Sexual abuse mediation is defined as a structured negotiation in which a neutral third-party mediator facilitates negotiations between plaintiffs, defendants (who may be individuals, religious institutions, corporations, charitable organizations, etc.), personal representatives and legal counsel to reach an agreeable resolution to a dispute, which is called a settlement agreement. Unlike litigation, mediation fosters open communication and collaboration, helping parties find solutions that address legal, financial and emotional concerns. Parties control the outcome of the process, and their settlement agreement is enforceable in court, acting as a contract.

Our panel of retired judges and seasoned attorneys have settled numerous sexual abuse disputes throughout the multiple decades that ADR Systems has been in business. These have included:

• A matter involving claims that a teacher groomed and forcibly battered a student, causing the student to develop post-traumatic stress syndrome, an eating disorder and anxiety

• A matter involving claims that religious institutions were negligent in their retention and supervision of a cleric with accusations of sexual misconduct against him and violated their fiduciary duty and voluntary undertaking to protect children

• A matter involving a high school security guard who allegedly groomed and abused three female cheerleaders, resulting in judgment for plaintiffs

Parties to sexual abuse disputes experience various advantages when they mediate their dispute at ADR Systems.

Faster Resolutions: Mediation can resolve disputes in weeks or months rather than years, reducing the time burden on plaintiffs and defendants

Cost Savings: Avoiding lengthy court battles saves money otherwise spent on legal fees, expert witness costs and administrative expenses.

Confidentiality: Unlike public court proceedings, mediation is confidential, protecting reputations and sensitive information.

Reduced Stress: Mediation fosters a collaborative rather than adversarial atmosphere, reducing emotional strain for all involved.

Greater Control: Mediation removes the uncertainty and risk associated with litigation, where outcomes can be all-or-nothing; both parties have a say in the outcome of the case rather than leaving the decision in the hands of a judge or jury.

Experienced Neutrals: ADR Systems’ panel of mediators consist of retired judges and seasoned attorneys with decades of hands-on knowledge of the disputes before them and an ardent passion for resolving them.

Mediation is a practical solution for many sexual abuse disputes. It is particularly beneficial when parties seek a resolution that prioritizes confidentiality, expediency and cost-effectiveness.

If you are representing clients involved in a sexual abuse dispute and want to pursue mediation as an alternative to litigation, explore our Find A Neutral page to review the bios of mediators with experience mediating sexual abuse disputes.

Submit your sexual abuse case through our Neutral Availability Form or Contact Form.