Preventing and Responding to Sexual Abuse at Camps

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Preventing and Responding to Sexual Abuse at Camps

Preventing and Responding to Sexual Abuse at Camps

If you ever attended a camp as a child or youth, what do you remember about the experience? For many, camp life is a cherished memory. The friendships forged there can last a lifetime, and being away from parents for the first time might have provided a taste of independence. Camps often offer activities unavailable at home and teach skills that last a lifetime.

However, not everyone has fond memories of camp. For some, it’s a time remembered through the lens of homesickness, feeling excluded or bullied, or even sustaining injuries. Tragically, for others, memories of camp are marred by experiences of sexual abuse.

How Do Abusers Exploit Conditions in Sleepaway Camps?

Sexual violence is a crime deeply rooted in power imbalances. Perpetrators often seek control through abusive tactics and may justify their actions by exploiting systemic inequalities and oppression. They target individuals perceived as having diminished value in society, believing this reduces their risk of being caught or punished.

Children, inherently vulnerable and often marginalized, are frequent targets of sexual abuse. Abusers also look for situations where their targets are particularly vulnerable. For instance, a child financially dependent on an abuser may fear losing stability if they report the abuse.

Children at sleepaway camps are in a uniquely vulnerable position. They might be homesick and scared, with limited access to contact their parents or guardians. They may not have formed close friendships at camp, leaving them without trusted individuals to confide in. Additionally, they might be dependent on a camp counselor who could also be their abuser and may even share a cabin with them.

Campers from marginalized groups face added risks. These groups include:

• People with disabilities

• Girls or those with unconventional gender expressions

• Racialized and Indigenous people

• LGBTQIA2S+ individuals

• Those from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds

Abusers may see these vulnerabilities as reducing their risk of being held accountable. Consequently, according to research and reported incidents, thousands of sexual abuse cases have likely occurred at camps across North America over the decades.

How Do Camps Mitigate the Risk of Abuse?

As survivors come forward, public awareness of the risks faced by vulnerable groups at camps has grown. Survivor-led lawsuits against negligent institutions have pushed these organizations to adopt risk management practices. Some strategies include:

• Implementing codes of conduct for campers and staff

• Screening staff and volunteers, including police checks

• Mandatory and ongoing education and training for staff

• Visibility and supervisory guidelines to prevent unsupervised situations

• Protocols for reporting and responding to abuse

• Collaboration with external abuse prevention and response organizations

• Regular safety audits

• Creating a trauma-informed environment

• Open discussions about inappropriate touch with campers and staff

However, these strategies require diligent implementation and follow-through. Unfortunately, not all camps meet these standards.

Even though these camps were accredited by the Ontario Camps Association (OCA), which prides itself on high standards, the OCA can only revoke accreditation, not enforce further action. Survivor Anne (a pseudonym) told CBC News that OCA accreditation is like giving a gold star to a four-year-old. She emphasized the need for a governing body with real power to ensure camps respond appropriately and face serious consequences if they don’t.

Whether Abuse Is Past or Present, You Have Options

The justice system has evolved to better protect survivors of sexual abuse. There are no longer statutes of limitations on sexual abuse or assault, meaning that even if you or a loved one experienced abuse at camp decades ago, you can still seek justice.

Survivors can pursue compensation from the abuser and/or negligent institutions that allowed the abuse to occur. Even if there is no physical evidence due to the passage of time, experienced sexual abuse lawyers can often build a compelling case for damages.

Camps can provide wonderful opportunities for young people, but when abuse occurs, the impact can be devastating. Healing is a unique journey for each survivor.