New lawsuits related to sexual abuse at juvenile facilities in Illinois involve over 130 individuals, with allegations dating back to the 1990s. At a news conference on Tuesday, one man expressed his reluctance to be present. These individuals are part of a larger group of 800 adults who have come forward with claims of sexual abuse they experienced as children in Cook County youth detention facilities. A lawsuit was filed on Monday representing 133 former detainees.
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According to ABC 7 News, a statement from the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) noted, “While the department cannot comment on ongoing litigation, IDJJ is committed to the safety of the youth in its care.” Attorneys for the plaintiffs alleged that the abuse occurred between 1996 and 2023 across various youth detention facilities statewide.
The plaintiffs stated that there are more individuals who experienced abuse, but for some, coming forward is too overwhelming.
