A recent federal lawsuit against Circle of Hope Girls Ranch, a shuttered Christian boarding school in Missouri, has exposed disturbing claims of abuse and renewed demands for stricter oversight of religious educational institutions. The 25-page civil suit, filed on behalf of an 18-year-old Missouri resident identified as Jane Doe or Plaintiff D.A., alleges various forms of mistreatment, including "abuse, harassment, forced servitude, assault, fraud," and other misconduct by the facility's owners.
Background and Allegations
The plaintiff, who was 13 when she arrived at Circle of Hope, is seeking punitive and compensatory damages from the school, its owners Stephanie and Boyd Householder, and Springfield-area pastor Jeffrey Ables. This case is not isolated, as Circle of Hope has faced at least 26 lawsuits in state and federal courts since 2020, all containing similar abuse allegations from former students.Broader Context
The issue extends beyond Circle of Hope. Agape Boarding School, another religious institution for boys in Missouri, has been hit with at least 20 federal suits and 40 state court lawsuits with 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.".Legal Proceedings
In 2021, Circle of Hope's owners, Stephanie and Boyd Householder, were charged with over 100 abuse-related felonies. 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.
Call for Reform
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.
Support for Survivors
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.
Stay updated: Federal Lawsuit Exposes Alleged Abuse at Missouri Religious School, Sparking Calls for Reform
Expert Insights
Robin Craycroft, a survivor who now works as a therapist in Springfield, underscores the lasting effects of sexual trauma, explaining that it can fundamentally alter a person's perception of the world.
Attorney Ryan Frazier of Monsees & Mayer P.C. shared his thoughts on the case, highlighting its complexity and the importance of holding not just direct perpetrators accountable, but also those in positions of authority who may have failed to act. He emphasized the potential of these cases to provide justice for survivors, lead to much-needed reforms, and encourage other survivors to come forward.
Read: https://abuseguardian.legalexaminer.com/legal/new-abuse-allegations-against-missouri-religious-school-circle-of-hope-girls-ranch/
