Rosemead High School is a public high school in Rosemead, California, and is part of the El Monte Union High School District. In recent years, Rosemead High School has been plagued by allegations of sexual abuse by teachers and staff going back decades. Now, it is time for the victims to get their justice and compensation.
If you or your child was sexually abused at Rosemead High School, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. This includes past and future medical bills, lost wages from not being able to work, and physical and mental pain and suffering.
Dolman Law Group has extensive experience helping sexual abuse victims and we can help you too. Contact us to see if your case is eligible for a lawsuit against the El Monte Union High School District and Rosemead High School to hold them accountable for their negligence.
What Happened At Rosemead High School?
Stories of abuse at Rosemead High School that span all the way back to the 1980s have recently come to light after a former student wrote about her experience on social media, prompting dozens of similar stories to come out.
These allegations have rocked the students, parents, alumni, and community since the initial story surfaced. This has led to a significant break from the culture of silence that had prevailed for years at Rosemead High.
Many former students, after reading about the experiences of the victims online, recognized they weren't alone. Their story was not unique. So they started coming forward.
For most of the students, it was the first time they had opened up about their abuse to their families and friends.
The history of teachers and staff at Rosemead betraying the trust of their students spans multiple generations. In fact, interviews with almost 300 individuals, including alumni, their families, current and past staff, and law enforcement, along with extensive documentation such as disciplinary records and internal communications, reveal that reports of abuse have been present since the 1980s.
Now, the victims, families, and community are trying to pick up the pieces and find some justice and compensation for the horrible things they endured.
Summarizing the Abuse at Rosemead High School
Multiple Allegations: Over the course of four decades, numerous students came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against staff members at Rosemead High School. Very little was done about it.
Lack of Action: Despite the numerous complaints, the school and district often failed to take appropriate action, if any action at all. In many instances, the accused staff members were allowed to continue working at the school.
Recent Revelations: The horrendous and ongoing abuse at Rosemead came to the forefront recently when a former student shared their experience on social media, leading to a flood of similar stories from other current and past students.
Legal Action: Some victims have started to take legal action, alleging that the school and district were very aware of the misconduct but did not do nearly enough to stop it and protect their students.
Response from the School: The school district has since hired an outside firm to investigate the allegations. They have also implemented new training for staff and have made efforts to improve their reporting and response procedures. However, after 40 years of abuse, this is too little too late.
Community Reaction: The revelations have caused a significant amount of distress and anger within the community. Many are demanding accountability and justice for the victims.
Learn more: How to Report Sexual Abuse
The Negligence of El Monte Union High School District
The El Monte Union High School District has a duty to protect its students from sexual abuse and any type of harm. However, the district has failed to do so, again and again. In fact, the district has been accused of covering up allegations of sexual abuse by its staff for many years.
They knew this abuse was happening and did nothing to stop it. That is the very definition of negligence and a breach of duty of care.
Who Were The Teachers That Abused Students?
1980s and early 1990s: In the 1980s and early ‘90s at Rosemead High, a computer teacher was reported by five different students for sexually harassing them.
Additionally, two students said a PE teacher was often surrounded by what he called "towel girls” who were female students who folded towels in his office for extra credit and the occasional sexual harassment. There were also additional instances of misconduct during this period.
Both men continued teaching.
Late 1990s and early 2000s: During this period, multiple inappropriate relationships between teachers and students were well-known around campus.
A journalism teacher had a student living with them during her senior year. He also had sexual relationships with two other students that the administrators were aware of.
Additionally, a former student says that a business teacher was having sex with her when she was only 16. The journalism teacher was briefly suspended.
They both continued teaching.
Early 2000s: In the early 2000s, teachers were accused of abuse and returned to the classroom, over and over again.
A math teacher had to be banned from contacting a student because he'd been sexually harassing her.
A former principal says she had to fire a computer teacher for a decade of misconduct complaints.
A choir director was denied tenure because of his relationship with his student which became sexual as soon as she graduated.
The math teacher taught until he retired. The computer teacher and the choir director continued teaching at nearby schools.
2010s: In the 2010s, claims of abuse continued.
After having to transfer to another school in the district, the business teacher was placed on leave after a student reported that he was sexually harassing her.
The journalism teacher was actually caught having sex with a teenager in his classroom after that student had just graduated. This student was one of four former students he had sexual relationships.
Once again, both teachers kept their jobs.
Late 2010s and early 2020s: Did the abuse stop once we came into the #metoo movement? No.
A wrestling coach at Rosemead High was allowed to continue working with students after he was reported for sexual relationships with students.
A social science teacher was arrested and resigned after a former student said they had sex while she was underage.
A track coach at Rosemead was sentenced to three years in prison for lewd acts upon a child after abusing a student.
When the track coach was terminated after being sentenced to prison, a district official told him, "We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your service."
In total, the following teachers, coaches, and staff have been accused of sexual abuse at Rosemead:
- Social science teacher
- Track coach
- Wrestling coach
- Journalism teacher
- Business teacher
- Chemistry teacher
- English teacher
- Soccer coach
- Health & safety teacher
- Tennis coach
- Choir director
- Computer teacher
- Math teacher
- History teacher
- PE teacher
Legal Help For Victims Of Rosemead High School Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is a deeply traumatic experience that can leave victims struggling with emotional, physical, and psychological damage. It's essential for victims to know that they have legal rights and can seek justice against their perpetrators beyond criminal charges.
Here's a guide on how the victims of Rosemead can get legal assistance for the sexual abuse they suffered:
Understanding Your Rights: Every victim has the right to justice. There are laws designed to protect victims and punish perpetrators. Depending on the jurisdiction, these laws can vary, but universally, sexual abuse is a crime. Additionally, anyone harmed because of negligence has a right to seek compensation for their losses in a civil lawsuit.
Seeking Legal Counsel: It's crucial for victims to consult with an attorney who specializes in sexual abuse cases. These lawyers are experienced in the law and can guide victims through the legal process to make sure their rights are protected.
Statute of Limitations: There's often a time limit on how long a victim has to file a lawsuit against their abuser. This varies by jurisdiction and the nature of the crime. Some places have extended or even gotten rid of these limitations for sexual abuse cases now that it is widely known that it might take time for a victim to come forward.
Evidence Gathering: A crucial aspect of any legal case is gathering evidence. Victims should be encouraged to preserve any physical evidence and document their experiences. This can include medical records, photographs, or written accounts. In the case of Rosemead, there is also tons of other evidence that will be available.
Support During Trial: The legal process can be retraumatizing for victims. Many jurisdictions offer victim support services, which can include counseling, court accompaniment, and post-trial support. An experienced sexual abuse law firm will understand these resources and help guide a victim the best they can.
Confidentiality: Respecting the privacy of the victim is paramount in these types of cases. Measures are often in place to protect the identity of the victim, especially in high-profile cases or when minors are involved. A good lawyer should also take steps to ensure the client's confidentiality is protected.
While the journey to justice can be challenging, victims of sexual abuse should know that they are not alone. The legal systems in the United States are evolving (even if slowly) to offer better protection and support to victims and to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.
How A Rosemead High School Sexual Abuse Lawyer Can Help You
While no amount of money can truly compensate someone for the trauma they suffered, victims may be entitled to financial compensation for the damage that was caused because of the institutional sexual abuse. This can cover medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
This compensation would come through the filing of a personal injury lawsuit on behalf of the victim(s) of sexual abuse at Rosemead High School.
A personal injury case is a civil lawsuit filed against a person or entity that is legally responsible for the victim's injuries. In the context of sexual abuse at Rosemead, the defendants may include El Monte Union High School District, Rosemead High School, the employee who perpetrated the crime, or anyone who helped to assist or cover up the crime.
To be successful in a personal injury lawsuit, we must prove that the defendant(s) owed the student a duty of care, breached that duty, and that the breach of duty caused the victim's injuries.
In the context of sexual abuse at school, the school and the district owe a duty of care to its students to protect them from harm, including harm from sexual abuse. The school district breached this duty by failing to take reasonable steps to prevent or stop sexual abuse from occurring so it is likely they will be held liable for the victim's damages.
Victims of sexual abuse may be able to recover economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, and therapy costs. And they may be able to recover non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
If you were a victim of sexual abuse at Rosemead High School, you should contact the experienced sexual abuse attorneys at Dolman Law Group to discuss your legal options. We can assess your case, determine whether you have a viable legal claim, and represent you throughout the legal process.
We Have Handled Thousands Of Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
The law firm Dolman Law Group has a proven track record of success in representing victims of sexual abuse.
We have helped hundreds of victims obtain the compensation they deserve, including victims of church sexual abuse like those perpetrated by the Catholic Church. We have helped with sports programs where students were abused by coaches and staff and felt like they couldn't report it. We have helped with sexual abuse in group homes like the abuse at Kurn Hattin Homes for Children. And we have helped victims of abuse in youth organizations like Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts. And of course, we have helped victims of abuse who had suffered in the very place that should be safe, their school.
Contact the Experienced and Compassionate Sexual Abuse Lawyers at Dolman Law Group
If you or your child has been sexually abused by a teacher at Rosemead High School, contact Dolman Law Group today for a free consultation. We will fight to protect your rights and get you the justice you deserve.
You can contact us by calling 727-451-6900, filling out our online contact form, or by chatting with our specialists or texting us below.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
How Common Is Sexual Abuse In Schools?
Sexual abuse in schools is a serious problem, and it's more common than you might think.
According to the organization Darkness to Light, 1 in 10 children will experience sexual abuse before they turn 18. And while most sexual abuse occurs in homes, schools are also a common place for this type of abuse.
A 2018 study by the U.S. Department of Education found that there were nearly 15,000 incidents of sexual violence reported in K-12 schools in the 2017-2018 school year. This number represents a 55% increase from the previous school year.
According to a report by UNESCO, 1 in 3 students (32%) has been bullied by their peers at school at least once in the last month. While these instances are not necessarily sexual in nature, they give an idea of the prevalence of harmful behaviors in schools.
A study by the World Health Organization found that 7% of women report that their first sexual experience was forced.
In August 2021, a study by the nonprofit Lauren's Kids found that over 1 in 4 current or former student-athletes have been sexually assaulted or harassed by someone in a position of power on campus. In the general population, this number is 1 in 10.
There is an additional problem—underreporting. Only 1 in 4 student-athletes reported the abuse to campus administrators, and nearly half said they were afraid the perpetrator would retaliate against them.
Almost 40% of student-athletes said they didn't want to report the abuse because they were afraid of losing their scholarship or weren't sure if their abuse was "bad enough" to even be reported. The study also found that student-athletes were 2.5 times more likely than non-athlete students to say they experienced abuse. Coaches were the group most identified to be the abusers.
As we briefly mentioned, one of the significant challenges in determining the exact prevalence of sexual abuse in schools is underreporting. Many victims, due to fear, shame, embarrassment, lack of awareness, or fear of retaliation, do not report incidents of abuse.
This means that the actual number of students being abused at school might be much higher than we know.
What Are The Signs Of Sexual Abuse In Your Teenager?
The signs of sexual abuse in teenagers can vary, but some common signs include:
- Behavioral changes: This may include things like becoming withdrawn or isolated, having difficulty sleeping or eating, or engaging in risky or self-destructive behaviors.
- Emotional changes: This may include things like feeling anxious, depressed, angry, or having difficulty trusting others.
- Physical changes: This may include things like having unexplained bruises or injuries, having sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or a change in weight.
- Sexual changes: This may include things like having nightmares about sex, engaging in sexual behaviors that are inappropriate for their age, or speaking or joking about sex in ways they never did before.
Other possible signs of sexual abuse in teenagers include:
- Change in academic performance
- Missing school on purpose
- Changes in friend groups
- Avoiding certain people or places
- Changes in hygiene or appearance
- Self-harming behavior, like cutting
- Engaging in substance abuse
It is important to note that not all teenagers who experience sexual abuse will exhibit these signs. Some teenagers may be able to hide the signs of abuse for a long time. Additionally, some of these signs can also be caused by other factors, like stress, depression, or bullying. That's why it's important to have an open line of communication with your child.
If you are concerned that your teenager may be experiencing sexual abuse, let them know that you are there for them and that you will believe them if they tell you what is happening. You should also seek professional help from a therapist or counselor who specializes in sexual abuse.
If you believe that your teenager is in immediate danger, call 911.
How Can I Talk To My Teen About Sexual Abuse?
Here are some tips for talking to your teenager about sexual abuse:
- Choose a time and place where you will not be interrupted and where your child is comfortable.
- Start by letting your teenager know that you love them and that you are there for them.
- Tell them that you are concerned about them and that you want to talk to them about anything that is bothering them.
- Be patient and understanding. It may take some time for your teenager to open up. Don't force it. Try again at another time.
- Listen to your teenager without judgment.
- Believe them. Many children or abuse survivors do not report because they think they will not be believed.
- Let them know that they are not alone.
- Seek professional help.
- Maintain good communication and compassion with your teen after they open up to you.
Remember, sexual abuse is never the victim's fault. If your teenager has been sexually abused, they need your support and love.
Why Does Sexual Abuse Happen At School?
There are a number of factors that can contribute to sexual abuse in schools. These factors include:
- Lack of school policies and procedures to prevent and handle sexual abuse.
- Failure by school staff to report suspected abuse.
- A culture of silence and secrecy surrounding sexual abuse.
- Power imbalances between students and school employees.
What Is Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse is any unwanted sexual activity, including touching, kissing, comments, or intercourse. Anyone can perpetrate sexual abuse, but it is especially harmful when a teacher commits it against a student.
What Is The Impact Of Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse can have a devastating impact on victims. It can cause physical and emotional harm, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Victims of sexual abuse may also have difficulty trusting others and forming relationships. But there is hope. Many victims of sexual abuse are able to overcome their challenges and live normal and happy lives.
What Are The Different Types Of Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse can take many forms, including rape, attempted rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment. It can also include unwanted touching, brushing up, "accidental" touching, unwanted hugs, and secrets between the teach and student of a sexual nature.
It can be perpetrated by school employees, such as teachers, coaches, and other staff members. It can also be perpetrated by other students.
How Can I Help Prevent Sexual Abuse?
Preventing sexual abuse is a collective responsibility that involves individuals, communities, institutions, and governments. While it's impossible to control the actions of others, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of sexual abuse for yourself and those around you.
Educate yourself and others about what constitutes sexual abuse and the signs of predatory behavior. Attend workshops or seminars on personal safety and self-defense.
Encourage open dialogue about sexual abuse in your community, school, or workplace. Teach children about body autonomy from the time they are young and the difference between appropriate and inappropriate touching. Never force your child to hug someone or give someone a kiss. This sends a bad message early on.
If something feels off or makes you uncomfortable, trust your gut and remove yourself from the situation if possible.
Clearly communicate your personal boundaries and respect the boundaries of others. It's okay to say "no" and to expect that your boundaries will be respected.
When in unfamiliar places or with unfamiliar people, be aware of your environment and any potential risks. Avoid isolated areas, especially at night, and let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
Be cautious about sharing personal information online. Educate children and teens about the dangers of online predators and the importance of not sharing personal details or photos with strangers.
If hiring someone to work in your home or with children, conduct thorough background checks. Ensure institutions like schools and daycares have vetting processes for their staff. Use monitoring systems, like cameras, when possible.
Support organizations that work to prevent sexual abuse and assist survivors. Advocate for stricter laws and regulations that protect vulnerable populations.
Remember, while these steps can help reduce the risk of sexual abuse, the responsibility for such actions lies solely with the perpetrators. It's essential to foster a culture where abuse is not tolerated, and where survivors are supported.
Resources For Victims Of Sexual Abuse
If you or someone you know has been sexually abused, it is important to seek help. There are a number of resources available to support victims of sexual abuse.
- The National Sexual Assault Hotline run by RAINN: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
- You can also get help online at RAINN's website
- Childhelp USA: 1-800-422-4453
- The National Center for Victims of Crime: 1-800-FYI-CALL (394-2255)
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
It's important to remember that you are not alone. Millions of people have been sexually abused, and there is help available. If you have been sexually abused, please reach out for help. You are not to blame, and you deserve to be supported.