Legal Analysis By Attorneys
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A recent federal lawsuit filed against Circle of Hope Girls Ranch, a now-closed Christian boarding school in Missouri, has brought to light disturbing allegations of abuse and reignited demands for increased state oversight of religious schools.
The 25-page civil lawsuit, filed on behalf of an 18-year-old Missouri resident identified as Jane Doe or Plaintiff D.A., details claims of "abuse, harassment, forced servitude, assault, fraud" and other forms of mistreatment by the camp owners.
The plaintiff, who was 13 when she arrived at the facility, is seeking punitive and compensatory damages from Circle of Hope, its owners Stephanie and Boyd Householder, and Springfield-area pastor Jeffrey Ables.
Circle of Hope Girls Ranch is not an isolated case in Missouri's landscape of religious boarding schools. Since 2020, the facility has faced at least 26 lawsuits in state and federal courts from former students alleging abuse.
Similarly, Agape Boarding School, another religious institution for boys, has been hit with at least 20 federal suits and 40 state court lawsuits containing comparable claims. David Clohessy, a member of the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP), described the alleged behavior at these schools as "almost unbelievably sadistic, bizarre and repeated criminal behavior."
The owners of Circle of Hope, Stephanie and Boyd Householder, were charged with more than 100 abuse-related felonies in 2021. While Boyd Householder passed away in June, Stephanie Householder is set to face a criminal trial later this year, accused of 21 felonies including child abuse, neglect, and endangerment.
The lawsuit and subsequent demonstration by abuse survivors at the federal courthouse in Springfield highlight the urgent need for increased state oversight of religious schools in Missouri. Currently, state law has relatively few regulations governing overnight-stay schools with religious ties. SNAP members are urging survivors to come forward and report abuse to trusted individuals, local law enforcement, the Missouri attorney general's office, or the FBI. They emphasize the importance of community and support in healing from trauma.
Robin Craycroft, a survivor who now works as a therapist in Springfield, underscores the lasting effects of sexual trauma. She explains that trauma can fundamentally alter a person's perception of the world, making it seem like a dangerous place.
In a conversation with Attorney Ryan Frazier of Monsees & Mayer P.C., he shared his thoughts on the case:
"This lawsuit against Circle of Hope Girls Ranch is deeply troubling. It's not just about one incident, but a pattern of alleged abuse that went unchecked for years. What's particularly concerning is the lack of oversight for these religious schools in Missouri.
From a legal standpoint, cases like these are complex. They often involve multiple defendants - not just the direct perpetrators, but also those in positions of authority who may have failed to act. The inclusion of board member Jeffrey Ables as a defendant sends a strong message about the responsibility of those in oversight roles.
These cases are crucial for several reasons. First, they can provide some measure of justice for the survivors. Second, they can lead to much-needed reforms in how we regulate and monitor these institutions. And finally, they can encourage other survivors to come forward.
My advice to anyone who has experienced abuse in these settings is to speak out. There are resources available, and the legal system, while not perfect, can be a powerful tool for change. Remember, it's never too late to seek justice and help prevent future abuse."
Source:
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