Child abuse can unfortunately occur at any point in time, regardless of how reputable the camp or school you are sending your child school may be. It is important to recognize the early warnings signs of child abuse. Children are often hesitant to discuss instances of child abuse – either because they do not understand what is going on or the abuser told them not to tell their parents. Regardless of the manner of child abuse, it is important that the responsible party be held accountable for their actions.

Summer camps are a time when children often experience their first experience away from their parents. Most parents spend months researching potential camps and reaching out to other parents for “word of mouth” reviews. It is therefore devastating for many parents when they discover that their child was the victim of child abuse at a camp which they so painstakingly researched. However, it is important to note that the parents are not the responsible party – it is the camp and the individual abuser.

Instances of abuse at camps can lead to different signs in children, depending on their age. Some children may become withdrawn after they return from camp, with a lack of appetite or increased outbursts. Other children may experience a complete change in their personality upon their return. While camp may have an impact on children regardless of abuse, it is important to remain attuned to shifts in your child’s behavior upon their return from camp and ask probing questions to determine whether abuse took place.

Child abuse claims may be brought against the camp itself as well as the individual parties who were responsible for the abuse. While some forms of child abuse take on a physical form, many instances also involve emotional abuse. Damages relating to emotional abuse are important in any child abuse claim, and can be calculated with the assistance of an experienced attorney.

Child abuse claims may be brought alongside criminal charges. The criminal case will not have an impact on your civil claim, although civil claims are often easier to settle than criminal charges since they have a lower burden of proof. However, the outcome of either case will not influence the other.

If your child was the victim of child abuse during a camp trip, do not hesitate to contact Tony Malley of the Malley Law Firm. Tony Malley has years of experience in bringing claims against camps and child abusers. These individuals should be held accountable for their actions and should not be allowed to commit the same atrocities against other children. Contact our Beaumont and Houston offices today for your initial free consultation.