Law Firm of Cerri, Boskovich & Allard Shares Warning Signs of Sexual Abuse for Parents as New School Year Begins

The firm highlights the nearly 600 educators who have lost their California teaching credential due to sexual misconduct as a stark reminder of educator sexual abuse

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As students head back to school, the San Jose law firm of Cerri, Boskovich & Allard wants parents and school staff to be aware of the dangers of sexual abuse by teachers and anyone who has access to students during school hours. The firm emphasizes how important it is to notice warning signs, called "red flag" behaviors, which are often exhibited by sexual predators before abuse occurs.

“People who intend to harm students usually start by slowly breaking the rules and pushing the boundaries meant to keep students safe,” attorney Robert Allard said. “Parents, students and school employees need to know what behaviors to watch for.”

Professor Charol Shakeshaft, an expert in this field, found that nearly 4.5 million students, or about one out of every ten, experience sexual misconduct by school staff. This can range from inappropriate behavior to serious crimes, and it’s not just teachers who might be involved. Coaches, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, aides, custodians, and principals—all people who spend time with students during school hours—could be responsible for sexual abuse of students.

In California, the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) board minutes reflect that nearly 600 educators have lost their teaching credential over the last ten years due to sexual misconduct.

“In many cases, sexual abuse in schools begins quietly through something called the grooming process,” attorney Mark Boskovich said. “This might start with a teacher giving a student extra attention, a coach being overly focused on a particular student, or a peer wanting to spend too much time with your child. Over time, this builds trust, which is a key part of grooming.”

Unfortunately, most educators, parents, and students don’t know the warning signs or “red flag” behavioral characteristics exhibited by sexual predators. They include:

• Use of personal email, texting or social media to communicate with students
• Touching, tickling or hugging
• Gift-giving
• Preferential treatment or favoritism
• Spending one-on-one alone time with students
• Inappropriate banter or jokes
• Lap sitting
• Contact outside of school hours

The digital revolution has allowed predators to gain access to children like never before. Teenagers and even children have personal cellular devices. Texting is now one of the most popular ways for molesters to groom potential victims.

“Ultimately, sexual abuse occurs in schools due to a lack of policies and training to identify, prevent and respond to abuse,” attorney Lauren Cerri said. “Schools sometimes fail to take appropriate action when abuse is reported. This can include not believing victims, failing to notify law enforcement, or protecting the abuser due to their status.”

In March 2022, Cerri was involved in a case where a Santa Clara County jury delivered a landmark $102.5 million sexual abuse verdict against the Union School District in San Jose for placing its image and reputation over the safety of a young middle school student.

“It's essential for parents and educators to recognize these warning signs and be proactive in preventing sexual abuse in schools,” Cerri said.

About Cerri, Boskovich & Allard

Attorneys with the law firm of Cerri, Boskovich & Allard have been awarded Trial Lawyer of the Year an unprecedented eight times as a result of exceptional legal accomplishments on behalf of sexual abuse victims.