Sexual Abuse on School Bus - Lawyer
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Our firm represents the family of a five year old girl who was sexually abused on her school bus on the way home from school in Marshall, Arkansas on November 8, 2007.
On her ride home from school, two boys held down this young child and sexually assaulted her. Julie Munsell, a spokesperson for the Arkansas Department of Human Services said the State has yet to remove either boy from their homes. However, an investigation is underway.
Hopefully, the authorities at the Searcy County Schools District will take the proper steps to discipline these boys and ensure this behavior does not happen again. The Superintendent, Andrew Vining, said "the proper authorities are investigating and he could not discuss the disciplinary actions that may have been taken against the boys."
It is true that in Arkansas a child must be 10 years old to be declared a juvenile delinquent. However, there are many steps that can be taken to make sure these assaulters are disciplined and counseled to remedy their problems. Human Services can have them and their families receive counseling and therapy, which may involve sex offender treatment. A more severe step can include removal of the child from his home and also involve treatment, in or our patient.
In an article in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, Andrew Vining, the Superintendent for the schools, said the bus driver who was a substitute did absolutely nothing wrong and is continuing to work for the school system. It is interesting that the sexual assault of the five year old took place in the seat directly behind the bus driver. Further investigation will reveal more information and hopefully find ways to offer protection to our young children. If you have more information about this case or others like it, please contact the proper authorities.