Teacher Sexual Misconduct

Anchorage Lawyer Assisting Sexual Assault Victims

When we send our children to school, we expect them to be in a safe environment.
Unfortunately, sometimes teachers do not provide that environment and take advantage of their
relationships with their students. Sexual assault by teachers is an abuse of power that not only
has long-lasting effects on victims for years, but often their entire lives. Anchorage teacher
sexual assault lawyer Sean Brown is dedicated to making sure teachers, as well as any other
responsible school administrators or employees, are held accountable for the mistreatment of
children in their care. The Brown Law Firm, LLC offers aggressive, but compassionate, legal representation for victims who have suffered sexual abuse by a teacher or other school employee. If you, or your child, has been a victim of teacher sexual assault, we are here to help. Call our office today at 907-222-9900 to learn more about your legal rights and options.

Teacher Sexual Assault in Alaska Schools

Although most teachers are devoted to their jobs and their students, there is still a staggering
number of abusers – about three for every school day nationwide. Unfortunately, in Alaska,
especially some rural Western parts of the state, the number of children who are sexually abused
at school is significantly higher than most of the country. Studies have shown that in the Western
Alaska region, the sexual assault rate is more than six times the national average. Most cases of
sexual abuse by teachers goes unreported, but if you suspect your child is being sexually abused
by a teacher, it is important to seek help. Reporting it to authorities can not only be the first step
in making sure your child is treated and protected, but also make sure other children are not
abused as well. Consulting a knowledgeable child sexual abuse attorney in Anchorage is also
vital to ensure your child’s legal rights are advocated for.

Teachers at elementary, middle, and high schools can take advantage of the students in their care.
Some educators may feel these older students have “consented” to a sexual interaction, however,
consent is not possible in situations where power, and age, is imbalanced. Coaches [link to
Sports Coaches Sexual Assault page], counselors, and other school employees can also abuse
students under their supervision. Victims of these assaults have legal options. Children who have
been abused may file a lawsuit against their abuser, either as a minor or once they reach the age
of majority. Legal guardians may also act on their child’s behalf to represent those victims too
young to advocate properly for themselves.

In addition to the teacher who committed the sexual abuse, school districts, administrators, and
others with a duty to protect students can also be held liable in these claims. If a sexual assault
was suspected by or told to a principal, counselor, or other administrator, and they failed to report
the accusation to authorities, they can he held responsible for the harm caused. Schools
themselves that employ an abuser can also be held accountable. Victims of sexual assault by a
teacher may be compensated for medical expenses, including mental health costs related to
therapy or other treatments. Pain and suffering damages may also be available for victims.

Anchorage Child Sexual Abuse Attorney

If your child has been sexually abused by a teacher, you may feel guilt and unsure of what to do.
It is important for your child’s health and future to report such abuse to the proper authorities.
Afterwards, Anchorage child sexual abuse attorney Sean Brown of The Brown Law Firm, LLC
can help you determine your next legal step. We will fight on behalf of each victim to make sure
their voices are heard, and they get justice. The Alaska Accident and Injury Law Center helps
victims abused by teachers in and around Western Alaska. We are dedicated to making sure all
residents have access to legal services, despite their location, representing clients in Anchorage,
Aniak, Bethel, Fairbanks, Hooper Bay, Juneau, and Saint Mary’s. If you have questions about your legal options following a sexual assault, please call our office at 907-222-9900 to speak with an attorney today.