Cresson Secure Treatment Unit Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Compensation for Victims Who Have Experienced Sexual Abuse at CSTU

Cresson Secure Treatment Unit was closed down in 2015 after investigations revealed a pattern of sexual abuse and mistreatment of young inmates. If you were victimized as an inmate at this facility, you can pursue justice with a Cresson Secure Treatment Unit sexual abuse lawsuit.

Injury Lawyer Team is committed to supporting child sex abuse survivors as they seek justice and fair compensation for their losses. Our team will guide you through the claims process so you have the best chance of winning your Pennsylvania youth detention center sexual abuse lawsuit. 

Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse at Cresson Secure Treatment Unit

In January 2010, the Department of Justice released a report about an investigation of multiple juvenile detention centers, including Cresson Secure Treatment Unit. The report cited numerous troubling statistics that indicated the seriousness of the problem at Cresson Secure Treatment Unit. 

For example, 33.3% of youth inmates reported being subjected to sexual victimization. Additionally, 25% of the juvenile inmates reported sexual misconduct by staff members. 

Several survivors have chosen to file civil lawsuits against this Pennsylvania youth residential treatment facility, including one lawsuit that was reported in 2025. The victim, who had been 17 at the time, is seeking justice against the operator of the facility because sexual abuse occurred when he was an inmate. 

The civil lawsuit also mentioned the Department of Justice report, which concluded that this Pennsylvania juvenile detention facility had a sexual victimization rate three times higher than the national average. 

The plaintiff claimed that a female staff member would escort him into a hallway with no cameras and improperly touch him. She would then provide him with food and cigarettes in exchange for not reporting the sex abuse. 

What Damages Can Victims Recover in Childhood Sexual Abuse Claims?

Suppose you have been sexually abused in Cresson Secure Treatment Unit or a similar mental health treatment facility. In that case, you can pursue compensation for various legal damages with a sexual abuse lawsuit. 

Here are some common legal damages you could obtain if you were sexually abused: 

Economic Damages

• Lost income
• Medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, medication, medical tests, rehabilitation, therapy)
• Future medical bills
• Diminished earning capacity

Non-Economic Damages

• Emotional distress (anxiety, depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, self-harm, suicide ideation)
• Pain and suffering (for physical injuries from sexual assault)
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Punitive Damages

Many lawsuits involving children who have been sexually abused and who file claims lead to additional compensation meant to punish the defendant for gross negligence, intentional misconduct, or institutional cover-ups. 

Who Can Be Held Liable for Childhood Sexual Abuse at Juvenile Detention Facilities?

In order to win youth detention center sexual abuse lawsuits, plaintiffs must be able to establish liability for their suffering. 

Potentially liable parties may include:

• Medical personnel
• Residential staff
• Other inmates
• Administrators
• Operators
• Pennsylvania Department of Human Services

How Long Do Victims Have to Take Legal Action in Pennsylvania?

42 Pa.C.S. §5533(b)(2)(i) – Children who were sexually abused have until their 55th birthdays to pursue legal action.

42 Pa.C.S. §5533(b)(2)(ii) – There is a two-year revival window for child sexual abuse survivors whose claims expired under the current statute of limitations. This window closes in November 2025.

42 Pa.C.S. §5524(7) – Adult victims can pursue a lawsuit within two years of the date the abuse occurred or the date of discovery of their injuries. 

How Injury Lawyer Team Can Help

If you want to hold former employees at Cresson Secure Treatment Unit accountable for your childhood sexual abuse, the Injury Lawyer Team is ready to assist. Our experienced attorneys will guide you through the claims process while protecting your rights.

Our legal representation services include:

• Investigating the Cresson Secure Treatment Unit sexual abuse
• Assessing legal damages
• Gathering evidence of sexual assault
• Working with the Justice Resource Institute
• Negotiating for full compensation
• Litigating in civil court after reporting abuse to the authorities

Book a Free Consultation

Pursuing a sexual abuse lawsuit on your own can be incredibly challenging. With our lawyers on your side, you will stand a better chance of securing justice and compensation. 

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win. You can also discuss your sexual abuse lawsuit during a free consultation with our top attorneys.

Contact us today at 866-757-6452 to schedule a free consultation if you suffered sexual abuse at a Pennsylvania youth residential treatment center. 

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.