According to reports, nearly 90,000 sexual abuse claims have been lodged against the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), significantly exceeding the approximate 9,000 claims associated with the Catholic Church. As of Sunday night, the total stood at 82,663 and continues to rise as the BSA approaches its deadline of 5 p.m. ET on Monday for victims to submit their claims during ongoing bankruptcy proceedings initiated in February.
“This is the largest sexual abuse case in history by a substantial margin,” stated Tim Johnson, a Seattle-based attorney representing thousands of claimants across the nation. “It dwarfs all the Catholic Church cases combined.”
Paul Smith, another lawyer who has dealt with Boy Scouts cases for almost two decades, expressed his shock at the staggering number of claims. “I was aware there were numerous cases, but I never imagined it would reach this level,” he said. The coalition Abused in Scouting, consisting of attorneys, has clients from every state, with alleged victims ranging from ages 9 to 95.
Following the BSA’s bankruptcy filing, numerous lawsuits regarding sexual abuse were launched nationwide by former scouts. “From what we’re hearing from survivors, sexual abuse was almost a rite of passage within troops, similar to tasks children had to complete to earn merit badges,” noted Andrew Van Arsdale, one of the lead attorneys, in a statement. Van Arsdale has been in touch with thousands of alleged survivors over the past 19 months, describing the abuse as an “unspoken norm.”
Due to the BSA’s bankruptcy, survivors are now required to pursue their claims in bankruptcy court rather than through civil litigation, which means they will forfeit their right to a jury trial. “While their lives won’t be put under the microscope, they will lose the opportunity for a jury trial,” explained Michael Turner, a Seattle attorney representing a number of alleged victims. “For many abuse survivors, sharing their story in court and compelling organizations to defend their actions can be a healing process. That won’t be possible with a bankruptcy.”
In response to the multitude of claims detailing abuse by scout leaders, the BSA stated in a prepared statement that they are “devastated by the number of lives impacted by past abuse in scouting” and expressed admiration for those who have come forward. “We are heartbroken that we cannot undo their pain,” they added.
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Summary:
Nearly 90,000 sexual abuse claims have been filed against the Boy Scouts of America, far exceeding the claims associated with the Catholic Church. This unprecedented situation follows the organization’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, which has shifted how survivors can pursue justice. Many survivors describe the abuse as a troubling norm within scouting. The BSA has expressed regret over the impact of past abuse on countless lives.
Keyphrase: Boy Scouts sexual abuse claims
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