CHICAGO (AP) — Child sexual abuse at Illinois juvenile detention centers was pervasive and systemic for decades, according to disturbing accounts in a lawsuit filed Monday by 95 men and women housed at the youth centers as children.
The lawsuit details alleged incidents of abuse from 1996 to 2017, including gang rape, forced oral sex, beatings and groping of children by corrections officers, sergeants, nurses, therapists, a chaplain and others at nine youth centers. Many plaintiffs said they were threatened or rewarded to keep quiet.
“The State of Illinois has allowed a culture of abuse at Illinois Youth Centers to flourish unabated,” the 186-page complaint said.
The lawsuit, filed in the Illinois Court of Claims, follows similar harrowing allegations of child sex abuse at juvenile detention centers in Maryland, New Jersey, New Hampshire, California and New York City. Some cases have gone to trial or resulted in settlements; arrests have been infrequent.
Red tourism booming as CPC celebrates centenary
Italy's fashion brands have Chinese connection
Ice and snow tourism propels NE China into high
Pilot carbon sink trading yields profit, eco benefits in rural China
Xinhua Commentary: Major Powers Should Work with China for Political Settlement of Ukraine Crisis
How China's rest stations for outdoor workers create prospects for new employment forms
Village in Hainan explores new developing model to advance rural revitalization
People enjoy leisure time during National Day holiday across China
China strengthens crackdown on illegal fishing
Tourism market shows summer recovery signs
Direct route facilitates Chilean cherry imports for Chinese consumers