“Over 130 Individuals Join New Lawsuits Alleging Decades-Old Sex Abuse at Illinois Juvenile Facilities”

In Chicago, more than 130 individuals have filed new lawsuits related to sexual abuse at juvenile facilities in Illinois. These allegations span back to the 1990s.

Men who spoke at a news conference Tuesday said they didn’t want to be there.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

They are among 800 adults who have come forward alleging sexual abuse as children at state of Illinois and Cook County youth detention facilities.

A lawsuit was filed Monday on behalf of 133 former youth detainees.

One man shared his harrowing experience, recounting a disturbing incident where a correctional officer, who was meant to protect him, failed in his duty. He described how he was held down by the officer while other kids assaulted him, with his mouth forcefully covered to stifle any calls for help.

RELATED: More lawsuits filed alleging children sexually assaulted at Illinois Youth Centers

“I felt so much self-doubt I attempted to commit suicide because of how it haunts me, but this is so much bigger than me now,” Marcus Walker said.

“When a young individual enters the juvenile justice system already bearing trauma, and exits in a more severe state of distress, it is truly distressing,” remarked attorney Jerome Block, highlighting the detrimental impact of such situations.

A statement from the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice reads in part, “Although the Department is unable to comment on active litigation, IDJJ takes seriously the safety of youth in the care of the Department.”

Attorneys for the plaintiffs allege the abuse happened between 1996 and 2023 in youth detention facilities across the state.

“The juvenile justice system promises rehabilitation, but instead, for our clients, the system was nothing more than a pipeline for suffering,” attorney Kristen Feden said.

“I might be judged for it; I don’t know. But my fear of being judged is way, way less than the fear of injustice,” Walker said.

Plaintiffs in the case said there are more who were abused, but, for some, coming forward is too much.

If you are experiencing suicidal, substance use or other mental health crises please call or text the new three digit code at 988. You will reach a trained crisis counselor for free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also go to 988lifeline.org or dial the current toll free number 800-273-8255 [TALK].