More Sexual Abusers in Boy Scouts Documented
The number of sexual abusers in the Boy Scouts of America rose dramatically recently when the contents of a volunteer screening database were released. The sexual abusers, culled from volunteers over 72 years, is now known to number over 7,800. This is 2,800 more than previously believed. The total number of Boy Scouts who were abused between 1944 and 2016 is about 12,000. The 7,800 were scoutmasters and leaders who were removed from the organization due to sexual abuse. The Boy Scouts of America said that they never knowingly permitted someone who was considered a sexual abuser to work with the Scouts. They stress that once the Scout leader is added to the database, their access to children is immediately curtailed. In addition, they are not allowed to volunteer in another city or state. Going forward, the organization asks that any indication or suspicion of sexual abuse be reported.
Trial Reveals Higher Number of Sexual Abusers
In 2019, a trial in Minnesota for child rape provided testimony that introduced the higher numbers of sexual abusers. A University of Virginia neurobehavioral science and psychiatry professor, Janet Warren, revealed her results, having reviewed the volunteer database. In 2013, she was hired by the Boy Scouts of America to evaluate the volunteer ineligible database for effectiveness. She had reviewed the database earlier in 2012. When questioned at trial as to the number of sexual abusers in the Boy Scouts of America, she said the number of sexual abusers removed from duty was 7,819. Warren concluded that the Boy Scouts of America did not attempt to cover up the results. She said she would present her full report later.
Reporting the Volunteer List
In 2012, attorneys who won a case for $18.5 million against the Boy Scouts, released 20,000 documents that identified 1,000 Boy Scout leaders removed from the group. The lawyers were seeking a congressional examination of sexual abusers in the Boy Scouts of America. The Boy Scouts are in agreement that the records need to be reviewed to make sure all offenders have been banned. The organization apologized if they did not follow through appropriately or if they did not provide sufficient protection. At this juncture, the Boy Scouts said they were evaluating records beginning in 1965. Soon afterward, the organization said it would review another 5,000 cases beginning in 1950.
Going Forward
The problem with the volunteer screening database is that it is retrospective and aims to protect children from a Scout leader who has been accused of misconduct. Many believe that careful background checks are needed for new Scout leaders and counselors to ensure children’s safety. Some steps that are being taken are:
- Mandatory protection training for all Scout leaders
- Forbidden texts or communication via social media between Scouts and adults
- Adult leaders are forbidden to be alone with a youth during scouting activities
- Sleeping in the tent of an adult, unless they are the Scout’s parent or guardian, is forbidden
Compensation in a Sexual Abuse Case
When a sexual abuser has a position of trust, particularly when children are involved, the emotional, psychological and physical harm can be overwhelming. A civil lawsuit can recover such compensatory damages as well as punitive damages. The latter are meant to punish the sexual abuser for their egregious acts. In California previously, a person who was sexually abused had eight years to file a lawsuit against the abuser after which the case might not be heard. The state extended this time limit to three years after the abuse was discovered. This allows those who mentally suppressed the incident until a later time in their life to file a claim. It is important to have an injury lawyer experienced in sexual assault involved in the case.
Sacramento Boy Scouts Sexual Assault Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Boy Scouts sexual assault lawyer. If you or someone in your family has been sexually assaulted, you can reach out to me for free and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or at (800) 404-5400. You can contact me online also at my website AutoAccident.com.
I’ve provided compassionate legal assistance for Sacramento residents for over 37 years. Some of the cases other than sexual assault I’ve handled involved:
I belong to the following organizations among many others:
Learn more about my practice on these pages:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/boys-scout-scouting-asia-same-1822553/
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