Our Boston injury lawyers represent students that have been the victim of violent crimes at schools, campuses, and related facilities throughout the state. Unfortunately, physical assault, shootings, and sexual assault can happen at institutions of learning. Lone gunmen have even been known to choose schools populated by some of our youngest children. Some violent crime incidents are instigated by teachers or students.
Yesterday, three Somerville High School Junior Varsity boys soccer team were arrested on Massachusetts rape charges over an alleged sex assault at Camp Lenox in Otis. The city of Somerville had rented a facility at the camp to foster team building.
Three teens, all high school juniors, are accused of going into a cabin where freshmen students were staying and assaulting three people. One of the accused, a 17-year-old boy, is charged with multiple sexual assault crimes involving a child younger than age 16. The other two suspects are 16-year-olds, and similar criminal charges against them are expected.
Separate from any criminal case, the alleged victims may have reason to pursue Massachusetts injury damages for sexual assault not just against their assailants but also against the camp, the school, the city of Somerville, or others if negligence on their part allowed/failed to prevent the assault crimes from happening.
School Sexual Assault
With so many schools and colleges located in Massachusetts, crimes against students are a problem, and sexual assault is in an especially serious concern. (Studies show that 1 out of 4 women are raped while in college and many of these incidents go unreported.) Dorm rapes, sexual assault in school buildings and in sororities and fraternities, as well as in other group housing have happened.
Schools know the risks and they are supposed to provide adequate security on their premises. This security and supervision extends to school sanctioned and sponsored events that take place away from school grounds.
Three Somerville High soccer players charged with raping students at sports camp, Boston.com, August 30, 2013
Somerville High School student athletes charged with aggravated rape, My Fox Boston, August 30, 3013
More Blog Posts:
Measure Would Give Victims of Massachusetts Sex Abuse Lawsuits Until Age 55 to Sue for Personal Injury, Boston Injury Lawyer Blog, May 8, 2013
GranuFlo Lawsuits Seek to Give Patients and Families Compensation Over Dangerous Drug Injuries, Massachusetts Drug Injury Lawyers Blog, August 13, 2013
OSHA Proposes New Rule to Protect Workers from Toxic Silica Exposure, Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Blog, August 29, 2013