A Guide to Institutional Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Defining Institutional Sexual Abuse

Institutional sexual abuse refers to situations where a person is sexually abused within an environment overseen by an organization responsible for their care, supervision, or custody.

Unlike abuse that occurs in private or familial settings, this form of harm happens within institutions.

Institutions include:

• Schools
• Churches
• Psychiatric facilities
• Hospitals
• Correctional institutions
• Youth programs
• Foster care systems
• Other organizations where trust and authority play a central role

At its core, institutional sexual abuse involves the misuse of power by individuals in positions of authority, such as teachers, clergy members, medical staff, corrections officers, or program leaders, who engage in or allow harmful sexual contact with those they are meant to protect.

Survivors may be children, teens, or vulnerable adults who depend on these institutions for safety and support.

Childhood sexual abuse, in particular, is tragically common in institutional environments, where children may feel unable to recognize or report what is happening due to fear, manipulation, or systemic failures.

Institutional abuse is not limited to individual misconduct.

Many sexual abuse cases reveal patterns of organizational negligence, such as:

• Failing to conduct background checks
• Ignoring warning signs
• Covering up allegations
• Prioritizing reputational protection over the safety of individuals.

These patterns make institutions themselves accountable, not only the perpetrators of abuse.

Importantly, institutional sexual abuse cases extend beyond the act of sexual contact itself.

These incidents involve the betrayal of trust, violation of rights, and long-term harm inflicted by the very systems meant to safeguard vulnerable populations.

Survivors often face significant barriers to speaking out, including shame, stigma, or institutional intimidation.

By defining and understanding this form of abuse, it becomes possible to recognize its systemic nature and pursue justice, ensuring accountability for both the individuals who commit harm and the institutions that allow it to continue.

How Institutional Sexual Abuse Occurs

Institutional sexual abuse often stems from environments where power imbalances and systemic failures intersect.

Individuals in positions of authority are given significant control over the lives of those under their supervision.

When oversight is weak or policies are poorly enforced, this authority can be misused, resulting in sexual misconduct and other forms of harm.

Enabling Environment

Unlike isolated incidents, abuse within institutions is frequently enabled by patterns of neglect or deliberate inaction.

Warning signs of sexual harassment may be ignored, complaints may be dismissed, or reporting procedures may be intentionally obstructed to protect the institution’s reputation.

This creates an environment where perpetrators feel emboldened to commit sexual acts against vulnerable individuals without fear of consequences.

Long-Term Consequences to Victims

The effects of institutional abuse are long-lasting.

Survivors often experience not only the trauma of the abuse itself but also the betrayal of trust by the institution meant to protect them.

Emotional and psychological consequences can include depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, which may persist for years after the abuse has ended.

Ultimately, institutional sexual abuse occurs because systems designed to safeguard people instead shield abusers through denial, cover-ups, or inadequate policies.

Recognizing how these failures happen is essential to preventing further harm, holding institutions accountable, and ensuring that survivors receive the justice and healing they deserve.

Landmark Cases on Institutional Sexual Abuse

These landmark sexual abuse cases illustrate how systemic failures and deliberate cover-ups allow perpetrators to harm vulnerable individuals for years or even decades.

These cases highlight not only the devastating impact on survivors but also the financial, legal, and reputational consequences institutions face when accountability is finally demanded.

Case 1: Columbia University – Robert Hadden Settlement

For more than two decades, obstetrician-gynecologist Robert Hadden sexually abused patients while employed at Columbia University.

Despite repeated complaints from women over the years, he continued to have access to vulnerable patients.

In one alarming incident, a patient called 911 to report being assaulted during a postpartum exam.

Even after Hadden’s arrest, Columbia cleared him to return to work within three days, allowing him to see patients for another five weeks.

Several of these patients later reported being assaulted as well.

Institutional Cover-Up and Negligence

Columbia repeatedly ignored complaints, undermined prosecutors, and failed to remove Hadden from his position.

The university’s administrators were informed of his arrest yet permitted him to continue working.

According to investigative reporting, Columbia prioritized institutional protection over patient safety, enabling abuse to continue for decades.

No administrators have been fired or resigned as a result of the scandal, further highlighting the institution’s reluctance to accept accountability.

Long-Term Effects on Survivors

For survivors, the abuse represented not only physical and emotional harm but also a devastating betrayal of trust by a leading medical institution.

Many patients reported feelings of shame, mistrust, and trauma that persisted for years.

Survivors like Laurie Kanyok expressed that while financial settlements bring some acknowledgment, they do not equate to justice without institutional accountability.

Punishment and Settlement

In January 2023, Hadden was convicted in federal court of sex crimes and sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Columbia University, meanwhile, has agreed to more than $1 billion in settlements across multiple cases, including a recent $750 million settlement involving 576 patients.

The university also announced a $100 million settlement fund for those who did not wish to file civil suits and promised reforms, including notifying Hadden’s 6,500 former patients and commissioning an external investigation into systemic failures.

Case 2: Multiple Institutions – Larry Nassar Case

For nearly two decades, Larry Nassar, a physician for USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University, sexually abused hundreds of young women and girls, including elite Olympic athletes, under the guise of medical treatment.

Survivors later described how Nassar manipulated his role to gain access and exploit his patients repeatedly, often during routine medical visits.

Institutional Cover-Up and Negligence

Multiple institutions failed to protect survivors.

A 2021 Department of Justice Inspector General’s report revealed that the FBI mishandled allegations against Nassar, failing to respond with the urgency and seriousness required.

Agents made fundamental errors and violated policies, allowing Nassar to continue abusing athletes for years after complaints surfaced.

USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University ignored or minimized reports of misconduct, prioritizing reputational concerns over athlete safety.

Long-Term Effects on Survivors

The harm extended far beyond the physical abuse.

Survivors such as Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, McKayla Maroney, and Maggie Nichols testified before Congress about the lasting trauma, including feelings of betrayal, systemic abandonment, and psychological distress.

For many, the failures of trusted institutions were as damaging as Nassar’s abuse itself.

Survivors have spoken openly about living with long-term emotional scars and the struggle to find justice in a system that repeatedly silenced them.

Punishment and Settlement

Nassar was arrested in 2016 and sentenced to decades in prison.

Financial accountability has followed: Michigan State University agreed to a $500 million settlement, USA Gymnastics agreed to $380 million, and in 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice agreed to pay $138.7 million to resolve 139 claims related to the FBI’s investigative failures.

While no FBI agents were criminally charged, the settlement underscores the federal government’s recognition of institutional responsibility and the survivors’ courage in demanding accountability.

Case 3: Sexual Abuse Scandal – Archdiocese of Boston

Beginning in the latter half of the 20th century and into the early 2000s, multiple priests in the Boston Archdiocese sexually abused minors.

The abuse included molestation, inappropriate touching, and other forms of sexual contact by clergy members entrusted with the care of children.

In many instances, victims were reassigned after complaints so that abuse could continue.

The scandal came to public attention in early 2002 when The Boston Globe, through its Spotlight investigation, published findings that led to the criminal prosecutions of multiple priests.

This reporting encouraged other survivors to come forward.

Institutional Cover-Up and Patterns of Negligence

Boston Church leadership repeatedly moved accused priests from parish to parish rather than removing them or reporting them to civil authorities.

Bishops and other church authorities often kept allegations secret, avoided law enforcement involvement, and prioritized protecting the church’s reputation over the safety of children.

This system of secrecy and reassignment created ongoing opportunities for abuse.

Long-Term Effects on Survivors

Survivors experienced profound, long-lasting harm: psychological trauma, loss of trust, shame, depression, anxiety, and other emotional damages.

The betrayal by religious and institutional leaders, who were seen as authoritative and morally responsible, deepened the wounds.

Many survivors struggled with coming forward, faced stigma, and had to live with delayed healing.

The exposure of the scale of abuse also led to shifts in how victims are believed and how institutions are held responsible.

Punishment and Settlements Faced by the Institution

In September 2003, the Archdiocese of Boston agreed to pay $85 million to resolve nearly 550 lawsuits brought by survivors of clergy abuse.

Each plaintiff could receive between $80,000 and $300,000, depending on the severity and duration of the abuse.

Prior to mid-2005, the Church had spent approximately $127.4 million in total to settle sexual abuse claims in Boston, covering many priests and hundreds of cases, plus additional costs for legal expenses, counseling, prevention, and outreach.

The Columbia University, Larry Nassar, and Boston Archdiocese cases reveal how institutions enabled decades of sexual abuse through negligence and cover-ups.

Survivors endured long-term trauma while authorities ignored warnings or reassigned perpetrators.

Accountability came only after extensive investigations, media exposure, and survivor advocacy, leading to major settlements exceeding billions of dollars and criminal convictions.

These cases highlight the urgent need for transparency, institutional reform, and unwavering support for survivors.

Legal Process of an Institutional Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

Filing an institutional sexual abuse lawsuit is a complex but powerful step survivors can take to pursue justice and accountability.

While every case is unique, there are common stages and legal considerations that survivors and their families should understand.

Stages of the legal process includes:

1. Filing the Claim
2. Evidence and Documentation
3. Potential Defendants
4. Damages and Compensation
5. Statutes of Limitations and Extensions

1. Filing the Claim

The process often begins when a survivor or their representative files a civil complaint against both the perpetrator and the institution responsible for enabling or failing to prevent the abuse.

Allegations may detail the alleged assault, the environment in which it occurred, and the failures of the institution to act on prior knowledge or warning signs.

In many cases, the institution itself is held liable for negligence, cover-ups, or inadequate protective measures.

2. Evidence and Documentation

Strong evidence is crucial in sexual abuse cases.

Documentation may include medical records, psychological evaluations, witness testimony, prior complaints, institutional records, and investigative reports.

Evidence not only establishes the abuse but also demonstrates systemic negligence, such as an institution’s knowledge of prior misconduct or its failure to implement safeguards.

3. Potential Defendants

Both individuals and institutions can be named as defendants.

While the perpetrator is directly responsible for the abuse, institutions can also be sued for their role in creating or allowing an unsafe environment.

This includes schools, churches, healthcare facilities, correctional institutions, and youth organizations.

Holding institutions accountable is critical to ensuring lasting systemic change.

4. Damages and Compensation

Survivors may be entitled to several categories of financial recovery.

Medical expenses cover the costs of treatment for physical trauma and ongoing mental health care.

Survivors may also pursue financial compensation for lost income, therapy, and other long-term effects of the abuse.

In certain cases, courts may award punitive damages, designed to punish institutions that acted with reckless disregard for safety and to deter future misconduct.

5. Statutes of Limitations and Extensions

A major obstacle for many survivors is the statute of limitations, which restricts the time period in which a lawsuit can be filed.

Historically, these time limits prevented many survivors from pursuing justice because trauma often delays disclosure of abuse.

Many states have extended or eliminated statutes of limitations for sexual abuse cases, and some have enacted “lookback windows” that temporarily reopen expired claims.

These reforms recognize the unique challenges survivors face in coming forward.

The Importance of Legal Representation

Given the complexity of evidence, legal strategy, and evolving statutes, representation by an experienced institutional sexual abuse lawyer is essential.

An attorney can help survivors navigate the civil process with discretion, protect their identity, and build the strongest possible case for accountability.

By pursuing these lawsuits, survivors not only seek compensation for their personal harm but also contribute to broader reforms.

Successful cases send a clear message: institutions that protect abusers or ignore victims will face legal, financial, and reputational consequences.

How an Institutional Sexual Abuse Lawyer Can Help

When someone has been sexually assaulted by a figure of authority, the trauma extends far beyond the incident itself.

Survivors are often left to cope with deep emotional wounds, stigmatization, and the sense that powerful organizations will prioritize their own reputation over accountability.

In these situations, an institutional sexual abuse lawyer can be an essential ally, providing both legal guidance and compassionate support.

Understanding the Legal Landscape

Sexual abuse cases involving institutions are often complex.

Unlike individual criminal prosecutions, these cases typically involve holding entire organizations accountable for enabling, covering up, or failing to prevent abuse.

A lawyer helps survivors evaluate whether they have grounds for a civil claim, which can provide financial recovery for the harm endured.

This is distinct from criminal trials, where the state prosecutes the perpetrator; a civil action focuses on compensating the survivor for damages.

Building a Strong Case

Institutional abuse cases require careful documentation.

A skilled lawyer helps survivors collect and preserve physical evidence, medical records, and witness testimonies.

Even when years have passed, attorneys know how to uncover patterns of abuse, internal memos, and other forms of institutional negligence.

These professionals can also draw from past cases and precedents to strengthen the claim.

Addressing the Survivor’s Needs

Survivors often struggle with emotional distress long after the abuse has stopped.

An experienced lawyer recognizes that pursuing justice is not only about compensation.

It’s also about helping the survivor reclaim a sense of agency.

Many law firms, like ours, work closely with mental health professionals to ensure survivors have the emotional support they need throughout the process.

Pursuing Justice Through the Legal System

For survivors, taking legal action against a powerful institution can feel overwhelming.

A lawyer demystifies the process and guides them through every step, from filing to discovery to settlement negotiations.

We ensure that survivors are not silenced or intimidated into abandoning their claims.

With an advocate by their side, survivors can pursue legal action with confidence.

Securing Fair Compensation

Institutional accountability often comes in the form of settlements or court-ordered compensation.

Survivors may be entitled to damages for medical treatment, therapy, lost opportunities, and the lasting harm caused by abuse.

Whether the case involves a school, church, or youth organization, a lawyer fights to ensure survivors receive appropriate financial compensation.

Restoring a Sense of Justice

No amount of money can erase the physical trauma or emotional scars left behind, but holding institutions accountable can bring a sense of closure.

A civil lawsuit can also prevent future abuse by forcing systemic change, increasing oversight, and compelling organizations to prioritize safety over secrecy.

Survivors who choose to come forward not only reclaim their own voice, but they also protect others.

TorHoerman Law: Investigating Institutional Sexual Assault Cases

Institutional sexual abuse cases expose the devastating impact that unchecked power and negligence can have on vulnerable individuals.

Survivors often carry the weight of emotional, psychological, and physical harm for years, while institutions attempt to shield themselves from accountability.

But justice is possible. With the right legal support, survivors can challenge these systems, seek compensation for the harm they endured, and help prevent future abuse.

At TorHoerman Law, we believe no survivor should face this battle alone.

Our team is committed to listening, guiding, and standing firmly beside you every step of the way.

Whether you’re considering a civil claim, seeking compensation for medical expenses, or simply exploring your options, we can help.

Contact TorHoerman Law today for a free, confidential consultation.

We can help you move forward, pursue justice, and reclaim your voice.