Sexual Abuse
On this page, we will look at New Jersey juvenile detention center sex abuse lawsuits and their settlement value. Recent evidence from investigations and lawsuits has emerged which shows that juvenile inmates in New Jersey at frequently victims of sexual assault and abuse. These victims can now file civil lawsuits against the state for negligently failing to take reasonable measures to protect them from this abuse.
If you have a New Jersey juvenile detention center sex abuse lawsuit, call us today at 800-553-8082 or contact us online.
About Juvenile Detention Centers in New Jersey
New Jersey has some of the worst juvenile detention centers in the entire country. The racial disparities and reports of abuse and neglect of inmates in New Jersey’s juvenile detention facilities are consistently at the bottom of the rankings in the U.S.
Juvenile detention centers in New Jersey operate under the authority of the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission (NJJC), which oversees both long-term juvenile correctional facilities for sentenced youth and county-operated short-term detention centers for juveniles awaiting adjudication.
New Jersey’s long-term juvenile correctional facilities offer year-round education aimed at earning a high school diploma, GED, or college credits, along with vocational training, healthcare services, and substance abuse treatment programs. These facilities are designed for juveniles who have been adjudicated and sentenced to extended stays within the juvenile justice system.
State-Operated Juvenile Facilities:
There are currently 3 state juvenile detention center facilities operated by NJJC:
- Juvenile Medium Security Facility (JMSF)– Located in Bordentown, NJ, this facility houses male juvenile offenders in a medium-security setting. JMSF is known for its structured environment and rehabilitative programming.
- New Jersey Training School (NJTS)– Commonly referred to as “Jamesburg”, the New Jersey Training School in Monroe Township is the state’s largest and oldest juvenile correctional facility. It accommodates male juvenile offenders and operates at a higher security level than JMSF. Established in 1867, NJTS has faced widespread criticism over the years for its punitive structure and outdated conditions.
- The Female Secure Care and Intake Facility– Also located in Bordentown, on the same campus as JMSF, this facility is the only state-run detention center for female juvenile offenders in New Jersey. It operates at a medium-security level and provides gender-specific programming.
These 3 state-level facilities are for juveniles who have been adjudicated for a crime and sentenced to longer periods of detention by the court. They are for more serious offenders with longer periods of detention. The long-term state facilities are supplemented by local juvenile detention centers operated at the County level. Many of New Jersey’s County juvenile detention centers have been closed in recent years. Those that remain active include:
| Camden County Juvenile Detention Center | Essex County Juvenile Detention Center |
| Hudson County Juvenile Detention Center | Middlesex County Juvenile Detention Center |
| Morris County Juvenile Detention Center | Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center |
| Union County Juvenile Detention Center | |
Holding NJJC Accountable in Sex Abuse Lawsuit
The New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission (NJJC) has a legal duty to take reasonable measures to protect juvenile inmates in its custody from sexual abuse and assault—whether by staff or other inmates. This responsibility requires NJJC to implement, enforce, and uphold policies and procedures designed to safeguard inmates from harm.
However, mounting evidence suggests that NJJC systematically failed in this duty. Despite previous reports of abuse, state authorities and facility staff did not take adequate action to prevent further harm. This negligence included poor staff supervision, weak policies, inadequate training, and a failure to enforce effective safety measures. NJJC basically did little or no screening of potential staff during the hiring process and once on the job they were subject to minimal supervision.
NJJC’s worst act of negligence, however, was its chronic failure to properly investigate complaints about staff sexual abuse on inmates. When juvenile inmates reported acts of staff misconduct, inappropriate behavior, or even outright sexual assault, NJJC administrators routinely ignored the complaints without any investigation whatsoever. When complaints were investigated, the investigations were cursory and action was rarely taken.
Because of these failures, NJJC can be held legally accountable in civil lawsuits. Anyone who was a victim of sexual abuse while incarcerated in a New Jersey juvenile detention center has the right to file a lawsuit against NJJC for its negligence in enabling and allowing the abuse to occur.
Proof Necessary to File a Sex Abuse Lawsuit
Anyone who was the victim of sexual abuse or assault at a New Jersey juvenile detention center facility can potentially file a civil lawsuit and get financial compensation. Below is a summary of the proof used to support most juvenile detention center sex abuse cases.
Victim Testimony: In most cases, the only proof required to bring a case is the testimony of the victim regarding the acts of abuse. As long as the victim’s statement is consistent with NJJC records regarding when and where the victim was detained, that will be enough to prove the abuse occurred.
Evidence of Negligence: Most juvenile sex abuse cases are based on broad, system-wide allegations of negligence on the part of NJJC. However, when there is evidence of negligence on the part of NJJC specific to the victim (e.g., the victim complained about the abuse and was ignored) it makes the case much stronger.
Identification of the Abuser: Many victims of juvenile detention center sex abuse incorrectly assume that if they don’t know or can’t remember the name of the officer or staff member who sexually abused them, they won’t be able to bring a civil lawsuit. This is not true at all.
Many victims are not able to affirmatively identify their abuser by name. A simply physical description and description of what job or position they held is more than enough. If a victim is able to name and identify their abuser, that can potentially make their case stronger, but it is not necessary or expected.
Settlement Value of New Jersey Juvenile Detention Sex Abuse Lawsuits
The settlement value of New Jersey juvenile detention center sex abuse lawsuits depends on several key factors, including legal strategy, institutional accountability, and whether the state chooses to settle or litigate. Below are the primary elements that influence potential compensation for survivors.
Severity and Impact of the Abuse
The extent of the abuse suffered plays a critical role in determining settlement payouts. Cases involving severe, repeated abuse tend to result in higher settlements and jury verdicts. Even without a formal diagnosis, victims can present strong claims with the support of expert testimony from psychologists and psychiatrists to establish the lasting emotional and psychological damage caused by the abuse.
Strength of Evidence and Institutional Negligence
While a victim’s testimony alone can be enough to establish that abuse occurred, additional evidence strengthens a case significantly. Internal reports, witness statements, and prior complaints against abusers can make it difficult for institutions to deny responsibility. If records show that administrators ignored warnings or allowed abusers to remain in contact with children, settlement values typically increase. When systemic negligence is proven, jury awards can be substantial, reflecting the institution’s failure to protect victims.
Age of the Victim at the Time of Abuse
The younger the victim, the greater the long-term consequences. The trauma of sexual abuse often follows survivors into adulthood, affecting their education, relationships, career opportunities, and overall well-being. As a result, younger victims often receive higher compensation due to the extended impact on their lives.
Identification of the Perpetrator
A victim does not need to identify their abuser to bring a successful claim. However, naming a perpetrator—especially one with a history of misconduct—can strengthen the case. If records show the institution ignored previous reports of abuse, the defense has a much harder time denying liability. This often results in higher settlement payouts.
Venue
New Jersey is an excellent jurisdiction for any type of personal injury or tort case, which include sexual abuse cases. This is because unlike many other states, New Jersey law does not impose a cap on the amount of non-economic damages (i.e., pain and suffering damages) plaintiffs get be awarded.
Venue in New Jersey juvenile detention center sex abuse lawsuits is usually based on the County where the injury occurred. Most of the counties in New Jersey are very plaintiff friendly, some even more so than others. There are handful of counties in New Jersey (mostly in South Jersey) that are somewhat less plaintiff-friendly. These include Salem, Cumberland, and Cape May Counties in the south, and Warren County in the north.
Contact Us About New Jersey Juvenile Detention Center Sex Abuse Lawsuits
If you were the victim of sexual abuse or assault at a juvenile detention center in New Jersey, contact out New Jersey sex abuse lawyers today for a free case evaluation. Call at 800-553-8082 or contact us online