Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is any form of unwanted sexual activity, where an abuser forces, coerces, or manipulates another person into participating without their consent. It can involve physical acts, verbal harassment, or exploitation, and it may occur in situations where the victim cannot give consent due to age, disability, or authority imbalance. Sexual abuse leaves lasting physical, emotional, and psychological effects on survivors, making it a serious violation of personal safety and dignity.
Types of Sexual Abuse
Types of sexual abuse can take many forms. These include unwanted sexual contact, such as touching or groping, and more severe acts like rape or attempted rape. Non-contact abuse, such as sexual harassment, exposure, or exploitation through images or online activity, is also common. In addition, abuse may occur within positions of trust or authority, where power dynamics prevent true consent.
Childhood Sexual Abuse & Foster Care Abuse
Childhood sexual abuse in foster homes happens when children placed in state or privately managed care are exploited or assaulted by foster parents, staff, or other children in the home. These cases are especially devastating because children are placed in foster care to be protected, not harmed. Abuse may involve manipulation, coercion, or threats, leaving children feeling powerless and unsafe. The effects often extend into adulthood, impacting trust, relationships, and mental health.
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Foster Parent
Assault
A foster caregiver sexually abuses a child under their care.
Teacher or
Coach Abuse
A trusted adult in a school or sports program exploits a child.
Family Member
Abuse
A relative engages in sexual misconduct with a child in the home.
Institutional
Abuse
Children in group homes, shelters, or religious institutions are exploited.
Adult Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse of adults includes any sexual act forced upon someone without consent, whether through physical violence, intimidation, manipulation, or exploitation. It can occur in intimate relationships, workplaces, institutions, or public spaces. Many survivors face barriers to reporting due to shame, fear of retaliation, or power imbalances with the abuser. This form of abuse can have serious physical, emotional, and psychological consequences that may last for years.
Workplace
Harassment
An employee is subjected to unwanted sexual advances or coercion by a superior.
Landlord Coercion
A landlord threatens eviction unless the tenant complies with sexual demands.
A victim is drugged and assaulted without the ability to consent.
Doctor–Patient Abuse
A physician violates trust by engaging in sexual misconduct during care.
Juvenile Detention Center Abuse
Juvenile detention center abuse occurs when minors in correctional facilities are sexually assaulted or coerced by staff, guards, or fellow detainees. Because these youth are under state supervision, the abuse represents a grave violation of their rights and safety. Victims often lack access to trusted adults or safe reporting mechanisms, which allows abuse to continue unchecked. The trauma of such abuse can undermine rehabilitation and increase long-term emotional and behavioral struggles.
Guard
Assault
A correctional officer sexually abuses a detained minor.
Peer
Coercion
Older detainees pressure or force younger ones into sexual activity.
Improper
Searches
Strip searches are conducted abusively or without safeguards, leading to assault.
Systemic Staff
Misconduct
Widespread abuse occurs across a facility by multiple staff members.
Medical Institution Abuse
In psychiatric facilities, hospitals, or rehabilitation centers, patients may be vulnerable to sexual abuse by staff who misuse their position of trust. This abuse can involve physical assault, coercion, or inappropriate sexual contact during treatment or care. Patients may not be believed if they report, especially if their mental or physical health conditions are used against them. The betrayal of trust in a medical or therapeutic setting makes this type of abuse particularly damaging.
Sedated Patient
Assault
Patients under sedation are sexually assaulted by staff.
Overnight Care
Abuse
Vulnerable patients are abused when left alone in the care of staff at night.
Rehab counselors misuse their authority to coerce residents into sexual acts.
Restraint-
Related Abuse
Patients restrained or medicated are exploited by caregivers.
Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect
In nursing homes or assisted living facilities, elderly residents may experience sexual abuse or neglect from staff, caregivers, or even other residents. Sexual abuse can involve assault, inappropriate touching, or exploitation of residents who cannot defend themselves. Neglect includes failing to provide proper supervision or protection, which can enable abuse to occur. These violations not only cause physical harm but also strip vulnerable seniors of dignity, safety, and quality of life.
Staff Sexual
Assault
Elderly residents are assaulted by caregivers in facilities.
Bedsores And
Neglect
Residents develop severe, preventable injuries from lack of care.
Resident-on
Resident Abuse
Weak supervision allows one resident to assault another.
Dementia Exploitation
Patients with memory loss are targeted because they may not recall or report the abuse.
Our Expertise On Abuse & Neglect
At Hurley McKenna & Mertz, P.c.
Our firm has extensive experience representing survivors of abuse and neglect in a wide range of settings, including foster homes, schools, detention centers, medical facilities, and nursing homes. We understand the unique challenges these cases present, from the sensitive nature of the evidence to the need for protecting vulnerable clients throughout the legal process.
Our attorneys have successfully pursued claims against individuals, institutions, and corporations that failed in their duty to keep people safe. We combine compassionate client care with aggressive advocacy to hold abusers and negligent organizations accountable. By drawing on years of proven results, we help survivors and families obtain the justice and financial recovery they deserve.
Top Abuse & Neglect Case Results
We have handled some of the most significant abuse and neglect cases in Illinois and beyond, securing justice for survivors and their families. Our proven results reflect both our dedication to protecting the vulnerable and our ability to hold powerful institutions accountable.
$89 Million
Record settlement against the Boy Scouts of America for 16 victims abused by scout leader Thomas Hacker due to decades of negligent screening.
$16 Million
Settlement from the Irish Christian Brothers for sexual abuse of high school students, including over 30 victims in the Chicago area.
$3 Million
Settlement for an elderly woman with Alzheimer’s who was sexually abused by a nursing home employee.
$1 Million
Verdict and settlement for a 90-year-old woman sexually abused by a nursing home employee.
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