If you want to find out what scout leaders were reported in the “ineligible volunteer” documents, you could contact a Boy Scouts of America (BSA) sex abuse lawyer for further information, as much of this information is now publicly accessible. However, if you are looking for a specific person, bear in mind that not all sexual abuse within the BSA has necessarily come to light, and not all alleged abusers will be named in these files. The files may also be incomplete, and while some are in the public domain, many others may not yet be.
Recently, the Boy Scouts of America received criticism for its handling of sexual abuse accusations. The organization has been flooded with hundreds of lawsuits from former scouts, alleging sexual abuse, as well as a large-scale cover-up of the abuse over several decades, according to Reuters. In the last few years, it has come to light that thousands of children around the country suffered from abuse while in the care of the BSA since the 1940s.
The names of some of the accused abusers have also surfaced, as well as details of the victims. After a widely publicized lawsuit in 2010, the BSA had to turn over thousands of pages of documents relating to sexual abuse.
The names of abusers mentioned in these files are now publicly accessible information, making it possible to find out what scout leaders were reported and received complaints, to a certain extent. Files with the names of abusers and their victims covering additional years may also now be in the public domain.
If you have experienced abuse while in the BSA, you can speak to a sex abuse lawyer who might be able to help you gain access to further information, including which specific scout leaders were reported and known as alleged abusers.
How the BSA Failed Victims of Sexual Abuse
The BSA arguably failed to protect the children in its care for decades from known abusers. Instead of reporting abuse to law enforcement authorities, the institution allegedly tried to hush up sexual abuse for many decades, simply forcing those scout leaders and scout masters named in “ineligible volunteer files” as abusers, to quietly leave the organization.
Witness testimony in a lawsuit revealed that “ineligible volunteer” files between the years of 1944 and 2016, contained the names of alleged abusers, as well as the names of children that had been victims of abuse, according to the Associated
Press. While the numbers are truly shocking, they may not even cover the extent of the abuse. It has been alleged that the BSA is still withholding other files. While some victims of abuse may be able to see the names of their abusers in these files, others may not.
Although many BSA abuse cases stem from prior decades, victims of sexual abuse may still have the opportunity to hold those responsible to account, including not only individual abusers but the entire organization. Allegedly, the BSA willfully swept decades of abuse under the carpet.
What Does the BSA Bankruptcy Filing Mean for Victims?
In February 2020, the BSA filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and established a trust for the compensation of sexual abuse victims. It also urged survivors to come forward and file claims. While a trust can be a good thing, potentially guaranteeing funding and a smooth claims process, there is a downside. Chapter 11 bankruptcy typically only allows for a small timeframe in which any survivors can file a claim.
The bankruptcy court will soon set a deadline that may allow for only a few months to file any claims. The time to act is now. If you have suffered from abuse at the hands of a scout leader or others in the BSA, and you have any questions about a claim, get in touch with us. If you are not sure whether you have a claim, Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can advise you. We can assess your individual case and help you decide on your next best steps.
Having been the victim of abuse can leave mental as well as physical scars, according to the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, and we understand that reliving these memories as part of a lawsuit can be upsetting. We are here to support you and can help you hold an individual as well as the organization to account for what happened to you. Time may be of the essence, so contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today for a free case evaluation by dialing (800) 794-0444.