What Is Institutional Sexual Abuse?
Institutional sexual abuse refers to abuse that occurs within the context of an organization or setting where there is a duty of care—such as:
• Religious institutions (churches, dioceses, religious schools)
• Public and private schools
• Group homes and foster care
• Youth organizations and clubs
• Sports teams and academies
• Health care or residential facilities
These cases often involve systemic failures where those in authority ignored warning signs, enabled abusers, or covered up allegations.