Abraxas Youth Center Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Financial Compensation for Victims Who Have Experienced Sexual Abuse at AYC

Abraxas Youth Center sexual abuse survivors have come forward to allege that the youth residential treatment facility failed to protect young residents from abusive staff members. If you suffered sexual abuse at Abraxas facilities, we can help you seek justice through a Pennsylvania youth detention center sexual abuse lawsuit. Contact us today for a confidential and free consultation about a civil claim. 

Allegations of Sexual and Physical Abuse Against Abraxas Youth Family Services

Abraxas Youth and Family Services runs youth residential centers and community-based programs in Pennsylvania and four other states. Despite claiming to create an “environment of care” that honors the dignity and respect of the individuals in its care, Abraxas facilities have been accused of serious negligence. 

In March 2022, former inmates filed a suit against the GEO Group, which runs Abraxas Youth Family Services and other juvenile detention facilities. 

The case Van Buren et al v. Abraxas Youth And Family Services et al alleged that staff members physically, emotionally, and sexually abused at-risk youth at multiple Abraxas facilities. The survivors claim that the company failed to provide sufficient oversight of the facilities or protect child sex abuse survivors from harm. 

The United States District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania, declined to classify this civil claim as a class action lawsuit based on ascertainability. 

In other words, it would be difficult to determine who suffered abuse that aligned with the allegations of certain class members without exhaustive fact-finding. This ruling does not mean that the allegations were unfounded, and the survivors can pursue individual sexual abuse claims. 

Unfortunately, the lawsuit did not prevent harm to other victims, even with the heightened scrutiny. One year later, in April 2023, Elizabeth Ann Bohler was charged with several offenses pertaining to a sexual relationship that occurred in late 2022. 

According to the criminal complaint, Bohler kissed the child in December 2022 before escalating into sexual contact in a closet in the facility. Bohler also sent sexually explicit messages to the child. While the child’s age or gender was not specified in reports, the criminal charges indicate that they were younger than 16. 

Reports note that Bohler lied to law enforcement about whether she texted the child or engaged in sexually charged conversations. 

She initially stated that she did not have the minor’s phone number, only to find that the child’s name was included in her contacts with hearts around it. She also stated that she did not exchange explicit photographs with the child, but such images were found on her phone. 

Most disturbingly, Bohler allegedly claimed that the juvenile was the aggressor in the relationship and had initiated all sexual relations, though she did admit that as an adult, she should have known better. Regardless, she has been charged with multiple felonies, including institutional sexual assault of a minor and disseminating explicit sexual material to a minor. 

What Damages Can Victims Recover Following Abuse at Abraxas Facilities?

Unlike a criminal case, civil actions are not to punish the perpetrator. Instead, they secure financial compensation for victims. Damages that may be awarded include:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Loss of future income
• Therapy and psychological treatment
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and psychological harm
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Your overall damages in a civil lawsuit will depend on multiple factors, such as whether the sexual abuse occurred multiple times or was a single incident. Additionally, elements like the available evidence and facility liability will determine what you may receive. 

If your case goes to trial, the court may also award punitive damages. This is meant to punish the perpetrator. In the case of institutions, this may also include requiring them to make policy changes that will prevent future abuse. These are not guaranteed and are treated separately from compensatory damages, which are meant to cover your financial and emotional losses. 

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court opened the door for higher punitive damages in cases that involve multiple defendants. In the case of The Bert Co. v. Turk, et al., the court ruled that punitive damages can be considered on a per-defendant basis rather than on a per-case basis. 

Who Can Be Held Liable for Sexual Abuse at Juvenile Detention Centers and Residential Treatment Facilities?

Our attorneys can file sexual abuse lawsuits against both individual perpetrators and organizations that failed to intervene. These liable parties can include the following.

Individual Perpetrator: The men and women who perpetrate abuse are typically the first parties in a lawsuit. If they are deceased, then we can seek justice against other defendants. Filing against the facility also means that we can leverage their insurance company to secure the highest possible compensation while forcing institutional change. 

Other Employees and Staff Members: Employees at schools, juvenile detention centers, and residential treatment programs are mandated reporters (23 Pa.C.S. §6311 et seq.). They are required to report sexual abuse to ChildLine, the statewide reporting system (55 Pa. Code Chapter 3490). If they knew you were sexually abused and did nothing, they could be liable. 

Abraxas Center: Abraxas Youth and Family Services is required to report sexual abuse to the authorities and has a legal obligation to prevent harm to anyone utilizing its services. If supervisors or administrators were aware of concerns and did not act swiftly to remove perpetrators from their programs, then Abraxas can be liable. 

GEO Group: The GEO Group is the parent company that operates Abraxas facilities and other for-profit institutions nationwide. As such, it is vicariously liable for any harm done to residents at any facility. 

How Long Do Victims Have to Take Legal Action Under Pennsylvania Law?

If your childhood sexual abuse occurred after November 26, 2019, Pennsylvania law allows you to pursue a civil claim until age 55 (42 Pa.C.S. §5533(b)(2)(i)). The legislature also approved a lookback window for claims prior to the extended statute of limitations, which closes in November 2025 (42 Pa.C.S. §5533(b)(2)(ii)). 

Those who were 18 to 24 at the time of the abuse can file a lawsuit until their 30th birthday (42 Pa.C.S. §5533(b)(2)(i.1)). For those older than 24, they have the standard two-year statute of limitations to file a claim (42 Pa.C.S. §5524(7)). 

However, even if you believe that the statute of limitations has passed, our attorneys can help you review your options and determine whether it is still possible to file a Pennsylvania sexual abuse lawsuit. Scheduling a consultation with us is free, no-obligation, and confidential. 

How Our Law Firm Can Help

Our firm has extensive experience in institutional sexual abuse claims, which means we understand the immense psychological trauma and fear that survivors endure. We will handle all third-party communications on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your recovery. 

As members of America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators, we offer world-class legal advocacy to our clients, including the following services.

Case Evaluation: Sexual abuse statutes have changed significantly in recent years. Our attorneys will review your case to determine whether you have a case based on current definitions and evaluate your damages, including non-economic damages like pain and suffering. 

Investigation: Despite the fact that treatment facilities are required to keep meticulous records, key evidence is often lost or destroyed. Our skilled legal team will diligently search for vital details like medical records, employment records, police reports, treatment plans, therapy records, and other information that can substantiate your claim.

Witness Testimony: Survivors often struggle to share their stories due to the immense trauma. Our compassionate, trauma-informed attorneys will help you and others feel supported and empowered while also confirming key details.

Negotiation: Because of the complex legal registration of facilities like Abraxas, there are often multiple liable parties. For example, the individual center, Abraxas, and the GEO Group may all be parties to the lawsuit. Our law firm will handle all communications with these groups and push for the highest possible compensation based on your experiences. 

Trial Representation: Though many lawsuits settle before a trial takes place, cases with complex legal questions or contested liability may have to go to trial. We will guide you through the process, which includes sharing information with the other parties, attending hearings, filing motions, and presenting in court. Throughout the case, we’ll keep you updated while still protecting your privacy. 

Book a Free Consultation

A sexual abuse lawsuit is crucial to preventing future harm in treatment centers while holding negligent institutions accountable for their failures to protect youth. Most importantly, it provides the compensation you need to recover in comfort.

Our firm handles abuse lawsuits on a contingency fee basis: no fees unless we win. Everything you share with our lawyers is protected by the attorney-client privilege, meaning that we will protect your privacy. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation, and confidential consultation about your rights. 

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.