Based on its own founding principles, the Boy Scout Oath has members vowing to keep themselves morally straight and the Scout Law requires them to be trustworthy, kind, and reverent, among other qualities. Recent investigations into the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) reveal that these foundational qualities are not present in all of its leaders and members. A 2011/2012 LA Times series revealing nearly a century of allegations, cover-ups, and negligence surrounding sexual abuse within the organization sheds a very dark light on the internal workings of the BSA. The Fitch Law Firm in Columbus, Ohio, is here to ensure that the victims of this abuse are represented and the perpetrators held accountable for their actions.
Since the Boy Scouts of America was founded in 1910, over 110 million members have been involved in this large youth organization. Investigators found that since 1919, the BSA has kept a “perversion list” documenting sexual abusers and abuse allegations within the organization. The creation of said list was to keep offenders from rejoining. In a large-scale effort to uphold the BSA’s morally high image, information about abuse was often kept internal, and many abusers circumvented the list and found their way back into the organization to prey on more innocent boys. These unacceptable actions led to more abusive incidents within the BSA and the life-altering devastation of countless boys.
Taking Action
Reports of sexual abuse can often be low in number due to the personal shame, guilt, and self-blame that can be incurred by an abuse victim. With databases that include thousands of incidents within the BSA organization, it can be startling to think of the additional number of unreported incidents of abuse that truly exist. If you or a loved one were the victim of sexual abuse at the hands of a leader, volunteer, or fellow member of the Boys Scouts, The Fitch Law Firm wants to assist you in seeing justice served. Whether the perpetrator has been previously identified or the abuser has yet to be reported, the compassionate and trusted professionals at The Fitch Law Firm can help victims take the steps toward finding closure and rebuilding their lives after the loss of innocence.
Other Clubs & Youth Organizations
When joining organizations that are designed to mentor, motivate, and enlighten children, a level of unspoken trust is rightfully assumed. Whether the group is nationally recognized or locally created, leaders, volunteers, and fellow members must be held accountable for their treatment of others. When the trust is shattered by incidences of sexual abuse, the perpetrators must be held accountable for the life-changing impacts their actions create. While recent media attention has put the spotlight on the Boy Scouts, the following organizations may also be places where those with sexually abusive intentions turn to encounter child victims of various ages:
- Big Brothers/Big Sisters
- Boys and Girls Clubs of America
- Girl Scouts
- High School Democrats of America
- National Teen Age Republicans
- Young Life
- YMCA/YWCA Children’s Clubs
- Locally Formed Clubs & Organizations
If you or a loved one were a victim of abuse as a current or former member of any youth organization, the experienced team at The Fitch Law Firm will bring their expertise to your journey for seeking justice. While monetary or other forms of compensation cannot replace the loss of innocence, they can help in establishing closure and moving forward.
By contacting The Fitch Law Firm toll-free at (855) 614-6084 for a free consultation, the first steps on the path toward healing and closure for you or your loved one can be taken.