Three Ways to Fight Institutional Abuse

Institutional abuse happens when a staff member or agent of an organizationor care facility abuses their power over those in their care. This type ofabuse can be financial, emotional, physical, mental or sexual. It can happen toseniors, the mentally impaired, adults, teenagers and children. Unfortunately,this abuse happens all too often, butTommy James Lawis fighting this trend.

Our office hasa historyoftaking on cases to help the victims of abuse get compensation for the abusethey suffered. We have seen the results of institutional abuse up close. Tohelp end these horrible tragedies, we have gathered a list of ways you can helpstop institutional abuse.

1. Support an Abuse Prevention Organization

Thankfully, there are organizations out there that recognize the dangers ofinstitutional abuse. Whether the abuse happens in a nursing home, foster carefacility or a for-profit residential treatment facility for teens, there is asupport network for victims.BreakingCode Silenceis giving support and a platform to speak out for teens whohave suffered in thetroubled teenindustry. TheNational Children’sAdvocacy Centerworks to prevent, intervene and provide treatment for kidswho have suffered abuse. Supporting organizations like this can help shine alight on the problem and create solutions.

2. Report Suspected Abuse

Abuse is one of the most common yet underreported crimes in Alabama andacross the country. By simply reporting suspected abuse to the authorities, youare doing a big part in stopping future abuse. Learnhow to identify the signs of abuse,and when you see them, reach out. If you are unsure about who to contact, theCDC has anEldercareLocatorthat can help. You can also call the police to report any suspectedabuse.

3. Contact an Attorney to Help Seek Restitution

Those who suffer at the hands of abusers can take the organizations thatenabled those abusers to court. Doing so casts a spotlight on the abuse andhelps prevent future cases from happening. For example, USA Gymnastics and theU.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee recentlysettledwith abuse victims for $380 million. Part of that settlement includescreating measures that will prevent future abuse by those working closely withyoung athletes. Our own law firm is representing a young man who experiencedabuse in aSequel Youth and Family Servicesfacility.

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 ofcustody or family law, we do our part by making facilities pay for theircrimes. For more information about seeking restitution from a facility thatenabled institutional abuse, call us at(205) 843-5086. Theinitial consultation is free,and you will start a process that could help abuse victims locally andnationwide.