Added: Javan Royals - Date: 15.12.2021 04:08 - Views: 13644 - Clicks: 4451
AP — The Association for Research and Enlightenment describes itself as a year-old organization for people to explore meditation, holistic health and the meaning of life. But eight women who filed lawsuits against the organization Wednesday allege they were sexually harassed, abused or raped as children while attending its rural Virginia summer camp.
In the lawsuits, filed in state court in Virginia Beach, where the organization is headquartered, the women describe what they said was a decadeslong camp culture that let adult male staffers sexually abuse young female campers with impunity.
During a virtual news conference, four of the women described the alleged abuse and a cult-like atmosphere at the camp, where they said they were taught unconditional love and forgiveness, even toward their abusers. The A. Camp opened in the early s and is located in Rural Retreat, a small southwest Virginia town.
The women said the sexual abuse led to a variety of emotional and psychological problems for them, including substance abuse, anxiety and depression. The lawsuit says she told the camp manager what happened, but her alleged abuser was allowed to stay at the camp and no report was made to authorities.
When she was 17, she returned to the camp for a young adult retreat, where she said she was forced to embrace her abuser and tell him she forgave him, the lawsuit states. Another plaintiff, Hannah Furbush, who attended the camp as and later worked as a camp counselor and staff member, estimates she experienced sexual abuse, molestation and harassment at least times at the camp.
The Associated Press does not generally name sexual assault victims, but Furbush gave her permission for her name to be used. Furbush said that when she was a year-old staff member, a senior camp director massaged her against her will, touched her buttocks and tried to kiss her.
Both times, she told camp managers, but nothing was done, she said. Reached Wednesday, Chief Executive Officer Kevin Todeschi, who is named as a defendant, said he had not yet seen the lawsuits and could not respond to the specific allegations. Todeschi said the investigation is continuing, and two committees have been established, one to address any systemic or policy-based changes needed, and the other to review camp personnel.
The camp was closed last summer because of the coronavirus pandemic. Such conduct is contrary to everything we believe in.
Taboo (A Documentary Short Film)Sections U. Eight women allege sexual abuse at Virginia summer camp. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news.
50yr Sex offender rapes 15yr Richmond va (FULL VIDEO)The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Richmond Virginia women sex
email: [email protected] - phone:(598) 417-3383 x 4124
Eight women allege sexual abuse at Virginia summer camp