IMAGE SOURCE: https://apnews.com/article/lawsuit-abuse-youth-lawyer-illinois-detention-4202770f90166d1f11b31088bed8738e
On February 10, Anapol Weiss and co-counsel took a significant step forward in their relentless pursuit of justice for survivors of systemic sexual abuse against the Illinois juvenile detention facilities. With the filing of an additional 133 complaints, the total number of lawsuits now stands at 800, highlighting the widespread and long-standing nature of this crisis.
These lawsuits stem from harrowing accounts of sexual abuse suffered by minors while they were housed in government-run Illinois Youth Centers (IYCs) and the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (JTDC). The perpetrators were both male and female staff members at these facilities. The survivors, who were children at the time of the abuse, have courageously come forward to expose the egregious failures of the Illinois juvenile justice system that allowed this abuse to occur.
Led by shareholders Alexandra Walsh, Kristen Feden, and Holly Dolejsi, Anapol Weiss is helping these survivors stand up for what’s right. Explained shareholder Alexandra Walsh, “the government was supposed to protect these children, to keep them from harm. Instead, its reckless indifference to their safety made these kids prey to the sexual predators who were supposed to be caring for them. It is time for Illinois and Cook County to finally stand up and take responsibility.“
Systemic Abuse And Institutional Failure
The cases filed underscore the systemic nature of the abuse and the failure of state institutions to protect vulnerable children. For decades, minors placed in these juvenile facilities were subjected to horrific acts of sexual violence perpetrated by those entrusted with their care. Instead of ensuring their safety and rehabilitation, these institutions became places of suffering, exploitation, and broken trust.
Despite overwhelming evidence and mounting survivor testimonies, the State of Illinois has taken a deeply troubling approach—seeking to dismiss the lawsuits rather than acknowledging and addressing the institutional failures that allowed this abuse to persist. The state’s efforts to evade responsibility have further traumatized survivors and raised concerns about its commitment to justice.
"The sheer number of survivors - 800 and counting - exposes the magnitude of this institutional failure," said Holly Dolesji. "This wasn't about a few bad actors. This was about a government that chose, time and time again, to protect abusers rather than children in their care."
Survivors And Advocates Speak Out
On February 11, Anapol Weiss shareholder Kristen Gibbons Feden joined other co-counsel in the case, along with survivors, at a press conference to bring national attention to this crisis, expose decades of state-sanctioned abuse, and condemn the state’s attempt to dismiss the cases.
"They used their authority to threaten and silence us," shared one survivor. "If we didn't comply with their demands, they would extend our cell time or physically harm us. We were trapped - these were people who had complete control over our daily lives. What happened wasn't just a violation of policy - it was a violation of basic human dignity. I'm speaking up to prevent this from happening to other incarcerated youth."
The survivors shared their experiences and demanded accountability from those responsible for the abuse and those who turned a blind eye.
Anapol Weiss Attorneys Seeking Justice
Kristen Gibbons Feden is widely recognized for her powerful closing argument in the second Bill Cosby trial, which played a key role in securing his conviction. She has a remarkable track record in advocating for sexual assault survivors, including securing two eight-figure verdicts in a single day in 2023—a $10.5 million verdict for survivors of singer and entertainer R. Kelly and a $22 million verdict for a sexual abuse survivor of a renowned pediatrician in New York.
At the February 11 press conference alongside the survivors of the abuse in Illinois juvenile detention facilities, emphasized the state's culpability: "The government didn't just fail these children - they actively enabled their abuse through deliberate indifference. Every time they ignored a report, kept an abuser employed, or silenced a child, they chose to protect predators over the youth in their care."
Walsh, who has been representing survivors in this litigation for years, de dedicates much of her practice to representing survivors of sexual assault. She is co-chair of the Trial Committee in the MDL In re Uber Technologies, Inc. Passenger Sexual Assault Litigation, which has exposed Uber’s failures in preventing thousands of sexual assaults annually.
Walsh and Feden represent hundreds of men and women who survived childhood sexual assault while in the custody of various states’ juvenile justice systems. Their legal work extends to holding tech giants like Meta, TikTok Roblox, Discord, and Snapchat accountable for their role in enabling predatory grooming, sexploitation, and sexual assault through their platforms. Most recently, they have taken on the fight against the Alexander Brothers, real estate moguls who allegedly used their wealth and prominence to run a sprawling sex trafficking scheme.
Anapol Weiss partner Holly Dolejsi, another leader on the team in the litigation against the State of Illinois, is also one of the leading attorneys in claims against Uber and Lyft in the Passenger Sexual Assault MDL and has long advocated for justice for those who are injured through the reckless disregard of others.
The Call for Accountability
The magnitude of these cases underscores the urgent need for systemic reform within Illinois' juvenile detention system. Survivors and their legal representatives are calling for:
- Full transparency from the Illinois government regarding past and present abuse in juvenile facilities.
- Accountability for those who perpetrated and enabled the abuse.
- Comprehensive reforms to prevent future abuse and ensure the safety of all children in the state’s care.
- Justice for survivors who have endured lifelong trauma as a result of their experiences.
Moving Forward
As the legal battle continues, Anapol Weiss and co-counsel remain committed to standing with survivors in their pursuit of justice. The firm’s dedication to advocating for those who have suffered at the hands of corrupt institutions is unwavering. The fight for accountability is not just about financial compensation; it is about ensuring that no child endures similar trauma in the future.
The survivors’ courage in sharing their stories is a powerful force for change. By amplifying their voices and holding institutions accountable, Anapol Weiss and its legal partners are sending a clear message: systemic abuse of children will not be ignored, and justice will be served.
For updates on the case and to support the survivors in their pursuit of justice, stay informed through official announcements from Anapol Weiss and advocacy organizations dedicated to protecting the rights of vulnerable children.
