ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Some of the survivors included in a sexual abuse class-action lawsuit involving training schools in Newfoundland and Labrador were as young as 11, lawyers say.
Lawyers at Morris Martin Moore are continuing to speak to victims of sexual misconduct in the NL Training Schools at Whitbourne, Pleasantville, Waterford Bridge Road and Torbay, the firm noted in a news release Tuesday.
The victims of the alleged abuse were abused by older residents and staff members, lead lawyer Lynn Moore said.
"We want justice for everyone.” — Lynn Moore
Sexual misconduct includes beatings while naked, having members of the opposite sex observe children showering, being coerced into physical fights with other residents while in the shower, being strip-searched by members of the opposite sex, being punished for refusing sexual advances of staff members and being subject to sexual comments by older residents and staff.
“We are encouraging all people who suffered from sexual misconduct to contact us so that they can be included in this class action, especially women," Moore said.
"We are hearing from far less women than men and we know that women are sexually assaulted at higher rates than men. We do not want the women to be left behind. We want justice for everyone.”
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