A New Hampshire jury has awarded $38 million to a man who exposed abuse allegations at the state's youth detention center. The jury found that the state's negligence allowed the man to endure physical, sexual, and emotional abuse during his time at the facility in the 1990s.
The man, who came forward in 2017 and later filed a lawsuit against the state, has been instrumental in shedding light on the abuse that occurred at the Youth Development Center in Manchester. This case has led to the arrest of 11 former state workers and over 1,100 former residents filing lawsuits detailing abuse spanning six decades.
With this being the first case to go to trial, the outcome is expected to have significant implications on the criminal cases, remaining lawsuits, and a settlement fund established by the state as an alternative to litigation.
Throughout the four-week trial, the state argued that it was not responsible for the actions of 'rogue' employees and claimed that the man waited too long to file his lawsuit. The defense also sought to discredit the man's credibility, labeling his case as relying on 'conjecture and speculation.'
On the other hand, the man's legal team accused the state of fostering a culture of abuse characterized by brutality, corruption, and a code of silence. They emphasized that the state failed to acknowledge the extent of the abuse and the power dynamics at play within the facility.
As the legal proceedings continue, the case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability and the need to address systemic issues within institutions responsible for the care and well-being of vulnerable individuals.
