Sexual Abuse Allegations at Cook County Juvenile Detention Center
Recently, shocking allegations of sexual abuse have surfaced at the Cook County Juvenile Interim Detention Center in Chicago. TeMarcus Washington, a survivor of abuse at the facility, bravely shared his story, shedding light on the nightmares he still experiences as a result of the trauma he endured.
Disturbing Details Revealed in Lawsuits
Two lawsuits filed on behalf of 193 men and women detail the harrowing accounts of rape, illegal strip searches, and other forms of sexual abuse perpetrated by adult employees at the detention center between 1995 and 2022. The survivors, ranging in age from 9 to 17 years old, recount a culture of fear, violence, and systemic abuse that has plagued the facility for decades.
Call for Justice and Accountability
Legal action has been taken against the state of Illinois and Cook County, seeking damages of approximately $2 million per plaintiff. The lawsuits aim to hold accountable those responsible for the egregious acts of abuse and negligence that have scarred the survivors for life.
The survivors, like TeMarcus Washington and Phillip Goodwin, are speaking out in the hopes of bringing about change, healing, and justice for themselves and others who have suffered similar traumas. It is imperative that these allegations are thoroughly investigated, and measures are taken to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals in juvenile detention centers across the country.
