Posts Tagged ‘Lewd Acts’
Psychologist Sued Over Sexual Harassment of a Child
October 23rd, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
SANTA CRUZ – A lawsuit has been filed against a Capitola psychologist on the grounds of criminal sexual abuse against a child.
Dr. John William Visher was arrested last month following an investigation that he committed lewd sexual acts against an 8-year-old girl. The girl was a patient of his and police believe the sexual harassment took place at Visher’s office.
The young victim’s family filed a personal injury suit against Visher last week, charging him with sexual harassment, professional negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The suit seeks unspecified damages.
Visher pleaded not guilty on Oct. 9 to five felony charges, including lewd acts on a child and child pornography. He is expected back in court Nov. 14.
In the meantime, Visher’s license to practice psychology was suspended by the California Board of Psychology on Sept. 24 following the arrest and the criminal charges.
Sexual harassment is a serious crime, especially when the victim is an innocent child. Unfortunately, not every victim comes forward to testify. Many victims are afraid that the offender will retaliate or that nothing will be done. Some are even embarrassed of what they have been through. The important thing to know is that all victims have a right to seek legal help. If you or someone you know has suffered unwanted sexual harassment, turn to a top team of sexual harassment lawyers immediately for help.
Sexual harassment attorneys make sure the perpetrator is brought to justice and will ensure you obtain compensation for your pain and suffering. They will investigate the incident thoroughly and make sure that your workplace is rid of all hostility and discrimination. Contact a top sexual harassment lawyer today to get started on your case and protect your rights.
Parents of Sexually Abused Children File Lawsuit Against Los Angeles School District
July 11th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
LOS ANGELES, CA – Fourteen mothers who claim their children were sexually abused by a Los Angeles teacher have sued the school district on Tuesday seeking damages for “generalized shock and trauma.”
In addition to damages, the lawsuit seeks unspecified “compensatory economic and special damages for medical expenses,” including therapy for the children, as well as changes to the Los Angeles Unified School District’s policies regarding teacher misconduct.
The case involves claims that former teacher Mark Berndt, of Miramonte Elementary, sexually abused several children.
Berndt, 61 who is being held on $23 million bond, faces 23 felony counts of lewd acts on children between 7 and 10 years old.
All but two of the victims were girls.
The lawsuit claims Berndt took photographs of the children “with cookies in the mouths of plaintiff’s children, and/or blindfolded the children, and/or placed cockroaches on the bodies of plaintiff’s children, for the intent of arousing and gratifying the lust, passions and sexual desires of Mark Berndt.”
Berndt was fired in January 2011 after school officials learned of the sexual harassment investigation. Authorities said they discovered nearly 600 images allegedly taken by Berndt in his classroom.
Berndt, who had been teaching for 30 years, initially challenged the school district’s decision to dismiss him but eventually dropped his appeal and resigned in spring 2011.
Sexual harassment includes any unwelcome and unwanted sexual acts, including lewd jokes, requests for sex in exchange for benefits, or violent attacks. If you or someone you know has been victimized, turn to a sexual harassment lawyer immediately for help.
Sexual harassment lawyers ensure that the offender is held accountable for their actions and fight so you can obtain compensation for your pain and suffering. Contact a team of sexual harassment attorneys today to file a case.
