The Mammoth Settlement: Los Angeles' $4 Billion Payment to Thousands of Abuse Survivors
- City of Los Angeles Disburses $4 Billion in Settlements for Abuse Victims
In a historic move, Los Angeles County Executive Fesia Davenport expressed heartfelt apologies, stating, "On behalf of the county, I deeply regret every single heinous act that harmed others." This colossal settlement, valued at a staggering $4 billion, is set to reshape the lives of thousands who were subject to child sexual abuse within the county's juvenile facilities and foster homes.
The settlement, lauded as groundbreaking, is expected to demonstrate a steadfast commitment to mending the lives of survivors and implementing systemic changes to ensure the safety of young people. Countless victims, who are now reclaiming their voices, share stories of trauma sustained at the infamously dubbed "House of Horrors," the MacLaren children's home.
Shirley Bodkin, a 58-year-old victim who shared her harrowing experiences with the Los Angeles Times, can barely suppress the nightmares that plague her. Her account details watching her dreams turn into a reality, as she was sedated, brutally beaten, and sexually abused in showers and bathtubs.
65-year-old MaryAlice Ashbrook's oppressive past unfurled in the 1960s, within the confines of the MacLaren home. The Los Angeles Times was her platform to share her ordeal, still lingering in the haunting memories that surface in her dreams today.
Many of these victims were vulnerable foster children, taken in by the now-defunct MacLaren home. A 2020 California law reforming the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse enabled the pursuit of these claims.
Los Angeles sets a remarkable precedent with its settlement, surpassing past U.S. child abuse settlements by substantial margins. For instance, the Boy Scouts of America agreed to pay $2.46 billion to abuse survivors by 2024, whereas the Archdiocese of Los Angeles paid approximately $1.5 billion for abuse perpetrated by Catholic priests.
Los Angeles officials warn that the unprecedented settlement will gravely impact the county's budget for years to come, necessitating financial restructuring and potential cuts to services. But it sends a powerful message, symbolizing a pledge to protect the young and offer unwavering support to victims.
[1] ABC News
[2] Los Angeles Times
[3] CBS News
[4] Forbes
In the historic settlement, Los Angeles County agreed to pay four billion dollars to thousands of abuse survivors, demonstrating their commitment to mending the lives of victims like MaryAlice Ashbrook and Shirley Bodkin. These two victims, among countless others, shared their traumatic experiences at institutions like the MacLaren children's home, now infamous for harboring abuse. The settlement vastly surpasses past U.S. child abuse settlements by major organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
