The average amount paid out for sexual abuse settlements and verdicts is increasing dramatically, says a study.
Between 2017 and 2022, the average payout in 176 cases involving payouts of at least $1 million, was $43.9 million, according to an analysis issued Tuesday by Arlington, Texas-based Praesidium Inc., which specializes in preventing sexual abuse in organizations that serve youth and vulnerable adults.
This compares with an $11.2 million average for the 2012-2016 period, which reflects data from 109 cases, according to the analysis.
The study found that in more than a third of sexual abuse cases, there was an indication the offender had previously abused someone before the reported incident, or the organization was aware of previous concerns, although the actual number of such incidents with a previous low level of concern is “likely much higher.”
“The majority of cases of abuse occurred after missed or ignored warning signs,” it said.
It said organizations and their employees may not respond to abuse allegations, or minimize red-flag behavior, because the offenders often groom their communities and other adults; organizations fear negative impacts on their organization; and the organizations and employees lack awareness or training on red-flag behavior or on how to respond.