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WAVY.com has reported that a band teacher is facing sexual abuse charges for alleged actions that occurred at Scotland High School located at 1000 W Church St, Laurinburg, NC 28352.
On Tuesday, April 26, 2022, Britton Scott Goodwin, the high school's band director, was arrested. Goodwin has been accused of having a sexual relationship with a student during the school year of 2015-2016. The sexual abuse was reported to have occurred on and off the high school campus.
Scotland County School officials stated that Goodwin was no longer employed with the district. He is facing charges that include two counts of sexual activity with a student and two counts of taking indecent liberties with a student.
Attorney contributor Kristen Beightol has assisted sexual abuse victims and their families in North Carolina for years. As an experienced school sex abuse lawyer, Kristen explained some of the legal options available for victims sexually abused by a band director.
"It is unfortunate, but we hear more and more reports of school sexual abuse and misconduct happening in our high schools across the nation. School administration and teachers are tasked with taking on the role of parenting children during school hours. This moral and legal duty includes keeping them safe from preventative harm. However, each year too many high school students fall victim to unacceptable behaviors that are sexual in nature. This misconduct can range from inappropriate sexting to sexual assault. A school can offer certain safeguards to reduce this abuse from occurring in the first place. Teachers and school administration are taught to be aware of these potential behaviors in order to recognize the signs and prevent or stop them from the start. Security cameras can help deter acts from commencing on the campus, along with patrolling security guards. Sexual predators often look for positions within a school to gain the student's trust. School districts must conduct background checks to prevent known abusers from gaining employment. If a school or school district neglects the safety of the students, they may be held liable."
"A school should not only implement safety precautions on the campus but should investigate any reports of misconduct. Failure to report sexual abuse to the authorities could deem a school or school district negligent. Victims sexually abused by a school employee may even have grounds to file a lawsuit against the school."
"If a child is sexually abused by a teacher or band director, they may not feel comfortable reporting the abuse right away. An experienced school sex abuse attorney can offer compassionate guidance to those that have suffered at the hands of those they thought they could trust. If you or your child have been a victim of school sexual abuse, reach out to an attorney to learn your legal rights and get the justice you deserve."
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