Boy Scout Abuse FAQ

Have questions about filing a lawsuit against the boy scouts? Read our Frequently Asked Questions about Boy Scout abuse. We hope to answer any questions you might have and empower you to seek the justice you deserve. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many scouts were abused? 

It’s hard to know just how many scouts were abused by troop leaders, since allegations go back to the 1920s. According to files revealed in court papers by the Boy Scouts of America, over 12,000 boys were abused by at least 7,800 abusers within the organization. This was before the Boy Scouts required background checks on troop leaders and other leadership positions. 

• How have the Boy Scouts of America handled these abuse cases? 

When the news of sexual abuse in the Boy Scouts of America exploded in 2010, the organization immediately took action by publishing files of reports and abusers, trying to support victims, and even paying for counseling for victims. However, it is widely thought that before 2010, the Boy Scouts quietly handled these abuse cases by firing reported abusers. 

On February 18, 2020, the Boy Scouts declared bankruptcy in order to “equitably compensate victims who were harmed during their time in Scouting and continue to carry out Scouting’s mission for years to come.” Unfortunately, filing bankruptcy also means that claims can no longer be brought against the Boy Scouts after a certain date. 

• How does the Boy Scouts’ recent bankruptcy affect my claim? 

The recent declaration of bankruptcy by the Boy Scouts of America means that you must file a claim of abuse against the Boy Scouts of America before November 16, 2020 at 5:00pm. If your claim is made after this date, you may lose any rights to compensation from the Boy Scouts for abuse.  

• Can I still file a claim, even if the abuse happened a long time ago? 

Yes, you can. Statute of limitations laws vary state by state. Your state might have a law that allows you to file your claim, even if the abuse you experienced was years ago. 

Whatever the case, you should still file a claim because your state’s laws on statute of limitations could change. We are happy to help you look further into this with a free case review.  

• Will my identity remain confidential if I file a lawsuit? 

All of your information, including your identity and claim, will be kept confidential and out of public records. Some parties, like attorneys, may have access to the information, but it will never be publicly available. 

• Does my case qualify?

According to the website for the Boy Scouts of America, “Anyone who was sexually abused during their time in Scouting, on or before February 18, 2020” is qualified to make a claim. Claims can be made against the Boy Scouts in relation to Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, or any other activity or group that is related to the scouts.

It can be hard to know if what you experienced is abuse. The American Psychological Association defines sexual abuse as “unwanted sexual activity, with perpetrators using force, making threats or taking advantage of victims not able to give consent.” The Boy Scouts of America, on their site, say that claims can be made for “sexual misconduct, exploitation, or touching, sexual comments about a person or other behaviors that led to abuse, even if the behavior was not sexual or against the law, and regardless of whether you thought the behavior was sexual abuse or not.”

Get Justice for Your Abuse

We can only hope that this list gives you the answers to some of your most important questions. If you have any more questions about filing a lawsuit for Boy Scout abuse, give our office a call at 602-955-0055 to get a free case review. We would be happy to answer any additional questions you may have and help you or your loved one get justice.