The year 2024 brought significant victories and developments for survivors seeking justice. From historic settlements to groundbreaking legislative efforts, these stories represent the ongoing fight for accountability and reform. Below are the most notable cases and milestones of the year.
Historic $880 Million Settlement by the L.A. Archdiocese
In what became the largest settlement in the history of the Catholic Church, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles agreed to pay $880 million to resolve over 700 claims of clerical sexual abuse. Survivors alleged decades of abuse by priests, compounded by systemic cover-ups by church officials. The settlement followed years of litigation and was praised by survivor advocacy groups for setting a precedent in holding religious institutions accountable.
The agreement also included commitments from the Archdiocese to strengthen its abuse prevention programs, although critics argue more transparency is needed.
Sean Combs Faces Multiple Allegations of Sexual Assault
In a bombshell revelation, music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs faced dozens of lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct and abuse spanning decades. The lawsuits included accusations of coercion, violence, and rape, with one former partner detailing years of abuse in a high-profile civil suit. Combs has denied the allegations, but the cases have spurred broader conversations about power dynamics in the entertainment industry and the protections afforded to survivors.
Federal Appeals Court Upholds E. Jean Carroll Verdict Against Donald Trump
A federal appeals court upheld the $5 million verdict against Donald Trump for sexually abusing and defaming writer E. Jean Carroll. The decision, squeaking in just before the New Year, affirmed a jury’s finding that Trump was liable for attacking Carroll in the mid-1990s and for subsequent defamatory remarks. Carroll’s legal battle became a landmark case, empowering survivors to pursue justice against powerful individuals.
Advocacy groups lauded the decision as a victory for accountability.
HCA Healthcare Lawsuits Highlight Systemic Sexual Abuse
HCA Healthcare, one of the largest healthcare systems in the U.S., faced a wave of lawsuits in 2024, with over 40 patients accusing medical staff of sexual abuse. Allegations include inappropriate conduct during medical exams and a lack of safeguards to protect patients. Advocacy groups condemned the corporation for failing to address systemic issues, and investigations revealed troubling gaps in oversight. Survivors are demanding accountability and reforms to prevent future abuse in medical settings.
The New York Diocese Bankruptcy Settlement
The Diocese of Rockville Centre in New York finalized a $323 million settlement to resolve claims from approximately 600 survivors of clerical sexual abuse. The settlement emerged from a bankruptcy process initiated by the Diocese to manage mounting lawsuits under New York’s Child Victims Act (CVA). Survivors highlighted the significance of the settlement while emphasizing the need for continued reforms within the Church to prevent future abuse.
Matt Gaetz Congressional Ethics Report
A Congressional ethics investigation revealed rampant sexual misconduct allegations against Florida Representative Matt Gaetz. The report, which the AP covered in the waning days of 2024, detailed a pattern of predatory behavior, including relationships with underage individuals and misuse of government resources. Advocacy groups criticized the lack of criminal charges but lauded the investigation for exposing misconduct by a public official.
Harrods of London Faces Explosive Abuse Allegations
The Harrods sexual abuse scandal centers on its late owner, Mohamed Al Fayed, who has been accused of orchestrating and enabling decades of harassment and abuse within the iconic London department store. Survivors have come forward with detailed allegations, claiming Al Fayed personally abused staff and fostered a culture of fear and exploitation among employees. These revelations, combined with ongoing legal actions, have highlighted systemic failures in holding powerful figures accountable and prompted widespread demands for justice and reform in luxury retail workplaces.
State-Level Lookback Windows Expand Access to Justice
Several U.S. states expanded lookback windows in 2024, allowing survivors to file lawsuits for decades-old abuse cases. New York, California, and Maryland extended their deadlines for filing claims under existing revival laws, giving survivors more time to come forward. These expansions reflect a growing recognition of the complexities survivors face in reporting abuse and seeking justice. Advocacy groups hailed the changes as monumental victories but emphasized the need for federal reforms to ensure consistency across states.
The AP covered in June how the Louisiana Supreme Court ruled to reopen the window for lawsuits by adult survivors.
Harvard and Stanford Address Sexual Harassment Scandals
Two of the nation’s most prestigious universities were forced to confront allegations of mishandling sexual harassment cases involving faculty members. Investigations revealed that both Harvard and Stanford failed to act on complaints, fostering environments where abuse persisted. In response, both universities pledged reforms, including increased transparency and mandatory reporting protocols. Survivors and advocates, however, remain skeptical about whether these measures will lead to meaningful change.
2024 demonstrated that while progress is being made, the fight for justice and accountability for survivors of sexual abuse remains a long uphill grind. Nonetheless, it’s a battle worth waging.
