Institutional abuse happens when a staff member or agent of an organization or care facility abuses their power over those in their care. This type of abuse can be financial, emotional, physical, mental or sexual. It can happen to seniors, the mentally impaired, adults, teenagers and children. Unfortunately, this abuse happens all too often, but Tommy James Law is fighting this trend.
Our office has a history of taking on cases to help the victims of abuse get compensation for the abuse they suffered. We have seen the results of institutional abuse up close. To help end these horrible tragedies, we have gathered a list of ways you can help stop institutional abuse.
1. Support an Abuse Prevention Organization
Thankfully, there are organizations out there that recognize the dangers of institutional abuse. Whether the abuse happens in a nursing home, foster care facility or a for-profit residential treatment facility for teens, there is a support network for victims. Breaking Code Silence is giving support and a platform to speak out for teens who have suffered in the troubled teen industry. The National Children’s Advocacy Center works to prevent, intervene and provide treatment for kids who have suffered abuse. Supporting organizations like this can help shine a light on the problem and create solutions.
2. Report Suspected Abuse
Abuse is one of the most common yet underreported crimes in Alabama and across the country. By simply reporting suspected abuse to the authorities, you are doing a big part in stopping future abuse. Learn how to identify the signs of abuse, and when you see them, reach out. If you are unsure about who to contact, the CDC has an Eldercare Locator that can help. You can also call the police to report any suspected abuse.
3. Contact an Attorney to Help Seek Restitution
Those who suffer at the hands of abusers can take the organizations that enabled those abusers to court. Doing so casts a spotlight on the abuse and helps prevent future cases from happening. For example, USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee recently settled with abuse victims for $380 million. Part of that settlement includes creating measures that will prevent future abuse by those working closely with young athletes. Our own law firm is representing a young man who experienced abuse in a Sequel Youth and Family Services facility.
By helping those who have suffered at the hands of negligent institutions, we can all make a difference. And though our law firm does not handle issues of custody or family law, we do our part by making facilities pay for their crimes. For more information about seeking restitution from a facility that enabled institutional abuse, call us at (205) 843-5086. The initial consultation is free, and you will start a process that could help abuse victims locally and nationwide.