Three men have come forward as part of a lawsuit detailing disturbing allegations of systemic child abuse at Illinois juvenile detention centers. The lawsuit spans from 1996 to 2017 and includes claims of gang rape, forced oral sex, and physical assaults by various staff members at nine youth detention facilities across the state.
One of the plaintiffs, Calvin McDowell, shared his experience of being sexually abused by a chaplain at a suburban Chicago youth center as a teenager. He expressed his desire to prevent others from enduring similar suffering and highlighted the feelings of isolation and despair he faced for years.
The lawsuit, filed on Monday, involves a total of 95 plaintiffs, most of whom are identified by initials. The survivors recounted instances where they were threatened or incentivized to remain silent about the abuse they endured. The complaint alleges that Illinois authorities failed to address, investigate, or remove the alleged abusers, allowing the abuse to persist.
Survivors who spoke at a news conference emphasized the importance of shedding light on their experiences and seeking justice. They expressed hope that by coming forward, they could help others who may have faced similar abuse in youth detention centers.
The lawsuit seeks damages of approximately $2 million per plaintiff, the maximum allowed by law. While current state officials have stated that they thoroughly investigate allegations of staff misconduct, attorneys representing the survivors remain skeptical, citing a history of similar claims being dismissed or ignored.
Several survivors mentioned that joining the lawsuit and connecting with others who shared their traumatic experiences had been a source of solace and empowerment. By speaking out, they aim to hold accountable those responsible for the abuse they suffered and to bring about systemic changes to prevent such incidents in the future.
Despite the challenges they faced in disclosing their past traumas, the survivors expressed a sense of liberation and a renewed sense of agency in reclaiming their stories and seeking closure after years of silence.
