Perkiomen School Lawsuit Alleges Sexual Abuse of 7-Year-Old by Older Student

A shocking lawsuit has been filed against Perkiomen School, a private boarding institution in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, alleging that a 7-year-old boy was sexually abused by an older student while attending the school’s summer program. According to Patch.com, the younger child was allegedly left unsupervised on multiple occasions with the older boy, who subjected him to repeated sexual assaults. The civil lawsuit claims that Perkiomen School failed to provide adequate supervision and neglected to enforce policies that would have protected the child from harm.

The victim’s family is seeking damages and accountability, stating that their child now suffers from serious emotional and psychological trauma as a result of the abuse. As this case gains public attention, it raises significant concerns about safety protocols at boarding schools and educational institutions entrusted with the care of minors.

The Dangers of Inadequate Supervision in Boarding School Settings

Boarding schools and summer programs are meant to be safe, structured environments that foster education and social development. However, when institutions fail to supervise children adequately—particularly in mixed-age settings—they create opportunities for abuse. In this case, the lawsuit alleges that staff members neglected to monitor interactions between a very young child and an older peer, leading to repeated incidents of sexual violence.

Tragically, this is not an isolated scenario. Across Pennsylvania and the U.S., similar cases have surfaced where institutional negligence enabled peer-to-peer sexual abuse. These events not only cause deep trauma to the victims but also raise serious questions about staff training, background checks, student monitoring, and reporting protocols.

Civil Lawsuits Play a Crucial Role in Holding Institutions Accountable

While criminal charges may or may not follow in cases of peer-on-peer abuse, civil lawsuits serve an essential purpose: holding schools and administrators accountable for failing to protect students. Through civil litigation, survivors and their families can seek financial compensation to cover therapy, long-term treatment, and the immense emotional damage caused by abuse.

At Survivors of Abuse PA, we specialize in representing children and families in cases involving institutional negligence. Whether the abuse was committed by a peer, staff member, or another adult, the institution can still be held responsible if it failed in its duty of care.

Statement from Attorney Michael Pfau, Esq.

Michael Pfau, Esq., attorney and advocate with Survivors of Abuse PA, issued the following statement in response to the Perkiomen School allegations:

"This heartbreaking case exemplifies why strong supervision, safety protocols, and accountability are non-negotiable in any educational setting—especially those involving young and vulnerable children. When a school fails to act, it is the child who suffers most. Our team stands ready to help this family, and others like them, seek justice, healing, and meaningful reform."

Mr. Pfau and his team offer compassionate, confidential legal representation to survivors of sexual abuse throughout Pennsylvania. They are committed to ensuring institutions that fail to protect children are held accountable in civil court.

What Parents and Guardians Should Do if Abuse Is Suspected

If your child has disclosed abuse or exhibited signs of trauma after attending a school or program:

• Contact law enforcement immediately to report the suspected abuse.

• Arrange for a psychological evaluation or therapy from a trauma-informed specialist.

• Collect and preserve any communication or evidence that may support your claim.

• Contact an attorney with experience in school and child sexual abuse cases.

Taking swift legal action can not only help your child begin the healing process but may also prevent further incidents by prompting institutional change.

Contact Survivors of Abuse PA for Support and Legal Guidance

At Survivors of Abuse PA, we understand the devastation that follows when a child is harmed in a trusted environment. If you or your child has been affected by sexual abuse at a school or institution, contact us at (267) 502-9090 for a free and confidential consultation.

You are not alone. Let us help you take the first step toward justice, accountability, and healing.

Source:

https://patch.com/pennsylvania/perkiomenvalley/7-year-old-sexually-abused-older-boy-perkiomen-school-lawsuit