Over 800 Lawsuits Filed in Illinois Juvenile Abuse Scandal

A wave of new lawsuits has emerged in Illinois, with over 800 former juvenile detainees alleging sexual abuse at state and Cook County facilities, dating back to the 1990s. Recent filings include 133 individuals who report being sexually assaulted while in custody, claiming that the abuse was systemic rather than isolated incidents. Survivors, including Marcus Walker and Charles Graves, shared their traumatic experiences during a news conference, emphasizing the lasting psychological effects of the abuse. Attorneys representing the plaintiffs argue that the juvenile justice system has failed to provide rehabilitation and instead facilitated suffering. The Illinois Attorney General's office has reportedly attempted to dismiss the cases without showing interest in a criminal investigation. Survivors have expressed frustration over the lack of accountability and hope their testimonies will prevent future abuses.