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Rhine Law Firm leads the charge in seeking justice for victims of abuse at Maryland Juvenile Centers
On October 1st, 2023, The Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023 extended the statute of limitations for survivors.
October 1st marks a significant stride towards justice for countless men and women who endured pervasive childhood abuse while under the care of the State of Maryland through the Department of Juvenile Services and its predecessors.
The Rhine Law Firm, in collaboration with a coalition of four legal entities, initiated six legal actions against the State of Maryland. These actions aim to represent more than 50 survivors, leveraging the newfound legal provisions established by the Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023. As of October 1, 2023, this groundbreaking legislation abolished the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases, heralding a momentous change.
What is the Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023
The Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023 empowers adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse to pursue claims that were previously deemed time-barred under the previous legal framework. Maryland now aligns itself with a growing number of states that are proactively revising their statutes to ensure that survivors of sexual abuse during their formative years can seek justice, irrespective of their current age.
Summary of the Case
Over the span of many decades, previous administrations of the State of Maryland systemically allowed for the horrifying mistreatment of hundreds of children in their juvenile detention centers, encompassing rape, sodomy, molestation, torture, and severe abuse and neglect— both physical and emotional.
This negligence extended not only to the hiring and retention of staff directly involved in harming these children, but also to third-party providers whose team members had felony convictions and a history of using excessive force against minors.
The State not only fell short in monitoring these grave issues but also failed to take corrective action despite multiple external investigations revealing severe abuse dating back to 1967. This negligence persisted despite earlier class action lawsuits that alleged violations of civil rights and the Constitution, as well as explicit complaints from the affected children themselves.
At Rhine law Firm, we are teaming up with three other law firms, including Bailey & Glasser, LLP, Walsh Law PLLC, and DiCello Levitt to seek justice for over 50 survivors of child sexual assault from perpetrators in the following facilities:
- Baltimore City Juvenile Justice Center
- Charles H. Hickey School
- Cheltenham Youth Detention Facility
- Montrose School
- Victor Cullen
- Waxter Children’s Center
Our complaints point the finger of responsibility at the top echelons of the system— individuals who held the power to prevent these atrocities but instead chose to ignore the abuse perpetrated by their own staff against defenseless children.
Steps to Take If You Are a Victim
The following are some initial steps to take if you are a victim seeking justice in this lawsuit.
- Contact the Rhine Law Firm! Don’t hesitate to get help in seeking justice, we are ready and prepared to fight for you.
- Assemble pertinent evidence to bolster your case, such as medical records, statements from witnesses, and other relevant documentation.
- Construct a robust legal argument to ensure those who are responsible for the abuse are held answerable for their actions.
- Engage in negotiations to secure a just and equitable settlement on your behalf.
Get the Help You Need
If you or someone you know has been a victim of child sexual assault by the State of Maryland’s juvenile detention centers, help is available. Victims who were previously barred from taking action because of the statute of limitations can finally seek the justice they deserve. Contact our lawyers today for a free consultation. We know we can’t change the past, but we can help you change your future by getting you the compensation you deserve.
For additional information, please visit www.marylandabuseattorneys.com
Attorney Joel Rhine Discusses Abuse Lawsuit On CTV News
Attorney Martin Ramey Discusses Alleged Abuse in Maryland’s Juvenile Detention Centers On CBS News Baltimore
CBS Evening News – Maryland Abuse Victims Seek Justice Under New Law
National Press Coverage
- People Magazine – ‘No One Is Ever Going to Believe You’: New Complaints Allege Rampant Sex Abuse at 6 Md. Juvenile Facilities
- Washington Post – Lawsuits allege dozens were sexually abused in Md. juvenile facilities
- Maryland Matters – Survivors file lawsuits as Child Victims Act goes into effect, but how many more to come remains unknown
- Baltimore Sun – Sex abuse lawsuits filed under Maryland’s new Child Victims Act begin to stack up
- CBS Evening News
- Baltimore Banner – 50 people file lawsuits alleging decades of abuse in Maryland’s juvenile detention centers
- CTV News
- CBS News – Dozens of people file lawsuits alleging abuse in Maryland’s juvenile detention centers
Cases We Pursue
If you are considering filing a civil lawsuit against a sexual abuser, you should speak with a childhood sexual abuse lawyer to discuss your rights. The compassionate legal team at Rhine Law Firm, P.C. are dedicated to the representation of victims of child sexual abuse and molestation. For a free and confidential consultation with experienced attorneys, call (910) 772-9960 today.
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Resources
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)
RAINN is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. The National Sexual Assault Hotline is available 24/7: Telephone: 800.656.HOPE (4673) Online chat: online.rainn.org Español: rainn.org/es
NC Coalition For the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse
For more information contact Suzanne Metcalf at 919-829-8009.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255 This group provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources.
