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One of the most known organization in the United States, the Boy Scouts of America, has quietly hid for decades an abundance of secret documents that detail sexual abuse allegations against troop leaders and others.
Back in 2012, the Los Angeles Times was able to publish a searchable database of 5,000 files and case summaries that showed the Scout's blacklist.
Now more details are emerging about the extent of the sexual abuse that occurred in the youth organization. The records show that from 1944 to 2016, they are able to identify 7,819 suspected abusers and 12,254 victims.
Wow, let that sink in for a minute. Over 12,200 victims over the course of 72 years and the organization attempted to hide it. Those numbers don't even factor in the number of victims who never came forward about their abuse.
Due to the cost of litigation, the Boy Scouts of America has struggled with declining membership. The organization has said they are considering bankruptcy protection. If done, this would stop any ongoing lawsuits as settlements are negotiated.
The Boy Scouts of American released this statement to the Los Angeles Times about the latest numbers in the scandal, “We care deeply about all victims of child abuse and sincerely apologize to anyone who was harmed during their time in Scouting. We believe victims, we support them, and we pay for unlimited counseling by a provider of their choice and we encourage them to come forward. As soon as the BSA is notified of any allegation of abuse, it is immediately reported to law enforcement.”
For more information please read here.
Listen to John and Ken speak with Attorney Tim Kosnoff on the sexual abuse lawsuit below: