to help you and your family heal from this devastating tragedy, which can include:

• Medical bills
• Future medical expenses
• Therapy
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disability
• Loss of enjoyment of life

In some cases, a court awards punitive damages, which are above and beyond typical personal injury settlements.

The Time You Have to Take Legal Action

The statute of limitations varies dramatically depending on the jurisdiction in which the abuse occurred. Many states have come to understand that children may not disclose sexual violence until they are adults and, as such, have created extended timelines beyond what is typical for personal injury lawsuits. 

For example, New York’s Child Victims Act allows individuals to seek justice up to their 55th birthday for civil cases [10]. However, these timelines vary by jurisdiction, making it crucial that you act quickly to ensure we have time to file suit. 

Contact a Big Brothers Big Sisters Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today!

To schedule your free consultation about a BBBS sex abuse case, contact us online or call us 24/7 at (888) 424-5757. 

References: [1] Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, [2] Salesforce, [3] DataCheck, [4] The National Child Traumatic Stress Network, [5] Monterey County Now, [6] Monterey County Now, [7] Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, [8] Deseret News, [9] Bravehearts, [10] New York Bar Association