Childhood Sexual Abuse Within Boy Scouts of America

Boy Scouts of America, an institution meant to foster character development and outdoor experiences, has been marred by instances of childhood sexual abuse. Trusted leaders and mentors have used their positions to exploit vulnerable young individuals, affecting thousands of survivors across the county.

Since the founding of Boy Scouts of America in the 1920s, the organization has kept a confidential roster of individuals categorized as “ineligible volunteers.” This roster was used to track cases of suspected sexual abuse and misconduct by its scout leaders, volunteers, and other members of the organization. Upon the release of this roster in 2012, not only were there a large number of alleged sexual abuse causes, but an equally high number of cases in which the alleged abuser was never reported to police. Several accused abusers also continued to serve as volunteers within the organization. Individuals were also marked as “ineligible volunteers” due to violence or threats of violence, destruction of property, or failure to uphold the standards of the scouting program.

It is important to note that childhood sexual abuse does not only occur within the Boy Scouts; unfortunately, predators use youth organizations to gain access to victims. These organizations may include:

• Girl Scouts
• Big Brothers Big Sisters
• 4H Clubs
• Youth sports programs
• Music and arts clubs
• After-school programs

Boy Scout Litigation

Because of New Jersey Sex Abuse Law S477, victims of sexual abuse within the Boy Scouts can pursue claims that were previously past the statute of limitations. RAM Law specializes in representing survivors of childhood sexual abuse within the Boy Scouts of America, providing compassionate legal representation to seek justice and compensation for the harm they have endured. We are dedicated to fighting for the rights of survivors and holding the Boy Scouts accountable for its role in these devastating cases.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by childhood sexual abuse within the Catholic Church, our legal team is dedicated to providing compassionate support, legal guidance, and a path towards healing.