Unfortunately, more and more victims have come forward accusing members of the Young Men’s and Women’s Christian Association (“YMCA” or “YWCA”) of sexual assault at their facilities across the nation. Many popular religious organizations have recently come under fire for similar allegations of child sexual abuse such as, the Boys & Girls Club.
The devastating reality behind this increase in nationwide reports shines light on the true dangers of these youth programs. Youth programs ran by the YMCA and YWCA market to create a space for children to grow and develop, usually during after-school programs.
While these programs can foster growth and provide a safe environment for children when they are being properly managed, these programs also offer opportunities for sexual predators’ access to young children. There are thousands of YMCA’s that operate throughout the United States, many of them in the state of California.
You Are Not Alone!
If you or a loved one has been affected by these troubling statistics, you are not alone. Many victims that have come forward have come together to not only support each other, but to work to hold their perpetrators liable.
The state of California passed a law in 2020 that allows child victims of sexual assault to file a lawsuit until they turn 40 years old or up to five years after they discover a phycological injury caused by the abuse. This California law “AB 218” significantly increased the previous time restraints set in the state. AB 218 also opens up a three-year window that allows those with previous time restricted claims to file within the new window.
AB 218 is a significant legislation for childhood victims as most victims often do not report what happened to them until years after the abuse.
Additionally, as more victims have come forward, the possibility of pursing a class action lawsuit increase, too. The benefits of bringing a class action lawsuit against the YMCA is that there are more victims and facts to prove the alleged abuse.
These popular organizations like the YMCA and YWCA are often well-funded and well represented. These organizations will have their own legal counsel working to represent their organization and potentially their employees. As a victim, it is essential that you speak to an attorney regarding your case.
Please contact Hariri Law Group for a free consultation if you believe that you or a loved one is being abused at a local organization like the YMCA or Boys & Girls Club. Our experienced attorneys understand the traumas of being a victim and will work to help you gain your power back.
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