We Help Victims Of University, College And High School Teacher, Coach & Student Abuse In Florida
As a society, we entrust teachers and other school employees with the instruction and protection of our children on a daily basis. In fact, many children spend more face-to-face time with their schoolteachers than with their own parents during the school year.
Every day across America, millions of children go to school and parents never give a second thought to the potential risks that face their children from the earliest ages. Private schools, boarding schools, after-school programs or other school settings are unfortunately opportune locations for a person with deviant sexual interests to find innocent victims. Teachers, coaches, volunteers, counselors and even other students may be sexual predators in disguise. Horowitz Law has handled numerous claims involving minors who were subject to sexual assault at school or at a school-related event.
How Schools Often Fail Victims
The law usually requires school employees and officials to exercise the same level of care in the supervision of children as a reasonable parent would, but it is an unfortunate reality that schools often fail at this responsibility and children fall prey to sexual predators. In some cases, a fellow student is a repeat sexual offender, but because the perpetrator is a juvenile, unsuspecting parents are never warned and only a handful of school administrators know about the student’s past. Rarely is a student molested in school without reasonable opportunities for the school to have prevented it. Sexual predators like teachers, school employees and coaches know they have time to “groom” their victims, to slowly gain their trust, before the sexual contact occurs, almost as if part of a natural progression of events in the unsuspecting child’s life. Abuse in schools can occur at any age, from pre-kindergarten through college.
For an in-depth look at the Horowitz Law investigation into sexual abuse in the private schools of New Jersey, click here.
What Are The Rights Of Students Experiencing Sexual Abuse At School?
Florida students have fundamental rights when facing sexual abuse in educational settings. These rights include:
- The right to a safe learning environment free from sexual harassment and abuse
- The right to report abuse without fear of retaliation
- The right to prompt investigation of abuse claims
- The right to accommodations to ensure continued access to education
- The right to seek mental health support and counseling services
- The right to take legal action against responsible parties
Understanding and exercising these rights is crucial for survivors seeking justice and healing.
What Are The Responsibilities Of Schools To Prevent Abuse?
Florida schools and universities must maintain specific preventive measures against sexual abuse:
- Conduct thorough background checks on all employees and volunteers
- Implement clear reporting protocols for abuse allegations
- Provide regular training to staff about recognizing abuse signs
- Establish supervision guidelines for student-adult interactions
- Monitor high-risk areas such as locker rooms and isolated spaces
- Respond promptly to any signs of inappropriate behavior
- Document and report suspected abuse to proper authorities
Sexual abuse survivors can hold schools accountable for the harm they’ve experienced if the schools fall short of these responsibilities.
Who Can Take Action Against School Sexual Abuse?
Several parties can pursue legal action in school abuse cases:
- Victims of current or past abuse
- Parents or legal guardians of minor victims
- Adult survivors of historical abuse
- Family members affected by the abuse
- Student witnesses who suffered emotional trauma
- Those who faced retaliation for reporting abuse
Our Florida attorneys understand the complexity of school abuse cases and the courage it takes to come forward. We protect your privacy while pursuing accountability from negligent institutions.
Discuss Your Options With A Sex Abuse Lawyer Today
If you or your child suffered sexual abuse at a school or university, you are not alone. Do not feel afraid to reach out to Horowitz Law for legal help. Contact us for a free, confidential initial consultation and we can explore your rights and options. Call 888-283-9922 or send us an email today.