Downers Grove South High School Sexual Assault Lawsuits

Compensation for Survivors of Sexual Abuse at Downers Grove South High School

At Injury Lawyer Team, we stand with every survivor affected by the Downers Grove South High School sexual assault scandal. Schools should be places of safety and growth, not environments where trust can be betrayed. 

When an educator abuses that trust, they destroy a student’s sense of security, and survivors deserve the chance to hold both the individual and the school district fully accountable.

Our firm has extensive experience representing survivors in Illinois school sexual abuse lawsuits. We approach each case with compassion and determination while aggressively pursuing the compensation our clients need to move forward.

Teacher Charged With Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse

In March 2025, former Downers Grove South High School teacher and coach Christina Formella was arrested after a 15-year-old student reported inappropriate sexual contact to the Downers Grove Police Department. 

According to the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, the student and his parents reported the alleged sexual assault on March 15, triggering a joint investigation with the DuPage County Children’s Center.

Formella was charged with criminal sexual assault and two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. She first appeared in court on March 17 and was granted pre-trial release under strict conditions.

During an April 17 interview at the Children’s Advocacy Center, the student disclosed previously unknown sexual abuse, leading to further investigation. 

Authorities now believe the abuse began in January 2023 and continued through August or September 2024, involving about 50 sexual acts, with at least 45 occurring at the school. Formella also sent the victim multiple text messages described as grooming.

In June 2025, a grand jury added 20 counts of criminal sexual assault, 20 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, 6 counts of grooming, and 6 counts of indecent solicitation of a child. She has since resigned, surrendered her license, and appeared at a status hearing.

Cases like this show why survivors may pursue a lawsuit against both the abuser and the district that failed to protect them.

What Damages Can Sexually Abused Victims Recover?

Through a school sexual assault lawsuit, survivors can seek compensation for therapy, medical treatment, lost income, pain and suffering, and, in some cases, punitive damages to punish egregious misconduct.

How Long Do Victims Have to Take Legal Action in Illinois

Survivors often worry they have waited too long to come forward, but Illinois law recognizes the lasting impact of childhood sexual abuse and gives survivors the time they need to seek justice.

Criminal Sexual Assault

Under 720 ILCS 5/3-6(j), there is no criminal statute of limitations for most felony sexual offenses committed against children. Prosecutors can bring charges at any time if the victim was under 18 when the abuse occurred.

Civil Sexual Assault

Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202.2, Illinois has eliminated the civil statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims, allowing survivors to file lawsuits no matter how many years have passed since the abuse occurred.

Tort Immunity Act

Although the 745 ILCS 10/ Tort Immunity Act shields public entities from many types of lawsuits, it does not prevent claims for childhood sexual abuse. Public school districts can still be held liable for failing to protect students.

Our firm can help you understand these laws and guide you through filing Illinois sexual assault lawsuits against both the perpetrator and the school district that allowed the abuse to happen.

How Injury Lawyer Team Can Help

At Injury Lawyer Team, we handle every case with compassion, discretion, and determination. From investigating abuse to building a strong claim, we fight to hold both abusers and negligent schools accountable.

We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we secure a favorable outcome for you. We also offer free, confidential consultations. If you or someone you love has been harmed, contact us to learn how we can help with sexual assault lawsuits and start the path toward justice.