While some people get through hazing activities unscathed and may dismiss it as nothing more than a prank, it can be incredibly damaging. Overconsumption of alcohol, physical violence, and participation in dangerous situations can lead to serious injuries or even death.
In many situations, hazing takes on a sexual nature. Whether the goal is to gratify those doing the hazing or simply humiliate the victim, these rituals go far beyond harmless jokes. It can be intimidating to pursue justice, even with the help of a sexual abuse attorney, and while struggling in the aftermath of an assault, victims may not know where to turn. After all, the perpetrators are potentially part of a group the victim was trying to join. A Philadelphia hazing sexual assault lawyer at Marrone Law Firm, LLC, could help you understand your potential remedies.
Hazing refers to any activity intended to humiliate, degrade, or endanger someone as a condition of joining—or maintaining membership in—a group. While people generally associate hazing with sororities and fraternities, it also occurs in other social, academic, athletic, and even professional groups.
Hazing can take place in person or online. When hazing involves sexual abuse, a tremendous amount of damage can take place, even in a virtual environment. Some examples of hazing include:
In defense of hazing or hazing-related behaviors, guilty parties often claim the victim consented. However, hazing is illegal due to its documented ill effects, and victims cannot consent. Harmful effects of hazing include:
Despite these damages, it can still be challenging for victims to come forward. They may face tremendous pressure from other group members to lie about the origin of their injuries or minimize the behavior. Meetings with a hazing sexual assault lawyer in Philadelphia are confidential, so victims can explore their potential remedies in privacy, with guidance from professionals who have helped others in the same position.
Hazing is illegal in most states, including Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 2802 recognizes any form of hazing as a summary offense, but it could be upgraded to a third-degree misdemeanor if it leads to harm. Additionally, perpetrators could face charges for additional crimes committed as part of the hazing.
Local colleges and universities also prohibit hazing. Individuals who engage in hazing could face school disciplinary proceedings, disciplinary proceedings by their organizations, and more. In some circumstances, the threat of additional punishment encourages perpetrators to fight civil allegations. In other instances, they may be more likely to settle civil claims in an attempt to minimize their exposure to other offenses.
A Philadelphia hazing sexual assault attorney could also explore potential defenses. While the law does not criminalize reasonable and customary training, contests, competitions, or events for athletes, law enforcement, or military training, sexual assault and harassment should never fall under these reasonable and customary exclusions.
In addition to a personal claim against the abusers, a hazing victim may also have recourse against universities, colleges, fraternities, sororities, or other institutions who know about hazing but do not stop it. Damages could cover expenses for physical injuries and emotional harm.
To find out more about your potential remedies, speak to a Philadelphia hazing sexual assault lawyer. Schedule a consultation with the personal injury team at Marrone Law Firm, LLC, to learn more.