Sexual Abuse in Schools Doesn’t Always Mean Physical Contact

Empty school hallway with lockers, representing the hidden dangers of non-physical sexual abuse in schools, such as grooming and manipulation.

Sexual abuse often conjures a specific image. However, the reality is that sexual abuse in schools extends far past physical violence. In many cases, it occurs through manipulation, inappropriate communication, and the total abuse of power. Whether committed by a teacher, coach, principal, or aide, these non-physical sexual acts often leave a mark, affecting an innocent child’s ability to feel safe in the very institutions that were designed to protect them.

At Drazin & Warshaw, we understand the devastating impact both physical and non-physical sexual abuse can have on students and their families. We are dedicated to holding these abusers — and the schools they work for — accountable for their insidious actions and severe negligence. Below is a resource for parents to recognize forms of non-physical sexual abuse in schools so swift action can be taken to protect children from further harm.

What Is Considered Sexual Abuse in Schools?

In New Jersey, sexual abuse that occurs in school is classified as child sexual abuse. This includes any sexual acts with a minor. This broad definition ensures that all forms of sexual abuse, whether physical or not, are recognized under the law.

Physical sexual abuse in schools typically includes:

Kissing
Groping
Sodomy
Rape and attempted rape
Inappropriate and/or unwanted touching
Penetration with fingers or an object
Sex with an underage student

Non-physical sexual abuse in schools typically includes:

Indecent exposure in front of a student
Taking or asking for photos or videos of a student
Making lewd and sexual comments
Masturbating
Showing a student sexually explicit material
Establishing an inappropriate texting relationship outside of school

This is not an exhaustive list. If your child reported something that makes you uncomfortable, contact our firm right away. We can advise you on whether or not you have a valid claim.

How Grooming and Non-Physical Abuse Occur in Schools

In many cases, sexual abuse in schools doesn’t just happen overnight. Rather, it’s the result of grooming — when a teacher or other adult in a position of power builds a trusting relationship with a student before making sexual advances.

For abusers, the goal of grooming is to establish trust with their victim. Generally, this is how it happens:

Step 1: The abuser seeks out a student they believe seems vulnerable or easy to talk to. For example, a student sitting by themselves at the lunch table or hanging out after classes without an adult or friends nearby may draw an abuser’s attention.

Step 2: Once the abuser has made their selection, they will communicate with the student to start building trust. For example, the abuser may make small talk about a recent school basketball game or pop culture moment. At this stage, communication is usually friendly, so the student drops their guard.

Step 3: Once a friendly conversation has been established, the groomer will then try to spend one-on-one time with the student. For example, offering a ride home if they missed the bus or volunteering to hang around while their friends meet up with them. During this stage of the grooming process, the abuser will also shower the student with compliments and maybe even buy them gifts. They may even establish a friendly relationship with the student’s parents.

Step 4: At this stage, things take a turn. Now that a relationship has been established, the abuser will then begin to isolate the student from their friends and family. For example, they may criticize the student’s support group by claiming that “they don’t understand him/her” or fling insults. They also might request that conversations move to a private platform or through text messaging, away from “prying eyes” at school.

Step 5: Now that the student is isolated, the abuser will make a sexual advance toward them. For example, they may request inappropriate photos of the student or comment on their physical appearance or clothing. The goal for the abuser at this point is to normalize sexual behavior, even if it’s not physical.

Step 6: At this point, the abuser will try to maintain control. In doing so, they may try to blackmail the student or threaten them to ensure the abuse stays hidden. For example, a principal may threaten expulsion if the student doesn’t send nude photos or partake in other sexual behavior. In some cases, abusers may start to use physical non-sexual violence to get the student to give in.

Groomers try to hide what’s going on, so it can be easy to miss if you’re not suspecting it. Parents need to be mindful of potential signs of grooming. If your child begins:

Spending more time at school,
Exhibiting sudden behavior changes,
Befriending someone much older,
Withdrawing from interests,
Or coming home with unexplained gifts or money

… they may be experiencing grooming at school. You need to remove them from the dangerous environment and consult with an attorney immediately.

The Legal Duty of Schools to Protect Students

New Jersey schools have a duty to maintain a safe environment for their students. If they fail to do so, they can potentially be held liable, especially in cases where the school doesn’t take claims of abuse seriously.

School employees are mandated by law to report any known or suspected abuse to the Institutional Abuse Investigation Unit (IAIU). Not only can school employees be held liable in a civil suit, but failure to report known or suspected abuse can lead to criminal charges.

As part of New Jersey’s Department of Children and Families (DCF), the IAIU investigates abuse allegations in all out-of-home settings, including schools, foster homes, residential centers, and more. Reporting can be done anonymously. When mandatory reporters fail to uphold their obligations, this negligence undermines the protection owed to innocent children.

The Lasting Impacts of Non-Physical Sexual Abuse on Survivors

Sexual abuse, in any form, leaves a mark on those who survive it. In many cases, the road forward isn’t easy. Studies have shown the impact sexual abuse has, with survivors often developing anxiety, depression, insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder, and eating disorders.

Because children are still developing cognitively, the abuse they experience now can impact their relationships well into adulthood. Furthermore, the impact of this type of abuse can change over time, with certain symptoms manifesting at each stage of development, from childhood to adulthood.

Recovery is possible, and getting child victims away from the abuse is the first step.

How Drazin & Warshaw Helps Survivors of School Sexual Abuse

Our team is dedicated to holding these abusers accountable for the harm they caused their students. As such, we will manage every interaction between the perpetrator and insurance companies, limiting contact for your child. From conducting a thorough investigation to representing you and your family in court, we will handle your case with the care and sensitivity it deserves.

From pre-k through college, we are here to give a voice to students who have had theirs taken away. We are their advocates in this time of an egregious miscarriage of justice.

If your child has been through the unthinkable, you need a legal team you can trust. At Drazin & Warshaw, we are committed to fighting for children who have been the victims of school sexual abuse throughout New Jersey.

Children deserve to be protected. When staff and the schools that employ them fail to carry out that duty, we step in. Contact us today at 732-333-8141 for a free consultation.

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.