EspañolOrange County Boys & Girls Club Youth Counselor Elijah Barrera (Full Name: Elijah Domminic Barrera) Charged With Sexually Abusing Young Girls
GARDEN GROVE, CALIFORNIA (April 21, 2024) – Elijah Barrera, a youth counselor for the Garden Grove Boys & Girls Club, was arrested for alleged lewd acts with two young girls.
Garden Grove Police Department officials are saying that the incidents took place in August 2014. Elijah Barrera was working as a counselor at the Boys & Girls Club located at 9860 Larson Avenue in Garden Grove at the time.
The two victims were described as 6 and 7-8 years old when the incidents allegedly took place. An investigation was first initiated in March 2023 when one victim said that she was inappropriately touched by the defendant.
During their investigation, police were able to locate a second victim. Detectives suspect that there may be additional victims who have yet to come forward.
A full investigation into the actions of Elijah Barrera remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Garden Grove Child Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse involving school age children remains alarmingly common. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “About 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 20 boys in the United States experience child sexual abuse. Someone known and trusted by the child or child’s family members, perpetrates 91% of child sexual abuse. The total lifetime economic burden of child sexual abuse in the United States in 2015 was estimated to be at least $9.3 billion.” Sexual abuse can result in a number of very serious consequences.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Physical Injuries
- Depression
- Anxiety
Companies that monitor children could be liable if one of their employees commits sexual assault. Many of these lawsuits are based on the legal theory that the assailant was negligently hired or retained. There are several elements that must be demonstrated in any claim alleging negligent hiring or retention. (1) The employee was unfit to care for children or posed an unreasonable danger to them. (2) The employer knew or should have known about the danger. (3) The unfitness of the employee caused harm to the victim. (4) The company’s hiring decisions was a substantial factor in causing the harm. Several steps should be taken after any instance of sexual assault.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records related to the assault should be preserved.
- A police report of the incident should be created.
- An experienced child sexual abuse attorney should be contacted.
A large portion of the sexual abuse that takes place at businesses is not reported. Much of it is also preventable. There are typically signs that misconduct is taking place. But these signs may be ignored. It is important for abuse victims to understand that they do have rights. Any person who is sexually abused at a Boys & Girls Club or other business may have legal recourse through a civil claim. A sexual abuse attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Getting Legal Help After Sexual Abuse At The Boys and Girls Club
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP, extend our best wishes to all of the people who may have been impacted by the actions of Elijah Barrera. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. There needs to be a thorough investigation into the full scope of what may have taken place.
Have you or someone that you care about been sexually abused at a Boys & Girls Club? You may have legal recourse. Our team of sexual abuse attorneys is here to help you. We are committed to helping survivors get the support that they are entitled to and holding their abusers accountable for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of assistance, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
