For at least 25 years, a “pattern of abuse” that persisted at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health facilities allowed vulnerable children to be victimized, WHYY reported. Too often, when young residents abused at Devereux facilities tried to speak up, they reported being ignored, punished, or threatened into silence.

But the children and teenagers who were assaulted at Devereux don’t have to stay silent any longer. The truth about the horrors perpetrated upon minors at Devereux facilities has come to light, thanks to investigative reporting by The Philadelphia Inquirer and subsequent assessments by agencies such as the Philadelphia Department of Human Services and Community Behavioral Health.

Dozens of Devereux residents had reported being abused at the time the Inquirer broke the news. Many more have since come forward to finally hold the institution accountable through civil lawsuits.

What to Know About Devereux Sex Abuse Lawsuits

If you’re a survivor of abuse at Devereux, the first thing you need to know is that you’re not to blame the horrific mistreatment you endured.

There is no excuse for what you suffered at the hands of the adults who were supposed to be taking care of you. Your abusers, and anyone who covered for or failed to report them, are the ones in the wrong.

The second thing you need to know is that it may not be too late to take action. You can still stand in solidarity with other survivors. You can tell the story that you have never felt safe sharing and finally work through the trauma of abuse. And you may be able to attain justice by holding Devereux accountable in civil or criminal court.

Even if the abuse happened years ago, you might still have the option to move forward with a Devereux sexual abuse lawsuit. There’s no charge to speak with an attorney to understand your rights and options. Lawyers are handling Devereux abuse claims on a no-win, no-fee basis to make sure that the cost of legal representation doesn’t stand in the way of getting justice.

What Happened at Devereux Behavioral Health?

Devereux abuse lawsuits have been filed over all types of instances of physical and sexual abuse and assaults, including:

• Hitting

• Kicking

• Pushing and shoving

• Stomping

• Whipping

• Choking

• Rape

• Molestation, groping, and inappropriate touching

• All other forms of sexual abuse

Every survivor’s story is unique—and uniquely heartbreaking. The common thread connecting each of these reports is that Devereux failed to protect the children in its care.

Devereux was supposed to help minors who, in many cases, were there for the treatment of physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, behavioral issues, or the emotional and psychological wounds left by trauma. Instead of healing, these children experienced abuse, mistreatment, and more trauma.

What Should You Do If You Suffered Abuse at a Devereux Facility?

1. Get the health care services you need.

The first thing you should do if you suffered abuse while in the care of a Devereux Foundation facility is seek the appropriate care for your health and wellbeing. Depending on the circumstances, that care might include:

• Medical examination and treatment if the abuse left you with physical injuries. Even if the physical wounds healed some time ago, medical intervention might be appropriate. Getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases, for example, can provide survivors of sexual abuse with a treatment plan if needed. Medication may be indicated, alone or in conjunction with psychotherapy and other forms of treatment, if you are suffering from depression or anxiety.

• Care provided by an appropriate and licensed mental health practitioner for the emotional and psychological harm you suffered as a result of the abuse. Mental health practitioners may include psychiatrists (physicians), psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychologists, counselors, therapists, and clinical social workers. Each survivor of abuse should have a care team and treatment plan that fits their individual needs.

It’s never too late to seek help for the harm you have suffered due to abuse—and to begin feeling better.

2. Speak to a Devereux abuse attorney.

There’s a second reason why seeking care for your physical and mental health is so important. Any medical examinations or treatment you receive helps to document the abuse and its effects on your life. This documentation is valuable when you take the next important step: moving forward with the lawsuit process by consulting an attorney.

Survivors of child sexual abuse don’t have to pay anything upfront to pursue a lawsuit against Devereux. These claims are handled on a contingency basis. This means you would only ever owe your attorney a percentage of the settlement or jury award your lawyer successfully gets for you.

Hiring a lawyer to pursue a sexual abuse lawsuit can seem like a big step. You should know that the attorneys who handle Devereux lawsuits have experience working with survivors of child sexual abuse.

You can expect the utmost compassion and sensitivity from your legal representation. Many sexual abuse survivors, for example, have chosen to use a pseudonym in place of their real name in a lawsuit to protect their privacy. An attorney can help you understand your options and answer your questions, so you can make an informed choice about moving forward with a claim.

If you wait too long to take action, you could once again lose your voice and your chance to hold Devereux accountable for the harm you suffered at the institution. A sexual abuse lawyer can help you make sure you don’t miss the window to move forward with a Devereux Foundation lawsuit.