Woodland Hills Boarding School Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Woodland Hills Boarding School Sexual Abuse Attorney

Survivors of abuse at Woodland Hills Boarding School might have many questions about how to move forward and find some resolution and relief from trauma that has not yet healed. A Woodland Hills Boarding School sexual abuse lawyer can work with survivors to hold those responsible accountable.

The DeMarco Law Firm only handles civil cases related to child sexual abuse and the failure of institutions to act appropriately when confronted with reports of abuse. We are focused on identifying the parties at fault, explaining the options and claims that are available, and pursuing accountability so that a survivor can act based on the information that has been established.

Hire a Boarding School Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Our firm has investigated and litigated child sexual abuse cases involving schools, residential programs, and youth settings in California for many years. At our firm, we only work with information and evidence that has been verified through public records, court filings, and investigative documents.

We understand that survivors depend on us to be right, and we focus on being as certain as possible about the information that we share with survivors as we guide them through every step of the process. Civil litigation offers a structured opportunity to uncover information, evaluate whether a school or residential program met its legal obligations, and hold an institution accountable in a way that can prevent the same harm from happening to someone else.

Representing survivors has helped us develop a trauma-informed approach and a deep understanding of the typical responses from institutions when faced with a report of sexual abuse. We are intentional about walking survivors through each phase of the process with the benefit of experience, and the reason they choose us is that we can go after accountability in a way that is rooted in care, transparency, and verified facts.

Woodland Hills Boarding School Civil Claims

Survivors who want to move forward with civil claims related to their abusive experiences at the Woodland Hills Boarding School will work with their attorney to gather records, identify offending parties, and file with the civil court system in Los Angeles County.

Cases brought against Woodland Hills Boarding School will appear in the Stanley Mosk Courthouse or Van Nuys Courthouse East, as these locations often see matters related to schools, youth programs, and residential programs.

Cases might include a negligent supervision claim, failure to report abuse, or failure to protect a student. Filing a civil claim can offer a way to uncover failures, determine responsibility, and seek accountability that matters.

Disclosure Patterns in Cases of Child Sexual Abuse

Every 74 seconds, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted. Every nine minutes, a child is. Delayed disclosure can be common among child sexual abuse survivors, particularly when an offender was in a position of authority over a child, or a survivor was worried about retaliation.

More than 95% of young people spend most of their day in school settings, which makes the environment a major factor in their safety. Recent CDC survey data show that sexual violence against teen girls has grown in recent years, with reports rising from 15% in 2017 to 18% in 2021. For students living on boarding school campuses, the stakes are even higher because school staff and peers make up nearly their entire daily world.

The impact of this finding can play a role in cases related to boarding schools because separation from family and reliance on staff members can lead to a child being less likely to report abuse. Awareness of this information can help to inform a comprehensive investigation and provide more context for how an institution’s practices might have played a role in creating an environment in which speaking out was discouraged.

FAQs

What Evidence Can Help Support a Boarding School Sexual Abuse Claim?

Evidence in these cases often includes school records, incident reports, employee files, and any documentation showing how the institution responded to concerns. Survivors sometimes have journals, emails, or messages from the time of enrollment that help establish context.

Even when older records are missing, attorneys can obtain information through subpoenas, public agency requests, or witness interviews. A strong claim develops by piecing together what the institution knew, when they knew it, and how they acted.

Can a School Be Liable for Abuse Committed by a Staff Member?

When sexual abuse happens at a boarding school, the institution may be held responsible if the abuse took place during a school-related activity or because of insufficient hiring, supervision, or reporting practices. Liability can also come from past complaints or warning signs that went unaddressed. Civil law will also look at the question of whether the school’s conduct or inaction created the opportunity for abuse.

How Does an Attorney Protect a Survivor’s Privacy During a Case?

Privacy is an important concern during litigation over child sexual abuse. Lawyers can request protective orders, file under initials, and move to seal evidence when necessary. Details are shared with the court and opposing counsel only when necessary, and identifying information is kept private. Survivors also control how much they want to share publicly. A trauma-informed approach to legal support also means survivor comfort levels dictate how their information is treated at all stages of a case.

What if the Boarding School Is No Longer Operating?

A boarding school that has closed is not immune to civil liability. Individuals who worked there, the institution that owned or operated the school, or affiliated groups, like a religious body or nonprofit board, could still be responsible. Records may still exist through insurance companies, former leaders, or with state agencies. An attorney can help determine who may be the proper parties, find any remaining evidence, and decide if a claim may still be possible.

Woodland Hills Boarding School Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Survivors of abuse at the Woodland Hills Boarding School deserve an attorney who fully understands the complexity of these cases and the impact they can have long after the abuse has ended. Our firm approaches each matter with careful review of the institution’s conduct, the individuals involved, and the systems in place that may have allowed abuse to occur.

We know it can be difficult to talk about these experiences, even years later. If you were harmed by this individual or if you believe you have been the victim of similar abuse at the same school, please contact the DeMarco Law Firm and let us talk to you confidentially about your options and the appropriate next steps.

Contact us today if you or someone you know has been the victim of abuse at Woodland Hills Boarding School.