School Sexual Abuse Lawsuit [2025 Update]

The School Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Is An Active Lawsuit

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Public and private schools throughout the U.S. are increasingly the subject of lawsuits being filed by victims of sexual abuse. Victims, who have been assaulted by peers, faculty, or staff, claim school officials failed to protect them from predators while they pursued their education.

Lawsuits filed by survivors say school administrators chose to protect abusers over students. In fact, many schools, colleges, and educational institutions have shown patterns of negligence or outright hostility regarding sexual assault complaints.

Survivors are filing lawsuits to seek justice, as well as financial compensation from the schools that covered up sex abuse, ignored accusations, or retaliated against them. Due to changing statutes in many states, adult survivors who were abused as children are also able to file lawsuits against the institutions that failed to protect them.

About the School Sexual Abuse Lawsuit:

School Sexual Abuse Lawsuit – 2025 News and Updates

September 5, 2025: Football Players at Ursuline High School Accused of Sexual Assault During Hazing Incident

A private catholic school in Youngstown, Ohio, is facing a lawsuit related to sexual assault committed by players on its football team. The federal lawsuit filed by the victim’s family named multiple school entities, including coaches, principals, the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, and 11 football players and their parents. The lawsuit alleges that when the mother reported the incident, school officials did not take her complaint seriously. Since the lawsuit was filed, additional victims have come forward. Victims allege there was a pattern of cover-ups and ignoring people who reported sexual assault at the school.

August 14, 2025: Two Terra Nova High School Students Accuse School Of Negligence In Hiring, Supervising Faculty

Two female students of Terra Nova High School in Pacifica, California, filed two separate lawsuits against the district, claiming they were sexually assaulted by faculty. The first complaint involves a woodshop teacher with a reputation for having inappropriate contact with students dating back to 2016. The lawsuit alleges that the school did not follow up or take corrective actions against the teacher despite complaints from both students and parents. The teacher is facing criminal charges. The second lawsuit involves a former student who claims she was sexually assaulted by a chemistry teacher. That teacher was eventually fired or resigned, but only after an investigation began.

June 11, 2025: Court Rules Pennsylvania Public Schools May Be Sued For Failing To Prevent Student-on-Student Sexual Abuse

A Commonwealth Court in Philadelphia ruled that a case involving an intellectually disabled high-school student abused by other students can go forward. The victim and her parents filed suit against the school for failing to supervise students in her gym class. The ruling provides an exemption to Pennsylvania’s sovereign immunity clause, which typically limits liability in cases involving state agencies.

February 3, 2025: Maryland Upholds Law Eliminating The Statute Of Limitations On Child Sex Abuse

In a 4-3 ruling, the Supreme Court of Maryland ruled that the legislature acted within its constitutional power when it passed the Child Victims Act of 2023. The law eliminated the statute of limitations on underage sex abuse lawsuits.

January 1, 2025: School Districts In Washington County Pay Out Over $52 Million In Sex Abuse Settlements

From 2013 to 2023, school districts in Pierce County, Washington, paid out over $52 million to resolve lawsuits and accusations involving sexual abuse. Individual payouts ranged from $375,000 (Steilacoom Hist) to $15,625,000 (University Place). The majority of the cases involved events that took place after 2009, with most of the alleged abusers identified as other students.

December 16, 2024: Alleged Security Failures At Pennsylvania Private School Prompt Lawsuit

The family of a 7-year-old boy who was allegedly molested by a 12-year-old on the premises of the Perkiomen School filed suit against the school for failing to fix and maintain security features on campus. Neither boy was a student, although both were children of Perkiomen staff. The complaint also claims the school allowed the older boy to continue attending school events. The Head of School, Mark A. Devey was also named in the lawsuit.

November 25, 2024: Oregon School District The Site Of Multiple Sexual Abuse Allegations and Arrests

St. Helens School District in Northwest Oregon has been the site of a suspiciously high volume of sexual abuse complaints and investigations involving the arrests of three teachers on sexual abuse charges. The former superintendent was also arrested for criminal mistreatment in violation of her legal duties. The district settled a lawsuit related to one of the incidents for $3.5 million.

September 18, 2024: Oklahoma Public School Settles Sex Abuse Lawsuit For $7.5 Million

Ninnekah Public Schools agreed to a $7.5 million settlement with 14 current or former female students who claimed they were sexually abused by former high school basketball coach Ronald Gene Akins. Akins is currently serving a 15-year prison sentence for sexual battery, rape by instrument, and lewd or indecent acts involving children under 16. The lawsuits alleged district staff knew about Akins’s behavior and had ignored complaints. Akins worked for the district from 2014 to 2021.

October 1, 2023: Former Students Allege Culture Of Grooming At Private Maryland School

Six former students of the Key School filed complaints against the institution, claiming it fostered a sexually driven culture that made them vulnerable to abuse by faculty and staff. All six women attended the school in the 1970s and were able to file suits when the state eliminated the statute of limitations on child sex abuse cases through the Child Victims Act.

May 25, 2020: NBC Reports At Least 330 Lawsuits Filed Against K-12 For Mishandling Sexual Abuse Complaints

In a report on 2020’s changes to Title-IX regulations, NBC noted a high volume of civil lawsuits being filed against public and charter K-12 schools around the country. By the media outlet’s count, there were at least 330 such cases at the time. The report also noted that, in violation of federal requirements, some K-12 schools lacked a Title IX coordinator entirely. In other cases, duties were assigned to staff that may not have been properly trained to deal with such responsibilities.

About Sexual Abuse in Public and Private School Systems

Sexual abuse in K-12 schools and colleges has been documented in institutions ranging from underfunded public districts to elite private boarding schools. The nature of the abuse varies from case to case. Some cases involve abuse by faculty or staff, while other cases involve abuse by fellow students. Many times, these sexual assaults take place on school grounds. In many cases, school officials and administrators failed to protect the children and young adults under their care.

There is an established pattern of schools mishandling reports of sexual abuse and assaults. Many administrators ignored, downplayed, and redirected complaints. In other cases, schools retaliated against victims and their families. Schools ignored or covered up the abuse that occurred at their institutions. Instead, problematic schools chose to protect the perpetrators of the abuse.

Recent lawsuits have exposed institutional failures that can expose children to prolonged and repeated abuse, ranging from verbal harassment to grooming, molestation, and rape. This abuse can have long-lasting effects on the victim’s physical and mental health. However, many survivors are taking action against the institutions that were complacent in their abuse.

How Prevalent Is Sexual Abuse in Public and Private Schools?

While the vast majority of students do not experience sexual abuse in schools, sexual assaults are more prevalent than many people believe. It is estimated that millions of Americans have experienced sexual misconduct at school. Amended data collected by the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights recorded 13,799 incidents of attempted rape and sexual assault in U.S. schools between 2017 and 2018. Georgia had the highest rate of school-based sexual assaults during that period, at 1.09 per 1,000 students.

The actual number of students sexually assaulted at school is much higher, as so many of these assaults go underreported or undocumented. The prevalence of sexual assaults on school grounds and campuses is difficult to reflect with hard data, but it is a real problem that too many children and young adults face in their lifetimes.

Faculty and Staff Misconduct

In many cases of sexual assault at schools, staff and administrators engage in different types of misconduct. Teachers and staff members are often the perpetrators of the abuse. However, school faculty, administration, and staff are often complicit in the abuse. Rates of faculty-perpetrated sexual assault vary in surveys. One of the most comprehensive studies on the subject, conducted in 2004, estimated that 9.6% of students experience some kind of sexual misconduct before leaving school.

A 2022 study found that teachers were perpetrators in 63.4% of these cases, with most (89.1%) being male. The majority of victims (72%) abused by faculty and staff were female high school students. Grooming behaviors frequently preceded misconduct. These grooming behaviors often include special attention and gifts like money, jewelry, or food.

Student on Student Misconduct

Student-on-student abuse is estimated to occur at rates seven times higher than adult-on-student abuse. An AP investigation found 17,000 reported sexual assaults by students between 2011 and 2015, though the number of actual assaults is believed to be considerably higher. Such assaults often occur in supervisory blind spots like bathrooms or locker rooms, with perpetrators often being older students or groups of students.

These cases have proven difficult to track, with many incidents being misclassified as “bullying.” Many of these victims report unresponsive administrations, a lack of supervision, or even cover-ups that allowed the abuse to continue.

Rates of School Sexual Abuse by State

Precise statistics on school-based sexual assault are hard to come by, with methodologies, definitions, and data quality varying. For example, a 2022 study found moderate evidence that adopting child abuse prevention policies at the state level increased the number of disclosures of abuse, with no evidence of a decrease in the validity of reports.

This means that states that have adopted these standards, like Georgia and Missouri, tend to report higher rates of school-based sexual assault than states that don’t, like Florida and South Dakota. However, the data from states that report higher rates is likely more accurate.

States with the highest reported rates of sexual assaults in schools, according to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, are:

• Georgia: 1.09 per 1,000
• Hawaii: 0.78 per 1,000
• Maryland: 0.77 per 1,000
• Washington: 0.69 per 1,000
• Rhode Island: 0.68 per 1,000
• Arizona: 0.58 per 1,000
• Utah: 0.58 per 1,000
• New Mexico: 0.47 per 1,000
• Missouri: 0.47 per 1,000
• Indiana: 0.47 per 1,000

Who Is Usually Involved in School Sexual Abuse Cases?

Victims in school sexual abuse cases are typically students, though in some cases, they may be unenrolled (e.g., children of faculty). Perpetrators are frequently other students, but may also be adults employed by the school. The details of each case are unique, but there are some patterns that stand out.

Sexual abuse at schools can be committed by:

• Teachers
• Faculty
• Transportation providers
• Other students

This abuse can be perpetuated against any student. No student is safe due to external factors such as their age, class, race, religion, social status, upbringing, or other factors. However, some abusers do target children they think will be less likely to report the abuse.

Who Are Normally the Perpetrators?

The perpetrators in school sex abuse cases are generally, though far from exclusively, male. This holds true for both student and adult offenders.

In cases of student-on-student abuse, 78% of the students disciplined for sex-based harassment are boys. Adult-perpetrated abuse skews even more male at 89.1% of cases according to a recent study, typically involving teachers, but also sometimes coaches, counselors, or other supporting staff like bus drivers.

However, the 2004 Shakeshaft report on educator sexual misconduct noted there may be cause to believe female perpetrators are severely underreported, especially when male victims are involved, with secondary analysis estimated as high as 42.8% of offenders. This discrepancy could be due to people not viewing abuse committed by adult females to male minors as abuse. However, such cases are very real child sex abuse.

Who Are Normally the Victims?

The typical victim of childhood sexual abuse is a girl, with around 20% of adult women recalling such an incident from their childhood compared to around 5- to 10% of men. The Shakeshaft report found that girls were the target of educator sexual abuse in around 56% of cases. However, it is important to note that many child sex abuse victims are male, transgender or nonbinary. Many people suspect male and LGBTQIA students may be less likely to report abuse than their female peers.

Perceived vulnerability may also play a role in victim selection. For example, abusers may target poor or minority students, or students from unstable homes. The Shakeshaft report noted a disproportionate number of victims were Black and Hispanic, for example. It also noted that students with disabilities may be particularly vulnerable during transportation. Likewise, LGBTQ+ students may be less likely to report incidents due to fears of how the complaints will be received by authority figures.

Common Patterns and Forms of School Sexual Abuse

There are several patterns school assaults are known to follow. For example, the abuser may start with lesser forms of abuse and increase the severity of their abuse over time. Forms of sexual abuse at schools can range from inappropriate comments and coercion, to severe physical abuse.

School-based sexual misconduct on the part of adults often begins non-sexually. The adult might troll or test a prospective victim to sniff out vulnerability. Once they’ve found a vulnerable target, they may try to groom the child by desensitizing them to increasingly inappropriate behaviors while simultaneously making them feel special with gifts, favors, or attention. As the abuse becomes more overt, the adult may resort to bribes, threats, or coercion to keep the victim under control.

Peer-to-peer abuse often takes advantage of oversights in supervision. Student-to-student abuse may be more likely to occur in specific locations or “hot spots,” like bathrooms, hallways, and locker rooms. Sometimes, these sexual assaults may be miscategorized as bullying. Like adults, juvenile perpetrators may target individuals they see as vulnerable, including smaller, younger, disabled, or socially disadvantaged peers.

Forms of Sexual Abuse at Schools

Forms of sexual abuse at schools vary greatly. Some incidents are less severe, while other types can be very severe. It is important to note that the severity of the abuse often escalates over time, so even minor-seeming infractions should be taken seriously. Similarly, these infractions can still have lasting impacts on children.

Forms of sexual abuse that occur at schools may include:

• Sexually suggestive comments
• Romantic advances
• Unwanted sexual touching between students
• Sexual touching of any kind between an adult and a student
• Coercing a student to do anything sexual
• Virtual blackmail that is sexual in nature
• Taking or showing photos or videos with any form of sexual contact
• Coercing a student to take their clothes off
• Simulating sexual acts
• Rape, forced touching, or making a student watch any sexual act
• Hazing incidents that involve nudity or anything sexual in nature

These examples are just some of the forms that sex abuse can take. If something feels wrong and is any way sexual in nature, it is likely that sexual abuse has occurred.

Barriers Victims Face in Reporting Sexual Abuse at School

Sexual abuse in schools is believed to be extremely underreported. It is estimated that only around 6% of victims report sexual misconduct by educators. Further, differences in data collection and methodology can create conflicting narratives and priorities for organizations attempting to address the issue.

However, the schools themselves are often impediments to reporting. Many of these institutions, concerned with their reputations, cover up sexual abuse scandals. One common tactic is “passing the trash,” wherein a suspected adult perpetrator is dismissed or reassigned rather than reported. In other cases, the victim may be ignored or retaliated against. Overburdened schools, which may lack a dedicated Title-IX officer, may also fail to adequately follow up on complaints.

Who Can File a School Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?

School sexual abuse lawsuits may be filed by both current and former students. This includes adults who were abused as children. The window for filing varies from state to state, with some jurisdictions offering extended statutes of limitations. Given the complexity of the statutes, it’s recommended that individuals consult with an attorney to ensure they’re eligible to file a lawsuit.

Lawsuits may be filed against individuals, school districts, or third parties, such as hiring agencies that may have failed to screen a staff member. These civil suits may exist alongside any criminal prosecutions related to the complaint.

Types of Lawsuits Filed Against Schools and Educational Institutions

If a survivor or parent of a minor files a lawsuit related to school sex abuse, they are filing a type of civil lawsuit called a personal injury lawsuit. Civil lawsuits are different from criminal lawsuits. However, these lawsuits may occur simultaneously.

For example, an adult who abuses a child at school may face criminal charges, fines, jail time, and be forced to register as a sex offender. That lawsuit would be separate from a case filed by a survivor or parent. Civil lawsuits are a way for victims to hold institutions accountable for their role in the abuse. Even if a person or institution is facing criminal charges, that person or school may also be named in a civil lawsuit.

The result of a civil lawsuit is often a payment made to the plaintiff (the person who filed the lawsuit). Although money does not right the wrongs, these lawsuits can bring a sense of justice and prevent additional victimization by perpetrators.

Recoverable Damages in a School Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

Victims of school sexual abuse may be eligible for compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. The type of damages covered may vary depending on the severity of the abuse and whether the school acted negligently.

Economic Damages

Economic damages tend to be easier to quantify as they represent financial costs the victim incurred as a result of the abuse, including:

• Medical treatments
• Therapy
• Long-term care related to the trauma
• Lost wages
• Special education support

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages cover harms resulting from the abuse that, while they may not have directly incurred expenses, have long-term effects on the victim’s quality of life. These may include:

• Pain and suffering
• PTSD
• Loss of opportunities
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement or impairment

Survivors’ injuries and long-term health are often affected by their abuse as a child. The damages listed above are not inclusive of all of the possible injuries suffered by survivors. A reputable lawyer will investigate your specific injuries with care and compassion and compile a case that gives you the best chance at justice.

How to File a School Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

Filing a school sexual abuse lawsuit has several steps. Due to the complexity of Title IX and (often changing) state laws, it’s highly advisable to involve an experienced attorney in the process as early as possible. In broad strokes, the steps are:

• Consult an attorney: An experienced legal team can evaluate your case and set expectations as you go forward. If hired, they can also represent you throughout the process.
• Investigation: You and your attorney will gather evidence and depositions, as well as identify appropriate defendants.
• File the claim: Your attorney will submit the paperwork for your case within your state’s statute of limitations.
• Settlement or trial: Your attorney will negotiate with the defense to try to reach a settlement. If one cannot be reached, your case will go to trial.

Deadline to File a School Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

The deadline to file a school sexual abuse lawsuit varies greatly between states and sometimes even within the same state. Some states have eliminated their statute of limitations for childhood sex abuse entirely. Some states have eliminated it for incidents that occurred after a certain year. Others have provided a “lookback window,” which allows older victims who may be beyond the statute of limitations to file a retroactive claim within a certain period of time.

Due to the complexity of these laws and exemptions, it is important to contact a lawyer promptly to ensure you don’t miss any deadlines.

Estimated Settlement Amounts in a School Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

Most school sexual abuse lawsuit settlements will land somewhere between $100,000 – $1,000,000 per survivor, though individual results could be smaller or substantially larger. Factors that influence the size of the payout include:

• The severity of the abuse
• The type of defendant (individual vs. institution)
• The number of victims
• Whether the case is settled in or out of court

No amount of money will right the wrongs committed against victims. However, settlements and compensation can bring a sense of justice to survivors and their families.

Contact a School Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today

Seeking justice for school sexual abuse can be a complicated and challenging experience that opens old wounds. The attorneys at King Law and our legal partners have experience holding schools accountable and can help you seek justice, compensation, and closure. We promise to handle your case with professionalism, respect, and care. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation at (585) 496-2648.

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