Child Victims of Teacher or School Staff Sex Abuse Deserve Nothing Less Than Full Justice

If your child has been sexually abused by a teacher or school employee, they are not by any means alone. It is a sad reality that many students across New York and throughout the United States have endured sexual trauma at school. Whether the sexual abuse or a sexual assault was perpetrated by a teacher, school employee, or even another student, a compassionate Westchester County personal injury lawyer for survivors of sexual abuse can help.

Michael J. McConnell is a personal injury attorney who started his own law office precisely to seek justice for people who have been seriously harmed – especially child victims of sexual abuse. He is a former New York City prosecutor who understands the importance providing a compassionate approach for victims of heinous crimes while at the same time being absolutely relentless in holding wrongdoers accountable – particularly those who victimize innocent children.

The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell offers free and confidential consultations to child victims of sexual abuse and their families to help them explore their legal options.

You will meet with attorney Michael J. McConnell and he will listen with compassion and empathy so that victims and their families feel safe and supported every step of the way.

For a free consultation, contact our office today.

What Is Teacher Sexual Abuse?

Teacher sexual abuse happens when a teacher or school employee uses their position of trust and authority to harm a student. This can include:

  • Inappropriate touching
  • Sexual text messages – including photos and videos
  • Sexual comments
  • Grooming
  • Sexual contact with a minor
  • Sexual Assault – rape and child molestation

In the school setting in particular, sexual abuse may often start with “grooming” behaviors such as a teacher paying special attention to a student, giving them gifts, texting them outside of school, and building trust with both the child and their parents before the abuse occurs.

It is estimated that about one in every 10 students in the United States will experience some form of sexual misconduct from a school employee. This is an alarming statistic – especially since the trauma that results from sexual misconduct against a child can be so devastating and last with them for the rest of their life.

While most teachers and school employees are dedicated to protecting children, the problem is that even just one sexual predator employed by a school can have disastrous consequences. Sexual predators often do not stop with one victim, and the longer they are employed in a school the more emboldened they feel to victimize children without consequence.

Why Holding Schools Accountable Matters

In many instances where a teacher or school employee sexually abuses a student, a root cause analysis may show a complete “system failure” by the school to protect its students.

This is alarming because we send our children to school with the expectation that the school will do its job to keep our children safe. When they don’t, they can – and indeed should – be held accountable through a civil lawsuit.

Holding a school accountable for sexual abuse in Westchester County is important.

  • First, it empowers the child survivors of sexual abuse and their families to have their voice heard and get justice on their own terms.
  • Second, it compensates the child for the significant trauma they endured and the past, present, and future expenses they will have for things like therapy and counseling.
  • And third, it prevents future abuse by sending a very strong message to the particular school as well as others that a failure to protect a child from sexual abuse by their employees will never be tolerated.

Indeed, for many victims of crime as well as survivors of sexual abuse, it can often be the motivation to protect others from the trauma they suffered that gives them the strength to pursue justice through the legal system. Lawsuits can bring to light the sexual misconduct by a teacher, get them removed from the school, and force schools to make changes that better protect students.

Criminal vs. Civil Justice: What’s the Difference?

It is very important for parents of child victims of sexual abuse at school in Westchester to understand that there are two different systems for justice: the criminal justice system versus the civil justice system. They each have their own purposes and both can be important for holding sexual predators accountable.  

  • Criminal justice: A prosecutor employed by the local District Attorney’s Office brings a criminal case against the teacher for a criminal offense such as rape or sexual contact with a minor. If the teacher is found guilty, they can be criminally punished such as by going to prison – sometimes for many years.
  • Civil justice: A personal injury lawyer hired by the victim and/or their family will bring a lawsuit seeking compensation for the harm that was caused. For cases of teacher sexual abuse, the lawsuit can be brought against the school or the individual teacher to seek money damages.

It is also important to know that even if the teacher is never convicted in criminal court (or perhaps never even arrested), it is still very much possible for a survivor of sexual abuse to pursue justice in civil court. So victims should not be discouraged from considering a lawsuit just because the criminal justice system did not ultimately hold the perpetrator accountable.

Schedule a Free Consultation to Get Justice for Sexual Abuse that Occurred at School in Westchester County

The legal system exists to hold wrongdoers accountable – including school staff members that sexually abuse children and the school districts that failed to prevent it. Michael J. McConnell is a Westchester County personal injury attorney dedicated to holding abusers accountable and fighting for justice for survivors of child sex abuse.  

The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell offers:

  • Free, confidential consultations: You can speak with an attorney without any cost or obligation. The decision to hire a lawyer is always yours.
  • A compassionate, supportive lawyer: Michael J. McConnell is here to listen and help survivors of sexual abuse through this incredibly difficult time in a way that puts their needs and wellbeing first.   
  • A commitment to your voice: Clients always control the major decisions in their case – whether to file a lawsuit, whether to agree to an out-of-court settlement, or whether to take a case to trial. An attorney will provide guidance, but the client gets the final say, which can be very empowering and provide a sense of autonomy for survivors of sexual abuse.  
  • Contingency Fee Basis: Hiring Michael J. McConnell costs nothing up front since he works on a contingency fee – meaning he only gets paid if he wins the case and gets your child compensation.

If you or someone you care about has been sexually abused at a school in Westchester, you deserve justice and Michael J. McConnell is here to help you get it. Contact us for a free consultation today.