Recognizing the Signs of Childhood Sexual Abuse

It is difficult to determine the prevalence of childhood sexual abuse because it is not often reported. Current statistics show that one in four girls and one in six boys are survivors of childhood sexual abuse.[1]

Maryland has defined childhood sexual abuse as an act that involves the sexual molestation or exploitation of a minor, whether physical injuries are sustained or not.

This includes incest, rape, sexual offenses in any degree, and any other sexual conduct that is a crime.[2]

Maryland has expanded the legal options for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. They did so by passing the Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023, which gives survivors the right to file lawsuits related to the abuse, no matter how long ago the abuse occurred.[3]

Recognizing the Signs of Childhood Sexual Abuse

When Children ‘Act Out’ or ‘Act In’: Understanding Behavioral Changes After Abuse

It can be challenging for survivors to come forward, and difficult for parents or guardians to recognize the signs of sexual abuse in girls and boys. Some children may begin to “act out” after their sexual abuse. This may include behavior problems, such as running away or cruelty towards others.

Some children may begin to “act in” after their sexual abuse. This may include becoming depressed and withdrawing from friends and family.

Some children may show signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), including agitated behavior, nightmares, and repetitive play. PTSD from sexual assault is very common in survivors.

Some children may also lose developmental skills and show regressive behavior. This can include bed-wetting and thumb-sucking.[4]

Without proper intervention, long-term symptoms may persist in adulthood. It is crucial for parents and guardians to offer non-judgmental support.

Breaking the Silence: Helping Children Heal After Sexual Abuse

The first step in offering a supportive healing process after childhood sexual abuse is to believe a survivor when they disclose that something happened to them. Not everyone processes trauma in the same way.

Some survivors may be calm when they disclose what happened to them, while some survivors may be highly emotional. Neither response is an indication of the severity of sexual abuse or how sexual abuse affected the survivor.

It is important for parents and guardians to support the survivor and not attempt to interpret the survivor’s emotional response when they disclose.

Saying things such as “I believe you” or “It took a lot of courage to tell me about this”[5] can show a survivor of childhood sexual assault that you are there to assist in their healing journey.

The Power of Reassurance_ Supporting Survivors Through Their Journey

The Power of Reassurance: Supporting Survivors Through Their Journey

Another important step is to assure the survivor that the sexual abuse was not their fault. Many survivors report feeling a surreal feeling after the sexual abuse. This can cause a survivor to feel separate or isolated from their peers.[6]

This isolation can cause a survivor to blame themselves, or fear that they may be in trouble if the sexual abuse is uncovered.

Parents and guardians can assure a survivor that they are not at fault by reminding the survivor that they did not do anything to deserve what happened to them.[7]

This may have to be reiterated multiple times, as the healing process is not linear.

Additionally, it is key to remind the survivor that they are not alone. This can be done by being there for them and reminding them that you are willing to listen to their story.

It is also helpful to introduce resources and service providers who may be able to help a survivor on a professional level.

This can include doctors, therapists, or social workers who are trained to assist survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Parents and guardians can also acknowledge that the experience has affected the life of the survivor. This communicates empathy and shows that you care about the survivor.

Supporting Survivors - Steps to Help Heal After Sexual Abuse

Supporting Survivors: Steps to Help Heal After Sexual Abuse

Lastly, it is important to remember that there is no timeline for healing. While going through the healing process, remember to avoid judgment.

Eliminate phrases or statements that might make the survivor feel as if they are behind on their healing journey, such as “you have been acting like this for a while” or “how much longer will you feel this way?”[8]

Parents and guardians can check in with the survivor periodically to remind them that they are not alone. Remember to know your resources. The healing journey is not one that is meant to be taken alone.

The Yost Legal Group: A Safe Place for Survivors Seeking Justice

At The Yost Legal Group, we know that coming forward about childhood sexual abuse is one of the bravest steps a survivor can take.

Our sexual abuse attorneys are dedicated to providing a safe, supportive space for survivors of institutional childhood sexual abuse across Maryland.

We listen with compassion, and we fight fiercely for justice on your behalf—holding abusers and the institutions that enabled them accountable.

Childhood sexual abuse can happen anywhere children should feel safe and protected. In Maryland, we have seen cases arise in a wide range of institutions, including:

–             Public and Private Schools: Abuse can occur in classrooms, locker rooms, or during extracurricular activities, often perpetrated by teachers, coaches, or staff.

–             After-School Programs and Youth Organizations: Trusted mentors or volunteers may take advantage of their positions to harm children in clubs, camps, or sports leagues.

–             Religious Schools and Programs: Faith-based settings, such as churches, synagogues, religious schools, or youth groups, can be manipulated by abusers who use authority and trust to silence victims.

–             Doctors’ Offices and Hospitals: Medical professionals are in positions of trust and authority, and unfortunately, some have exploited this to abuse children during exams or treatments.

–             Foster Care and Group Homes: Vulnerable children in foster care or group homes may be targeted by caregivers or older children in the system.

–             Other Community Institutions: Libraries, community centers, and even online educational platforms can be settings where abuse occurs.

Would You Like a Free and Confidential Consultation to Seek Justice?

If you or someone you love is a victim of sexual abuse in any of these settings, please know you are not alone. The Yost Legal Group is helping sexual assault victims understand their rights. And guide you through every step of the legal process.

We offer free, confidential consultations, and you can reach us anytime at (800)-YOST-LAW, (800)-967-8529, or by text at 1-410-659-6800.

We will file a sexual abuse claim against the institution that allowed the sexual trauma. Contact our sexual abuse lawyers for guidance.

Your voice matters. You deserve justice, and we are committed to helping you find it.

Let us be your advocates—together, we can hold abusers and negligent institutions accountable and help you move forward with strength and support.

Clergy Sexual Abuse – Sexual Assault Lawyers – Child Abuse Lawyer

Childhood sexual abuse Lawyer – Sexual Abuse Lawsuit – Statutory Rape

 

[1] Whealin, J., & Barnett, E. (2018, August 20). Va.gov: Veterans Affairs. Child Sexual Abuse. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/type/sexual_abuse_child.asp

[2] Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 3-602 (West)

[3] Maryland Child Victims Act: Removing time limitations. Maryland Child Victims Act: Removing Time Limitations. (2025, June 22). https://www.peoples-law.org/maryland-child-victims-act-removing-time-limitations

[4] Whealin, J., & Barnett, E. (2018, August 20). Va.gov: Veterans Affairs. Child Sexual Abuse. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/type/sexual_abuse_child.asp

[5] Tips for Talking with Survivors of Sexual Assault. RAINN. (n.d.). https://rainn.org/articles/tips-talking-survivors-sexual-assault

[6] Common Victim Behaviors of Survivors of Sexual Abuse. Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect. (n.d.). https://pcar.org/blog/common-victim-behaviors-survivors-sexual-abuse

[7] Tips for Talking with Survivors of Sexual Assault. RAINN. (n.d.). https://rainn.org/articles/tips-talking-survivors-sexual-assault

[8] Tips for Talking with Survivors of Sexual Assault. RAINN. (n.d.). https://rainn.org/articles/tips-talking-survivors-sexual-assault

Child Sexual Abuse Claims at Charles H. Hickey Jr. School

In a groundbreaking development, justice is near for survivors filing child sexual abuse claims from the Charles H. Hickey Jr. School in Maryland. Ronald Neverdon, a former staff member at the juvenile detention center, has been arrested on multiple counts of sexual abuse of a minor and third-degree sexual offense.

The charges stem from allegations of sexual assaults that occurred between 1976 and 1988, marking a decades-long fight for accountability and justice for the survivors.

The arrest of Neverdon, now 78, has reignited discussions about the systemic failures that allowed such abuse to occur and persist. Survivors and advocates are shedding light on the dark history of the juvenile detention center.

The Yost Legal Group represents those whose lives have been forever altered by these heinous crimes.

If you or a loved one was abused as a minor while at the Charles H. Hickey Jr. School in Maryland, contact The Yost Legal Group at 1-800-967-8549.

We are committed to seeking justice and financial compensation for survivors of child sexual abuse, no matter how long ago the abuse occurred. Our mission is to provide compassionate, dedicated legal representation to help those reclaim their voices and lives.

Charles H. Hickey Jr School sexual abuse claims

The History of Abuse at Charles H. Hickey Jr. School

The Charles H. Hickey Jr. School, once a juvenile detention center in Maryland, was intended to rehabilitate and guide troubled youth. Instead, for many, it became a place of unimaginable suffering.

Reports of abuse at the school date back decades. Many survivors recount harrowing experiences of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse at the hands of staff members who were entrusted with their care.

The recent arrest of Ronald Neverdon has brought these painful memories back to the forefront. Investigators revealed they began receiving reports in April 2024 about sexual assaults that occurred over a span of 12 years, from 1976 to 1988.

These reports are a testament to the resilience of survivors who have carried the weight of their trauma for decades, often in silence.

Attorney Cara O’Brien of The Yost Legal Group expressed her thoughts on the arrest, stating, “Great news! I’ve heard his name so many times when speaking with adult survivors of sexual abuse at Charles Hickey Juvenile Detention Center.

Finally, 78-year-old former Hickey staffer charged with child sex abuse.” Her words underscore the significance of this moment for survivors and their families.

student who was sexually assaulted by a guard at charles hickey juvenile detention center in Maryland

Survivor Stories: Shedding Light on the Darkness

The stories of survivors are both heartbreaking and inspiring. Many of the individuals who endured abuse at the Charles H. Hickey Jr. School were vulnerable children seeking support and guidance. Instead, they were subjected to exploitation and harm by those who were supposed to protect them.

One survivor, who wishes to remain anonymous, shared their experience: “I was just a kid. I thought being sent to the Hickey School would give me a second chance. Instead, it felt like I was being punished for things I didn’t even do. The abuse was constant—physical, emotional, and sexual. I’ve carried this pain with me my whole life.”

Another survivor recounted the long-lasting impact of the abuse: “It’s not just the memories that haunt you; it’s the sense of betrayal.

These adults were supposed to help us; instead, they destroyed our trust. For years, I didn’t think anyone would believe me. But now, seeing someone finally held accountable—it gives me hope.”

These stories are not isolated incidents. They represent a pattern of systemic abuse that went unchecked for far too long. Survivors have shown immense courage in coming forward.

The Role of The Yost Legal Group in Seeking Justice for Survivors in Maryland

The Yost Legal Group, based in Baltimore, Maryland, has long been a champion for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse.

Focusing on cases involving catastrophic injuries, toxic exposures, and personal injury, the firm has earned a reputation for its unwavering commitment to justice and advocacy.

In cases involving institutional child sexual abuse, their mission is clear: to hold perpetrators accountable and to provide survivors with the support and representation they deserve.

Attorney Cara O’Brien and the team at The Yost Legal Group are leading the charge in representing survivors of abuse at the Charles H. Hickey Jr. School.

Their efforts extend beyond legal representation; they are dedicated to creating a safe space for survivors to share their stories and begin the healing process.

“Survivors of abuse deserve to be heard, believed, and supported,” said O’Brien. “We are here to stand by them every step of the way, to ensure their voices are not silenced, and to fight for the justice they have long been denied.”

The Importance of Accountability

The arrest of Ronald Neverdon is a significant step forward, but it is only the beginning. Accountability is a crucial component of justice, not only for sexual assault survivors but also for society as a whole.

Holding individuals like Neverdon accountable for their actions sends a powerful message that rape by a guard will not be tolerated. Those who perpetrate it will face the consequences.

The Yost Legal Group advocates for systemic changes to prevent future abuse. This includes pushing for stricter oversight and accountability measures in juvenile detention centers and other institutions responsible for the care of vulnerable populations.

Did you suffer sexual assault in juvenile detention in Maryland? Were you sexually assaulted by a guard? Our lawyers for sexual abuse will stand by you and protect your rights to seek justice.

Do you have a juvenile detention center abuse claim? If you are a victim of sexual assault in an institution in Maryland call us for help at 1-800-967-8529.

No Upfront Costs – Contingency Fee Basis

Our sexual assault lawyers understand that many survivors may hesitate to seek legal help due to financial concerns. That’s why The Yost Legal Group offers free initial consultations and works on a contingency fee basis.

This means that clients do not pay any legal fees until we successfully recover compensation on their behalf. If there is no recovery, no legal fees or expenses are due. A minor who was sexually victimized can take legal action against the juvenile justice system.

If you’re a victim of sexual abuse as a minor in the state of Maryland, let our sexual assault attorneys fight for you.

How Survivors Can Seek Help

For survivors of abuse at the Charles H. Hickey Jr. School or other institutions, taking the first step toward seeking help can be daunting. Our sexual abuse lawyers offer a compassionate and supportive environment for survivors to explore their legal options.

The firm provides free initial consultations and works on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients do not pay unless the firm successfully recovers compensation on their behalf.

Anyone with information about abuse at the Charles H. Hickey Jr. School or who believes they may be a victim is encouraged to contact The Yost Legal Group at 1-800-967-8529.

The firm’s experienced attorneys are ready to listen and provide guidance on the next steps.

Helping Abuse Survivors Reclaim Their Lives

The arrest of Ronald Neverdon is a reminder that justice, though delayed, is still possible. It is a testament to the courage of survivors who have come forward and the relentless efforts of advocates like The Yost Legal Group. However, there is still much work to be done.

Survivors of abuse deserve more than just justice; they deserve to heal, to reclaim their lives, and to know that their voices matter.

By advocating for systemic change, we can create a future where abuse is no longer hidden in the shadows and where survivors are met with the compassion and justice they deserve.

Supporting Survivors, One Step at a Time

The legacy of abuse at the Charles H. Hickey Jr. School is a dark chapter in Maryland’s history, but it is one that we must confront head-on. The arrest of Ronald Neverdon is a step in the right direction, but it is only the beginning.

Survivors deserve justice, accountability, and the opportunity to heal.

The Yost Legal Group stands with survivors, offering legal representation, unwavering support, and advocacy.

Together, we can ensure that the voices of survivors are heard, that perpetrators are held accountable, and that the cycle of abuse is broken once and for all.

If you or someone you know is a survivor of abuse at the Charles H. Hickey Jr. School, please reach out to The Yost Legal Group at 1-800-967-8529.

Justice is possible, and help is just a phone call away.

Rape at Juvi – Sexual Assault in Jail – Sexual Assault in School

Baltimore Juvenile Detention Center – Sexual Assault Victims – Sexual Abuse Case