Skip to content
From groundbreaking lawsuits and settlements to pivotal decisions, these active cases are shaping the fight against sexual abuse.
The Catholic Church sex abuse scandal refers to the widespread and systemic sexual abuse of minors by clergy members that has come to light over several decades. Allegations of abuse within the Catholic Church emerged as early as the 1980s but gained significant international attention in the early 2000s when investigative journalists uncovered widespread abuse and cover-up practices in dioceses across the United States, including the notorious cases in Boston. The scandal revealed that thousands of priests worldwide had sexually abused children, often under the guise of spiritual guidance, while the Church systematically covered up these crimes to protect its reputation.
The scandal highlighted a pattern where Church leaders, instead of reporting allegations to law enforcement, transferred offending priests to different parishes, where they continued to have access to vulnerable children. The Boston Globe’s 2002 exposé, which led to the resignation of Cardinal Bernard Law, was a turning point in exposing the scale of the crisis, prompting similar revelations in other countries. In the wake of these revelations, thousands of victims have come forward, sharing their stories of abuse and betrayal by trusted clergy.
In recent years, the Catholic Church has faced a growing number of legal actions, investigations, and compensation claims related to sexual abuse cases. In 2018, a Pennsylvania grand jury report revealed that over 300 priests in the state had abused more than 1,000 children over seven decades, sparking further investigations into Church practices across the United States and beyond. The report described a “systematic cover-up” by Church officials, prompting Pope Francis to call for a “new culture” of accountability within the Church.
In 2019, Pope Francis convened a landmark summit at the Vatican to address the crisis, which led to new Church laws requiring all clergy to report abuse and its cover-up to Church authorities. However, many survivors and advocates argue that these measures are insufficient, criticizing the Church for its lack of transparency and accountability. In some countries, governments have initiated independent inquiries to investigate abuse within the Church, leading to more revelations and demands for justice.
While some dioceses have established compensation funds for victims, the path to justice remains fraught with challenges as many survivors continue to fight for recognition, reparations, and broader systemic changes within the Church. The Catholic Church sex abuse scandal remains one of the most significant crises in modern Church history, prompting ongoing calls for deeper reforms and accountability measures to ensure such widespread abuse never happens again.
$85 Million – Boston Archdiocese, 2003: One of the first significant settlements occurred in Boston, where the Archdiocese agreed to pay $85 million to 552 survivors following the extensive reporting by The Boston Globe’s Spotlight team in 2002, which exposed the systemic abuse and cover-ups by Church leaders. This settlement marked a significant moment in the public’s awareness of the scandal and prompted similar cases worldwide.
$660 Million – Los Angeles Archdiocese, 2007: The Archdiocese of Los Angeles, the largest Catholic diocese in the United States, agreed to a landmark $660 million settlement with over 500 victims of sexual abuse. This was the largest settlement of its kind at the time and covered decades of abuse by priests.
$323 Million – Diocese of Rockville Center NY, 2024: A bankruptcy court has approved a $323 million settlement to resolve claims brought by approximately 600 survivors of clerical sexual abuse involving the diocese serving New York’s Long Island region
$880 Million – Los Angeles Archdiocese 2024: The Archdiocese agreed to pay $880 million to 1,353 survivors of clergy sexual abuse dating back decades, in what is reputedly the largest single child sex abuse settlement with a Catholic archdiocese, putting the total payout by the diocese to survivors at more than $1.5 billion. As the Los Angeles Times reported, these survivors suffered for decades in the aftermath of the abuse, with dozens having died before any semblance of justice was realized. Moreover, many survivors are aging, and many of those with knowledge of the abuse within the church are too.
The sexual abuse scandal within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly known as the Mormon Church) involves multiple allegations of child sexual abuse by church leaders and members, along with claims that the church systematically covered up these abuses. The scandal has gained attention for how the church’s internal policies and legal strategies were allegedly used to protect the institution from scandal rather than address the needs of the victims.
A notable case involved a former bishop, John Goodrich, who was arrested in March 2024 on felony child sex abuse charges. The church has been accused of using nondisclosure agreements and other legal tactics to suppress these claims and prevent them from becoming public, according to The Associated Press.
In another prominent case, the church was ordered to pay $2.3 billion in a California lawsuit, and settled another with a Tacoma, Washington woman for over $1 million. These case exemplify the church’s alleged failure to protect children from known abusers within its ranks.
Litigation against the Mormon Church is ongoing, with new lawsuits continuing to emerge. Recent investigations have uncovered recordings showing church officials discussing ways to handle sexual abuse allegations internally to avoid legal repercussions and public scandal. These revelations have led to increased scrutiny of the church’s practices and calls for greater transparency and accountability.
The most recent developments involve renewed calls from victims and advocacy groups for the church to release all documents related to past abuse cases and to overhaul its handling of such allegations to prioritize victims’ rights and safety.
Despite the trust we place in medical professionals, an alarming number of patients experience sexual abuse at the hands of those entrusted with their care. According to the Journal of Law and the Biosciences, a 2022 analysis of data identified 1,721 reports of physician sexual misconduct between 2000 and 2019, representing an average of 10.78 reports per 100,000 U.S. physician licensees, with many more likely going unreported. SurvivorsRights.com monitors these cases to shine a light on abuse within the medical field and to advocate for accountability and justice.
One case we’re watching is that of Dr. Fabio Ortega, an obstetrician-gynecologist with NorthShore University Health System in Chicago. In 2021, Ortega admitted to sexually assaulting two female patients in incidents that occurred in 2016 and 2017. Following his guilty plea, over 500 women have come forward with additional allegations of sexual abuse against Ortega, and more than a dozen former patients have initiated civil lawsuits against NorthShore.
In a more recent case, 167 female patients have filed lawsuits against Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and OB/GYN Barry J. Brock, alleging a decades-long cover-up of sexual exploitation and abuse.
The foster home sexual abuse scandal in the United States involves tens of thousands of cases where children placed in foster care suffered sexual abuse at the hands of foster parents, guardians, or other individuals within the foster care system. Many of these children were already vulnerable due to previous experiences of neglect or abuse. Reports have shown that some foster homes were inadequately screened or monitored, allowing predatory behavior to go unchecked. There are glaring systemic failures in protecting the most vulnerable children, leading to severe psychological, emotional, and physical harm.
As a 2020 research paper published in Social Policy Report notes, “Foster care provides round-the-clock substitute care for nearly 700,000 U.S. children who are temporarily or permanently separated from their family of origin each year.”
Regardless of the circumstances, when the state removes children from their parents or guardians and places them in foster care, it takes on the responsibility of ensuring their safety and protection within the foster home.
Despite federal regulations of foster care and several “large-scale federal policy reforms over the past several decades, substantial concerns remain about the experiences and outcomes of children in the foster care system,” concludes the Social Policy Report paper.
Comprehensive national data on the exact number of foster home sexual abuse claims is limited. However, according to the National Children’s Alliance, over 550,000 children (eight out of every 1,000 kids) were known to be victims of abuse and neglect in the U.S. in 2022. The following year, Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) investigated 236,601 cases involving sexual abuse allegations.
In a scientific survey of 155 female children and adolescents (age 4-17 years) who were in foster care, conducted by Villanova University Honors Nursing Program Coordinator, Dr. Elizabeth Burgess Dowdell, sexual abuse was reported by 81% of the females, and 68% were sexually abused by more than one individual.
While this statistic does not specify whether the perpetrators were foster parents, staff, or other children within the system, it underscores a devastating reality: many children entering foster care are already psychologically vulnerable, often due to prior sexual abuse by a biological parent or caregiver. The system is meant to protect them, yet for too many, it becomes a continuation of trauma rather than a refuge from it.
In recent years, many states have extended or eliminated the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims. As a result, the number of lawsuits and legal actions against foster care agencies, group homes, and youth shelters has skyrocketed.
Claims often point to a lack of oversight, failure to investigate complaints properly, and inadequate support for children who have been abused.
More than 100 former residents have come forward with allegations of sexual abuse that occurred at The A.B. and Jessie Polinsky Children’s Center in San Diego, spanning from the 1990s through 2023. Victims were left in isolated and vulnerable situations, with some as young as two years old suffering sexual abuse at the hands of facility staff. Legal action against the County of San Diego continues, with survivors still coming forward to seek justice.
Certain states have reached settlements to resolve multiple abuse claims. For instance, the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) and Disability Rights Oregon agreed to settle a lawsuit for $40 million. Other notable foster home abuse litigation includes:
$10 Million Georgia Verdict (2019): Between 2019 and 2023, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, of the largest residential mental health treatment organizations in the U.S., faced multiple lawsuits spanning Pennsylvania, Texas, Florida, and Georgia, where dozens of children in its facilities reported sexual abuse by staff members. In 2017, Tia McGee, a Cobb County, GA resident, bravely came forward to sue Devereux. In 2019, she was awarded $10 million in damages and legal expenses. A 2020 investigation by the Philadelphia Inquirer found that at least 41 children in Devereux facilities across 13 states had been sexually abused by staff between 2014 and 2020.
Sexual abuse in the U.S. military remains a significant concern despite efforts to address and reduce incidents. According to recent reports, the actual number of sexual assaults may be much higher than official Department of Defense (DoD) estimates. Independent studies suggest that there were over 75,500 cases of sexual assault in the military in 2021, and approximately 73,600 cases in 2023, far exceeding the DoD’s reported figures of around 35,900 and 29,000, respectively. This discrepancy indicates that the prevalence of sexual assault could be two to four times higher than the military’s official statistics, according to the Military Times.
Army: Reports decreased from 3,718 in 2022 to 3,507 in 2023.
Navy: Reports dropped from 2,052 in 2022 to 1,942 in 2023.
Air Force: Reports fell from 1,928 in 2022 to 1,838 in 2023.
Marine Corps: Reports decreased but the exact figures were not detailed in recent reports
There have been several high-profile lawsuits related to sexual abuse in the military, with survivors seeking justice and compensation. The passage of the “I Am Vanessa Guillén Act” has led to significant reforms, including removing commanders’ authority over sexual assault cases and assigning independent prosecutors. This legislative change aims to improve how these cases are handled and provide a more just process for survivors.
However, no specific large settlements were reported recently due to these lawsuits. Instead, the focus has been on systemic changes and prevention measures, such as hiring more specialized personnel to handle cases and increasing funding for sexual assault prevention programs.
Recent developments show a decrease in reported cases of sexual assault in 2023 compared to previous years, marking the first significant decline in nearly a decade. This decrease may reflect the effectiveness of ongoing reforms and prevention efforts initiated by the DoD. However, the issue of trust remains critical, as less than half of the female service members express confidence in the military’s ability to handle sexual assault cases properly.The litigation and reform efforts are ongoing, with military officials continuing to implement new measures to improve trust and accountability. The establishment of the Offices of Special Trial Counsel to independently prosecute sexual assault cases is a significant step forward in addressing these crimes within the military.
Sexual abuse scandals at U.S. schools and universities have revealed pervasive issues in safeguarding students and responding adequately to abuse claims. These scandals often involve faculty, staff, and even students, highlighting institutional failures to address or prevent abuse and support victims.
University of Michigan: In January 2022, the University of Michigan agreed to a $490 million settlement with over 1,000 survivors who accused Dr. Robert E. Anderson, a former sports physician, of sexual abuse spanning several decades. Anderson’s abuse persisted despite reports to university officials, reflecting deep institutional failings. The university faced widespread criticism for its handling of the allegations, prompting extensive reforms aimed at improving transparency, reporting mechanisms, and support systems for survivors.
University of Southern California (USC): In 2021, USC agreed to an $852 million settlement with more than 700 women who accused Dr. George Tyndall, a former campus gynecologist, of sexual misconduct. The scandal highlighted years of alleged abuse that went unaddressed by university officials despite numerous complaints. The case underscored the need for systemic change within USC and similar institutions to ensure timely, effective responses to abuse allegations. This settlement, one of the largest of its kind, came amid broader demands for increased accountability in higher education.
Michigan State University (MSU): The Larry Nassar case remains one of the most significant university abuse scandals. Nassar, a former MSU physician and USA Gymnastics doctor, was accused by hundreds of athletes, including Olympians, of sexual abuse under the guise of medical treatment. The university ultimately agreed to a $500 million settlement in 2018 to compensate over 300 survivors. The scandal led to widespread scrutiny of MSU’s handling of abuse reports and prompted significant changes in university policies and personnel.
Litigation involving these abuse cases continues across multiple institutions, reflecting ongoing challenges in addressing and preventing sexual abuse in educational settings. Many universities have faced lawsuits not only for the actions of individual abusers but also for alleged systemic failures in reporting, investigating, and preventing abuse. The settlements reached in these cases, while significant, have also led to calls for broader reforms to ensure accountability and create safer environments for students.
The troubled teen industry (TTI) is a multi-billion dollar entity that encompasses a range of programs, including wilderness camps, therapeutic boarding schools, boot camps, and residential treatment centers, primarily operated by private organizations.
According to Unsilenced — a non-profit dedicated to ending institutional child abuse within the TTI— over 120,000 children are currently in the more than 5,000 TTI facilities, which have been the scene of more than 350 deaths. For more information about the TTI industry, visit Unsilenced here.
Most of these programs are privately run, though some receive funding from government agencies or partnerships. The wilderness camps specifically focus on challenging outdoor experiences meant to “build character” and “teach discipline” through survival skills. Other types of programs within the troubled teen industry include:
These programs are marketed as solutions for parents with “troubled” teens, often targeting issues like behavioral problems, substance abuse, or mental health concerns such as depression or anxiety. Children are sent to these camps for reform through methods such as strict discipline, forced labor, and outdoor survival tactics. However, the methods used at many of these camps have been scrutinized for their abusive tactics.
Litigation against these camps has increased dramatically in recent years, with over 1,000 lawsuits filed by former participants. Allegations commonly include physical abuse, emotional manipulation, sexual abuse, neglect, and forced labor. Noteworthy settlements include a $38 million jury award to a man who suffered over 100 incidents of abuse at the Youth Development Center in New Hampshire. Additionally, Trinity Teen Solutions in Wyoming faces multiple lawsuits for forced labor and abuse. Notable litigation also includes the Elevations RTC lawsuit in Utah. Legal actions are ongoing as more victims come forward.
Advocacy groups such as Unsilenced and Breaking Code Silence are pushing for tighter regulation and oversight of the troubled teen industry, demanding federal standards to ensure the safety and well-being of children enrolled in these programs. The growing number of lawsuits and public awareness has spurred efforts to hold these institutions accountable and reform the industry to prevent future abuses.
Due to the scandals, several camps have been forced to shut down. For example:
For a complete list of closed TTI programs, visit this resource page courtesy of Breaking Code Silence.