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Catholic High School of Baltimore Child Sexual Abuse Claims

Posted on March 11, 2025 by Loni Liss

A Timeline of Sexual Abuse Scandals and Accountability

In recent years, the Catholic High School of Baltimore has faced intense scrutiny due to allegations of sexual abuse spanning decades. The revelations have shaken the community, highlighting systemic failures in protecting students and addressing complaints. This blog explores the timeline of events, the key figures involved, and the legal and social implications of these cases.

If you or someone you love is a survivor of child sexual abuse suffered in a Maryland educational or religious institution, know that you are not alone. The Yost Legal Group will provide the help, guidance, and support you need.

Our experienced and compassionate sexual abuse lawyers are dedicated to standing by survivors to fight for accountability and justice.

With the passage of Maryland’s Child Victims Act, there are no longer time limits to confront the wrongs of the past. Whether the abuse occurred in a school, Church, after-school program, or another institution, we will help you seek justice.

Contact The Yost Legal Group sexual assault lawyers today for a free and confidential consultation. Call us at (800)-YOST-LAW (800-967-8529) or text us at 1-410-659-6800.

A Timeline of Allegations and Complaints at Catholic High School of Baltimore

1960s-1980s: Early Allegations Ignored

The history of abuse allegations at Catholic High School of Baltimore dates back over 60 years. Survivors have come forward with stories of sexual abuse at the hands of priests, nuns, and teachers during this period. Despite complaints being raised, many were dismissed or buried by school administrators and the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

One of the earliest known cases involved Father Joseph Maskell, a priest accused of abusing students in the 1960s and 1970s. Maskell’s actions were brought to light in the Attorney General’s report published decades later, as detailed in WBAL-TV’s coverage. Survivors reported that Maskell preyed on vulnerable students, using his position of authority to silence them.

1990s: The Spotlight on Abuse Intensifies

The 1990s saw an increase in awareness of clergy abuse, with survivors beginning to speak out. However, systemic changes were slow, and many perpetrators remained in positions of power. During this time, the school and the archdiocese continued to face allegations of failing to act on complaints.

2000s: Legal Actions and Public Outcry

The early 2000s marked a turning point as survivors began filing lawsuits against the school and the archdiocese. The cases highlighted not only the abuse but also the institutional cover-ups that allowed it to persist.

Maryland’s Child Victims Act: A New Era of Justice for Survivors

The release of the Maryland Attorney General’s report in 2023 was a watershed moment. The report detailed decades of abuse by clergy members, including those associated with the Catholic High School of Baltimore. It also revealed the extent to which the Archdiocese of Baltimore failed to address complaints, often prioritizing the reputation of the Church over the safety of students.

In October 2023, Maryland took a groundbreaking step in advocating for survivors of childhood sexual abuse by passing the new Child Victims Act. This transformative legislation removes the statute of limitations for filing claims against abusers, providing a pathway to justice for individuals who have suffered in silence for years—even decades.

Under the new law, survivors of abuse can now come forward, regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred, to hold their abusers and the institutions that enabled them accountable.

This change is monumental for older adults who may have felt that time had run out on their opportunity to seek justice. Many survivors carry the weight of their trauma throughout their lives, often not feeling ready or able to confront their abusers until much later.

The removal of the statute of limitations recognizes the unique challenges survivors face and ensures that their voices can be heard whenever they are ready to come forward.

Key Figures and Allegations About Catholic High School of Baltimore

Father Joseph Maskell

One of the most notorious figures in the molestation of students scandal, Father Maskell, was accused of abusing multiple students during his tenure. Survivors have described how Maskell used his position to intimidate victims into silence.

Teachers and Staff

In addition to clergy members, several teachers and staff at Catholic High School of Baltimore have faced allegations of abuse. A Baltimore Sun article highlighted the case of a teacher accused of sexual solicitation in 2024.

Archdiocese Leadership

The Archdiocese of Baltimore has also been criticized for its role in covering up abuse allegations. Survivors have shared their stories in court, emphasizing the need for accountability at all levels of leadership. This was reported by NBC Washington.

Legal and Social Implications

Survivors’ Stories

The courage of survivors coming forward has been instrumental in exposing the extent of the abuse. Their testimonies have shed light on the long-term impact of abuse, including trauma, mental health challenges, and a loss of trust in institutions.

Legal Actions

The Attorney General’s report has paved the way for legal actions against Catholic High School of Baltimore. Survivors are seeking justice through lawsuits.

Community Response

The revelations have sparked outrage and calls for accountability within the Baltimore community. Parents, alumni, and advocacy groups have demanded transparency and systemic changes to ensure the safety of students.

Moving Forward: Ensuring Accountability and Justice

The Catholic High School of Baltimore scandal is a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability in protecting vulnerable populations. As survivors continue to seek justice, institutions must prioritize their members’ safety and well-being over reputational concerns.

The courage of those who have come forward cannot be overstated. Their stories have not only exposed the failures of the past but also paved the way for a safer future.

For additional information, readers can explore the following articles:

WYPR: Baltimore City Catholic High School Removing Name of Nun from Auditorium

NBC Washington: Survivors of Church Sex Abuse Share Stories in Court

CNN: Baltimore Catholic Church Priest Abuse

Baltimore Sun: Baltimore County Teacher Sexual Solicitation Report

WBAL-TV: Church Abuse – Father Joseph Maskell Attorney General Report

Educational institutions everywhere must uphold their responsibility to protect and support the students they serve.

It’s Not Too Late: Seek Justice Under Maryland’s New Child Victims Act

If you were sexually abused or molested in a Maryland school, Church, after-school program, or any other institution, this law empowers you to take action. No matter how long ago the abuse occurred, you can now seek justice and accountability.

Our experienced child sexual abuse attorneys are here to support you every step of the way. Our team is deeply committed to providing compassionate, confidential, and professional representation for survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

Contact The Yost Legal Group today at 1-800-967-8529 for a free and confidential consultation. We understand the courage it takes to come forward and are here to listen, advocate, and fight for the justice you deserve. You are not alone; it is never too late to hold those accountable for their actions.

Your story matters. Your voice matters. And we are here to help you find the justice and healing you deserve. Reach out to The Yost Legal Group today—because it’s never too late to hold those responsible accountable.

Athlete Sexual Abuse Lawyer – Childhood Sexual Abuse Lawyer – Lawyer for Sexually Abused

Foster Care Sexual Abuse Lawyer – Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers – Catholic Church Sex Abuse Claims

Maryland Supreme Court Upholds Child Victims Act

Posted on February 6, 2025February 6, 2025 by Loni Liss

Child Victims Act: A Historic Victory for Sexual Abuse Survivors

In a landmark decision that brings hope to countless survivors of childhood sexual abuse, Maryland’s Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of the Child Victims Act of 2023.

This momentous ruling, delivered on February 4, 2025, effectively eliminates the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse lawsuits in Maryland. This opens the door for survivors to seek justice regardless of when the abuse occurred.

Breaking Down the Supreme Court’s Historic Decision

Constitutional Validity

The court’s 4-3 decision, led by Chief Justice Matthew Fader, affirmed that the Maryland General Assembly acted within its authority when passing the 2023 law.

The ruling explicitly states that the legislature can retroactively remove statute of limitations barriers that previously prevented survivors from pursuing legal action.

Impact on Survivors

This decision represents a significant victory for abuse survivors, providing them with:

– The ability to file lawsuits regardless of when the abuse occurred

– An opportunity to expose perpetrators and seek accountability

– The chance to pursue justice and healing on their own timeline

Legal Implications

The Child Victims Act ruling addresses concerns about the 2017 law, which established a cutoff age of 38 for victims to file lawsuits. The court determined that this previous limitation did not create a permanent protection for defendants, allowing the 2023 law to effectively expand survivors’ rights to pursue legal action.

What This Means for Survivors Rights. A New Era of Justice!

The Maryland Supreme Court’s decision marks a transformative moment for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, removing all time-based barriers to seeking justice.

Whether the abuse occurred decades ago or in recent years, survivors now have the legal right to hold their abusers and responsible institutions accountable in court.

This ruling acknowledges the complex nature of trauma and the time it often takes for survivors to come forward, ensuring that their right to pursue justice is no longer constrained by arbitrary deadlines.

The Child Victims Act of Maryland recognizes that every survivor’s journey is different, and healing happens on its own timeline.

If you or someone you know is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse in Maryland, this ruling means:

– You now have the right to pursue legal action regardless of your current age

– There is no time limit on when you can file a lawsuit

– You can seek justice against both perpetrators and institutions that enabled abuse

Types of Childhood Sexual Abuse Cases We Handle

At The Yost Legal Group, we have extensive experience representing survivors who have endured sexual abuse in various institutional settings throughout Maryland. Our dedicated legal team handles cases involving:

Juvenile Detention Centers

Our sexual abuse lawyers help people who were raped as a minor in a Maryland juvenile detention center. If a prison guard or staff member at a juvenile jail in Maryland has sexually assaulted you, please reach out for help.

Educational Settings

Our child sexual abuse lawyers pursue justice against those who failed to protect innocent lives.

Teachers
School administrators
Coaches
After-school program personnel

Youth Organizations

We handle cases involving abuse that occurred in:

Sports programs and Summer camps
Religious organizations
Youth groups
Community centers

Healthcare and Counseling Settings

Our attorneys represent survivors who experienced abuse by:

Medical professionals
Mental health counselors
Therapists
Healthcare facility staff

Children of Foster Care

Our foster care sexual abuse lawyers pursue cases against the Maryland foster care system. We fight back when employees fail to protect innocent children under their care.

Archdiocese of Washington Parishes located in Maryland

If a member of the catholic church molested you at a parish located in Maryland but run by the Washington Archdiocese, call us.

Your First Step Towards Justice. How We Support You.

At The Yost Legal Group, we understand that taking the first step toward legal action requires immense courage.

Our dedicated team of experienced childhood sexual abuse attorneys has experience handling these sensitive cases with the utmost compassion, confidentiality, and professional care.

We offer free consultations where you can share your story in a safe, supportive environment, and we’ll help you understand your legal options under this groundbreaking ruling.

With our extensive experience in handling institutional child sexual abuse cases and our commitment to fighting for survivors’ rights, we stand ready to guide you through every step of the legal process.

Contact us today at 800-YOST-LAW (800-967-8529) or text us at 1-410-659-6800 to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how we can help you pursue the justice you deserve.

At The Yost Legal Group, we understand the courage it takes to come forward. Our experienced attorneys are here to:

– Provide confidential consultations to discuss your case

– Guide you through the legal process with compassion and expertise

– Help you understand your rights under this new ruling

– Fight for the justice and compensation you deserve

Justice for Survivors of Sexual Abuse

This ruling represents a historic opportunity for victims of sexual assault to break their silence and seek accountability. Whether the abuse occurred recently or decades ago, you have the legal right to pursue justice and seek financial compensation.

If you or a loved one were sexually abused as a minor in Maryland, you have a safe place to come for help. Contact a child sexual abuse attorney for help, support, and guidance today. Your abuser can finally be held accountable.

– Juvenile Detention Center or Juvenile City Run Program

– Educational or After-school Program

– Youth Organized Program Run by a City or State Agency

– Healthcare or Counseling Setting

Contact The Yost Legal Group: If you’re ready to discuss your case, our compassionate legal team is here to help. Call us at 800-YOST-LAW (800-967-8529) for a free, confidential consultation. Your story matters; we’re here to listen and help you take the next step toward justice.

You are not alone in this journey. This ruling confirms what we’ve always believed – that survivors deserve their day in court, regardless of when the abuse occurred.

Athlete Sexual Abuse Lawyer – YMCA Sexual Abuse Lawyer – Boy Scouts Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Sports Coach Sexual Abuse Lawyer – Institutional Sexual Abuse Lawyer

How Grooming Happens & Ways to Protect Children

Posted on October 18, 2024 by Loni Liss

Grooming involves using persuasion and manipulation. If you’re experiencing the pain of child sexual abuse, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. There are many reasons why these experiences often go unnoticed or unspoken. Please consider reaching out to a trauma-informed therapist who can offer you a safe space to process your feelings and begin your healing journey.

It is important to remember that those who harm children are often individuals familiar with and trusted by them, like healthcare professionals, teachers, school bus drivers, or clergy members.

These individuals may not always resort to physical force. Instead, they might use methods such as play, deception, threats, or other forms of manipulation to involve children and keep them from speaking out.

Our focus should be on creating safer environments and supporting any child who may find themselves in such a difficult situation.

What is Grooming? Key Warning Signs Explained

Grooming is a deliberate and methodical process where an abuser builds trust with a child—and often their family—to facilitate sexual exploitation. It frequently begins with identifying susceptible children who may have certain vulnerabilities, such as low self-esteem, loneliness, or lack of attention at home.

It can include giving gifts or planning special activities to confuse the child. Abusers might also try to make inappropriate touching seem normal or isolate the child from family and friends.

This slowly breaks down any barriers the child might have against inappropriate behavior.

How Grooming Works and How to Recognize It

One of the most insidious aspects of grooming is how normal it can appear to outsiders. Abusers are adept at presenting themselves as caring figures in the child’s life—sometimes even acting as mentors or friends.

They may integrate themselves into community groups such as schools or sports teams where they have easy access to potential victims. By creating an environment that appears supportive and safe, they effectively mask their true intentions not only from their victims but also from those around them.

As grooming progresses, abusers often escalate their tactics in subtle ways that might not initially raise red flags. This could include introducing sexual content in conversations under the guise of education or jokingly testing boundaries with a physical touch that’s framed as accidental or playful.

These actions gradually desensitize a child to inappropriate behavior while simultaneously conditioning them to maintain secrecy about these interactions.

Child Abuse Statistics Every Parent Should Know

Retrospective research shows that 1 out of 6 boys will experience some form of sexual abuse before the age of 18.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2005)

Approximately 90% of children are abused by someone known to them, usually someone they know and trust.

Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, Sexual Assault of Young Children as Reported to Law Enforcement (2000)

African American children have almost twice the risk of sexual abuse than white children.

Sedlak. Supplementary Analyses of Race Differences in Child Maltreatment Rates in the NIS–4. (2010)

Only about 38% of child sexual abuse incidents/cases are identified, and even fewer are reported.

London, et al. Disclosure of child sexual abuse: What does the research tell us about the ways that children tell? (2003)

Male adult child sexual abuse victims are 2.6 times more likely to report substance use problems (65% versus 25% in the general population).

Simpson, T.L. & Miller, W.R. (2002)

80% of children who have been sexually abused have some PTSD symptoms (post-traumatic stress disorder).

Shanta R. Dube, et al. Long-Term Consequences of Childhood Sexual Abuse by Gender of Victim. (2005)

It’s Not Your Fault—Support for Survivors

Survivors of child sexual abuse often find themselves feeling isolated and withdrawn from the people around them. It’s important to know that there are allies who understand, believe in your story, and are here to support you on your healing journey.

It’s not uncommon for survivors to feel guilty or blame themselves for what happened. However, you must remember that the abuse was never your fault. Those in positions of authority, such as church leaders, failed to protect you, and holding them accountable is crucial.

Legally, you have rights and options. A child sexual abuse attorney can act as a powerful advocate, offering protection and legal recourse against abusers. If the abuse happened in a place like a school, church, or detention center, it’s essential to share your story.

A sexual assault lawyer works closely with sexual assault survivors, providing gentle care and support. If you experienced abuse under the age of 18 in an institution or government facility, we can help you seek justice.

You’re Not Alone—The Yost Legal Group Can Help

The Yost Legal Group is committed to helping you seek justice. Our child sexual abuse lawyers in Baltimore, Maryland, are here to help you file a lawsuit. The Child Victims Act of 2023 protects survivors. It allows them to come forward no matter how long ago the abuse occurred.

Were you raped in a juvenile jail in the state of Maryland? Did you suffer child sexual abuse in a school or camp program? Were you molested in an institution or hospital? We can help you file a civil case.

Remember, you deserve to be heard, to receive justice, and to secure financial compensation. Contact The Yost Legal Group at 800-967-8529 for compassionate and confidential legal assistance. We’re here to listen and stand with you when you’re ready to talk.

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