Child Sexually Abused at School: What to Do

After learning your child was sexually abused by a coach or teacher or another student, you may find yourself grasping for answers. What can you do to help your child recover? 

Child sexual abuse can be a frightening experience, and you may be unsure where to begin with your case. The lawyers at Lane Brown, LLC are here to guide you to the answers you need when your child has been abused. 

Report the Abuse

It’s important to act quickly. Even if the abuse occurred months ago and your child is still a student at the same school, you should still report it. That way, schools can make sure that other children are kept safe. 

It’s also important for your child’s health and safety. If they are still in contact with the person who abused them, they may feel threatened and afraid. That can impact their overall mental health and their ability to learn at that school. 

In the meantime, there are some things you can do. Ask if they confided in anyone else. A minor may reach out to other adults around them like the school nurse, a favorite teacher, or a trusted coach. Get the names of your child’s confidantes and contact them to discuss the abuse.

Be careful about assuming the best. It’s not uncommon for parents to want to protect their children from painful truths about school and gloss over any uncomfortable subjects. But it’s important to remember that schools are public places, and you have every right to know what goes on there.

Contact School Authorities

Contact your child’s principal or teacher immediately. Tell them what happened, who was involved, and what witnesses might be able to confirm your story. If possible, get witnesses to write down their account of events so there is documentation of what was said and done.

As heartbreaking as this sounds, sometimes the principal or even the school nurse will brush off your concerns. If this happens, contact the superintendent or superintendent’s office directly. All schools have an obligation to keep every student safe and this responsibility should not be taken lightly.

More importantly, school teachers are mandatory reporters. That means they must report any signs of abuse to the authorities. If they brush off your concerns, they may face legal action for their inaction. 

At this point, you may decide to hire an attorney to speak on your behalf to show the principal and the abuser that you mean business. 

File a Report with Law Enforcement

Once you file a report with the police or with Child Protective Services, an investigation into your case will begin immediately.

Law enforcement officers will interview all involved parties and physical evidence will be collected from the crime scene. If there is any indication of criminal activity by the alleged abuser, charges will be filed against them and they will be arrested and taken into custody until their trial date comes up.

Keep in mind that their criminal trial is a separate case from the personal injury claim you may file. Talk to your lawyer about gathering evidence from any criminal case they may face. 

Gather Evidence to Support Your Case

First, create a written record of what happened. If possible, get a copy of any notes or records the school has about the incident. If not, make a note of when and where it happened, who was present, and what they did or didn’t do.

You should also seek medical attention for your child as soon as possible. Medical attention is important even if there are no physical signs of abuse right away. Sometimes children will hide signs of sexual abuse out of fear, but a qualified health care practitioner will be able to spot them. Medical records and even notes from the school nurse can also be used as evidence.

Take photographs of injuries. Evidence of physical injuries can help you prove your child suffered, so take pictures or make sure images are included in your child’s medical report. You may also need to seek out any DNA evidence possible during this time.

Consult with Our Compassionate Team of Experienced Lawyers

If your child has been sexually abused at their school, you may be devastated but unsure where to begin. That’s why it’s important to speak with an experienced sexual abuse lawyer from Lane Brown, LLC as soon as possible. We have the necessary experience and the understanding of local schools to help you navigate this difficult issue. 

When you’re ready to talk, start a confidential chat with our team. Call 312-332-1400 or fill out the online contact form below.