Now that the Irving-based Boy Scouts of America has declared bankruptcy following sexual abuse lawsuits, victims are waiting for what happens next.
Attorney Michelle Simpson Tuegel has represented survivors of sexual abuse at the hands of Boy Scouts officials, Catholic church leaders and USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nasser.
She said those who were abused appreciate the apology from the Boy Scouts executives, which she said amounted to a very public, open plea of guilt. But she added there’s a vital next step — bringing the victims of abuse into a conversation with the scouts about the future.
"I know some policies have been put in place to improve the safety of boy scouts,” she said. “But I think making things right with survivors, including them in the process of what’s going to protect people in the future is important. And then, compensating them for what happened on their watch is the other part."
The Boy Scouts says it intends to create a compensation fund for the potentially thousands of people who were molested decades ago.
Simpson Tuegel said neither she nor the victims she represents have heard from the Boy Scouts yet. She expects the may reach out, as bankruptcy proceedings continue.
Copyright 2020 KERA
