When people think of child sexual abuse, they often imagine an adult perpetrator. However, abuse can also be committed by another minor. In fact, a growing number of cases across the country involve one child abusing another, often in settings where supervision is inadequate or proper boundaries are not enforced.
These situations are especially complex for families. They involve deep emotional pain and sensitive legal issues. At O’Brien Law Firm, attorney Grant Boyd helps Missouri families explore their civil legal options when their child has been harmed by another juvenile. In many cases, it is possible to hold a third party responsible for failing to prevent the abuse.
Understanding Peer-to-Peer Abuse
Peer-to-peer abuse happens when one child sexually harms, coerces, or exploits another. This can include physical acts, exposure to pornography, inappropriate touching, or digital abuse through messages, images, or videos.
This type of abuse often occurs:
- In schools or classrooms
- During daycare or after-school programs
- At camps or church youth groups
- During sports practices, locker room time, or travel events
- At sleepovers or unsupervised gatherings
In some cases, the behavior involves one child who is significantly older or larger than the other. In others, the children may be close in age, but one uses threats, intimidation, or manipulation. Regardless of the circumstances, this behavior is harmful and may be considered sexual abuse under Missouri law.
Can You File a Lawsuit Against Another Child?
It is possible, but rare, to file a civil lawsuit directly against a minor. In Missouri, children can be held legally responsible for causing harm, but the court usually views them differently than adults. A child may not have the financial resources or legal capacity to fully defend a lawsuit, and judgments against minors are often uncollectible.
However, that does not mean families are without options. In most cases, the focus of a civil claim is not on the child who committed the abuse, but rather on the adults or institutions that failed to prevent it.
Who Can Be Held Liable in These Cases?
If your child was abused by another child, Missouri law allows you to bring a civil claim against the people or organizations that had a duty to protect them. These third-party claims focus on negligence and failure to supervise.
Potential defendants may include:
- Parents or legal guardians of the offending child
If the parents knew their child posed a risk and failed to intervene, they may be held liable for failing to properly supervise or control their child’s behavior. - Schools or teachers
If the abuse happened at school or during school-related activities, the district may be liable for failing to supervise students, ignoring red flags, or allowing risky situations to occur. - Daycare providers or babysitters
These individuals and facilities have a legal duty to monitor children in their care. Allowing unsupervised contact, ignoring warning signs, or failing to act on complaints can result in civil liability. - Churches, camps, or youth programs
Any organization that oversees group activities for children must ensure that their staff follow clear guidelines for supervision and safety. Failing to separate children with behavioral issues or allowing unsafe environments may be grounds for a lawsuit. - Therapists or counselors
In rare cases, a professional who knew about harmful behaviors but did not report or address them may also face liability.
What Must Be Proven in a Civil Claim?
To succeed in a civil case involving peer-to-peer abuse, the legal team must show that the defendant acted negligently. This means proving that they failed to act in a way that a reasonable person or organization would have under similar circumstances.
Examples of negligence may include:
- Leaving children unsupervised in restrooms, locker rooms, or private areas
- Ignoring reports or behavioral red flags about a child’s aggressive or sexual conduct
- Failing to separate children after an initial incident
- Not following school or program safety policies
- Failing to notify parents or law enforcement after a report
Each case depends on the specific facts, including the age of the children involved, the setting, and whether adults had an opportunity to intervene.
How Are These Cases Handled in Court?
Missouri courts treat these cases with care and seriousness. The goal is to protect the survivor while examining whether any adult or institution failed in their duty to provide a safe environment.
Most civil cases involving minors are handled confidentially. Protective orders may be issued to keep the names of the children private. If the case moves forward, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the survivor’s best interests.
Damages in these cases can include:
- Medical and mental health treatment
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Educational support or school changes
- Long-term therapy or trauma recovery services
- Punitive damages in cases of severe negligence
Can These Cases Be Resolved Without a Trial?
Yes. Many civil cases involving child abuse settle out of court. This can provide families with a resolution that includes financial support, institutional changes, or formal apologies without requiring a full trial.
Attorney Grant Boyd works with families to decide the best course of action. Some prefer to pursue a public case to raise awareness, while others seek a private resolution focused on healing. Either way, our firm is committed to supporting your child every step of the way.
Taking Action After Peer-to-Peer Abuse
If your child has been harmed by another child, it is completely normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure about what steps to take next. These situations are emotionally complex and often come with a mix of shock, confusion, anger, and grief. Parents may question how this could happen, whether anyone noticed warning signs, and what can be done to protect their child moving forward.
In many cases, families also struggle with silence. Schools, camps, or organizations may downplay the incident or attempt to resolve the matter quietly. Meanwhile, your child may be dealing with trauma, fear, or shame that makes it difficult for them to talk about what happened. You may feel alone in advocating for their safety and healing.
You are not alone and your family does not have to carry this burden by yourselves.
At O’Brien Law Firm, we take peer-to-peer abuse seriously. Attorney Grant Boyd works closely with families to evaluate what occurred, determine whether an institution or individual failed to protect your child, and explain what civil legal options may be available. We understand that the goal is not always just financial compensation. For many families, it is about:
- Making sure your child gets the mental health care and emotional support they need
- Holding adults or institutions accountable for failing to act
- Preventing the same thing from happening to another child
- Finding closure and moving forward with dignity
We help families document what happened, preserve important communications, and request information from schools or organizations. In some cases, that means uncovering patterns of past complaints or showing how policies were not followed. In others, it may mean negotiating a resolution that allows your child to transfer schools or receive long-term therapy support.
Every family’s needs are different. Some want to pursue a public case to raise awareness or demand change. Others prefer a private resolution that focuses on healing. Our job is to support your goals, protect your child, and guide you through the process with compassion and clarity.
If you suspect that your child was harmed by another child — whether in a school, camp, daycare, church group, or private setting — do not wait to speak with someone who can help. Legal action is not just about what happened in the past. It is also about securing the care, safety, and peace your child deserves going forward.
Contact a Missouri Civil Abuse Attorney Today
Peer-to-peer abuse is a serious issue that deserves a serious response. Whether it happened at school, during a youth program, or in a private setting, your child’s safety matters.
Contact O’Brien Law Firm for a confidential consultation. We will listen without judgment and provide honest, compassionate guidance about your next steps.