A staggering nearly 90,000 claims of sexual abuse have been lodged against the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), significantly exceeding the approximately 9,000 claims associated with the Catholic Church, as reported by AP. As of Sunday night, the total stood at 82,663 and continues to rise as the organization approaches its deadline for victims to file claims, following its Chapter 11 bankruptcy declaration in February.
“It’s the largest sexual abuse case by a considerable margin, anywhere,” stated Alex Johnson, a Seattle-based attorney representing numerous claimants across the country. “The scale is beyond anything we’ve seen with the Catholic Church.”
“I was aware there were many cases, but I never imagined it would reach this magnitude,” remarked Sara Lane, a lawyer who has been involved with Boy Scouts cases for almost twenty years. The coalition Abused in Scouting includes clients from all 50 states, and alleged victims range in age from 9 to 95.
When the BSA declared bankruptcy, numerous lawsuits alleging sexual abuse were filed by former scouts nationwide. “From what we’re hearing, sexual abuse became a rite of passage in troops, akin to tasks children had to complete for their merit badges,” said lead attorney Andrew Van Arsdale. He characterized the abuse within the BSA as an “unspoken norm.”
Due to the bankruptcy filing, survivors must now proceed with their claims in bankruptcy court rather than through civil litigation, which means they will forfeit their right to a jury trial. “While their lives won’t be under scrutiny, they lose the opportunity for a jury to hear their story,” noted Michael Turner, an attorney representing many alleged victims. “For many survivors, sharing their experience in court can be therapeutic, but that option is no longer available.”
In response to the overwhelming number of claims detailing abuse by scout leaders, the BSA expressed their devastation over the impact of past abuses, acknowledging the courage of those who have come forward, stating, “We are heartbroken that we cannot undo their pain.”
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In summary, the unprecedented number of sexual abuse claims against the Boy Scouts of America highlights a significant crisis within the organization, affecting countless individuals across the nation. As the claims process shifts to bankruptcy court, many survivors face the loss of their right to jury trials, raising concerns about the avenues for justice available to them.