MICHIGAN BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA SEXUAL ABUSE ATTORNEY

You Deserve Justice

At Grewal Law, we understand that the safety and well-being of children is of utmost importance. Unfortunately, sexual abuse can occur in any setting, including within the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). This is a deeply concerning issue that requires immediate attention.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of sexual abuse while involved with the Boy Scouts of America, we have a long history of successfully representing survivors of sexual abuse. We have secured significant settlements and verdicts for our clients, helping them achieve the justice and closure they deserve.

Call (888) 211-5798 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.

About Boy Scouts of America

The Boy Scouts is a youth organization that aims to promote the development of good character, citizenship, leadership, and outdoor skills among young people. Founded in the United States as the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) in 1910, it is part of the larger global Scouting movement that began in the United Kingdom in 1907.

The Boy Scouts program, which typically serves boys and girls ages 11 to 17, focuses on outdoor activities, community service, and leadership development. The BSA also has other programs like Cub Scouts (for younger children), Venturing (for older teens), and Sea Scouts (focused on maritime skills).

Adult leaders supervising Scouts must be at least 18 or 21 years old, depending on the specific role. For example, Scoutmasters and Advisors must be 21 or older.

All adult leaders must register with the Boy Scouts of America and undergo a criminal background check. This process ensures that leaders are qualified and trustworthy.

Leaders must complete training tailored to their specific role within the Scouting program, including outdoor skills and basic leadership courses. Additional advanced training is available for those seeking to enhance their leadership abilities.

The Scandal Within Boy Scouts of America

For decades, the Boy Scouts of America enjoyed the trust and admiration of parents and communities across the nation. Families saw the BSA as an organization dedicated to instilling values, fostering leadership, and nurturing the physical and moral development of young boys. This trust was often built upon the assumption that the organization would safeguard its members against harm, including any form of abuse.

However, in recent years, a disturbing pattern began to emerge. Survivors of sexual abuse started to come forward, bravely sharing their stories of pain, betrayal, and suffering at the hands of trusted BSA leaders and volunteers. These survivors, often carrying the weight of their experiences for years, summoned the courage to break the silence, seeking justice and accountability for the crimes committed against them.

Common forms of abuse include:

• Molestation: This involves inappropriate touching or sexual contact between an adult leader or volunteer and a minor member. It can range from fondling to more serious forms of abuse.
• Grooming: Abusers may engage in a process of grooming, which involves building a relationship of trust with a child or teenager before initiating sexual abuse. Grooming tactics can include giving special attention, gifts, or privileges to the victim.
• Exposure to Explicit Material: Some victims have reported being shown pornography or explicit material by adult leaders or volunteers, which can be a form of sexual abuse.
• Emotional Abuse: Emotional abuse can also occur, such as manipulation, coercion, or threats to keep victims silent about the abuse.
• Online Abuse: In the digital age, there have been cases of online sexual abuse within the BSA, where abusers communicate with minors through social media or other online platforms.

Michigan, like many other states, was not immune to this scandal. A distressing number of survivors in Michigan have revealed harrowing accounts of sexual abuse that transpired during their time as scouts. The very places where they were supposed to learn, grow, and build lifelong friendships became the settings for their unimaginable trauma.

Numerous lawsuits have been filed against the Boy Scouts of America by individuals who claim they were sexually abused by adult leaders or volunteers within the organization. Many of these lawsuits allege that the BSA was aware of the abuse but failed to take adequate steps to protect its members or report incidents to the authorities.

In response to the mounting legal claims, the Boy Scouts of America filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This bankruptcy was intended to create a compensation fund for victims and allow the organization to continue its operations while addressing the claims.