Paramus Catholic Abuse Lawsuits: Why Survivors Are Coming Forward Decades Later
The pressure from institutions to stay quiet combined with the discomfort that comes from going public makes it incredibly difficult for survivors of sexual abuse to come forward. When survivors speak out, as the former students of Paramus Catholic High School are doing now, their courage deserves recognition.
Paramus Catholic High School is in the spotlight right now, not because of sports, academics, accolades, or even because it’s one of the largest Catholic schools in the state.
No, Paramus Catholic High School is in the spotlight because it is accused of hiding rampant sexual abuse. Now, it is facing a number of lawsuits from former students who are seeking accountability.
While not involved in this specific case, personal injury attorney Justin Drazin sat down with NorthJersey.com to offer his insight into the power dynamics at play in cases like this and how The New Jersey Child Victims Act created a safe pathway for these brave survivors to come forward.
Paramus Catholic Lawsuits: Did School Officials Ignore Sexual Abuse Allegations for Decades?
Decades after being sexually abused by two former staff members, former students of Paramus Catholic High School filed lawsuits against the school, the Archdiocese of Newark, and the Christian Brothers, alleging they all knew about the abuse but failed to take corrective action.
The lawsuit names Bernard Garris and Donn Ernst, who served as the high school’s ice hockey coach and gym teacher. Garris worked at the school for approximately 20 years before leaving in the late 1980s after allegations surfaced that an incident under his supervision resulted in a student’s injury. Following the incident, the student’s parents demanded his termination.
The majority of allegations against Garris have included groping and inappropriate touching, but the most recent lawsuits have alleged forcing students into performing oral sex, taking pornographic pictures, and sodomy. This is not the first time that Garris has faced legal action, either. Back in 2011, he was named in an abuse lawsuit, which ultimately settled for an undisclosed amount.
Westfield-based attorney Justin Drazin emphasized that cases like this often involve a significant imbalance of power, where authority figures controlled not only the environment but also the victims’ ability to speak out. As a result, many students remained silent for years out of fear, confusion, or concern that their claims would be dismissed. He explained that these lawsuits go beyond individual misconduct and instead examine whether leadership within these institutions created an environment where abuse could continue unchecked. In many long-established schools and religious organizations, that pattern can evolve into a broader institutional failure, where protecting the organization’s image takes priority over addressing harm and safeguarding children.
Similar Post: How New Jersey Schools Are Required to Respond to Sexual Harassment by School Staff
The New Jersey Child Victims Act: How it Created a Safe Pathway for Sexual Abuse Survivors to Come Forward
Garris and Ernst have passed away. However, the fight for accountability hasn’t ended. And, in fact, that’s what the New Jersey Child Victims Act actually ensures. The Act, which took effect in 2019, suspended the two-year statute of limitations for civil sexual assault cases. Now, instead of only having two years to file, survivors have until they turn 55 years old or seven years after discovering the injury. For Drazin, this change created a safe pathway for survivors to come forward.
With this pathway also comes a greater support system for adult survivors, especially for those who were silenced as children.
Steps To Take After Experiencing Sexual Abuse In A School Setting: How Can Survivors Begin Seeking Justice?
For survivors of sexual abuse in a school setting, taking the first step can feel overwhelming. However, moving forward with the right support and guidance can help create a clear path toward accountability and healing.
First, it is critical to retain an attorney who can advocate for your interests and guide you through both civil and potential criminal proceedings. Legal representation not only helps protect your rights but also ensures that your case is handled with the care and attention it deserves.
In addition, reporting the abuse to law enforcement can play a key role in holding perpetrators accountable. Even if the abuse occurred years ago, filing a report may still support an investigation or contribute to a broader pattern of misconduct. At the same time, preserving any available evidence, including personal records, communications, or prior complaints, can strengthen both a criminal case and a civil claim.
For those coming forward later in life, documenting your experience in a formal and detailed way becomes especially important. Writing down what happened, identifying potential witnesses, and searching for past reports or institutional records can help establish a clearer timeline. Moreover, reaching out to others in the community who may have had similar experiences can uncover patterns of abuse that institutions failed to address.
Ultimately, these steps serve a larger purpose. Pursuing legal action not only allows survivors to seek justice for themselves but also helps create consequences for those responsible. In doing so, it encourages institutions to take abuse allegations seriously and helps prevent similar harm from happening to others in the future.
Similar Post: What a $5 Million Payout in a Decades-Old Catholic School Sexual Abuse Case Means for Claimants
Taking Action After School Sexual Abuse: How Drazin and Warshaw Helps Survivors Move Forward
If you or someone you love experienced sexual abuse in a school setting, you do not have to navigate this process alone. While not involved in this specific case, the team at Drazin and Warshaw has handled similar claims involving schools and institutional abuse throughout New Jersey. Fill out our online contact form today to discuss your situation and explore your legal options in a confidential setting. You’re not alone. Our firm is here to help.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.
