In a recent civil trial in New Hampshire, former teacher Brenda Wouters testified about reporting suspicious bruises on several teenage boys, including David Meehan, a former resident who is suing the state for abuse he suffered in the 1990s. Wouters recalled seeing marks on the boys, including bruises and red eyes, and hearing stories of forced fighting among the residents. Despite her efforts to report the abuse to residential staff and the state’s Division of Children, Youth, and Families, Wouters did not witness any action being taken. She admitted that she did not witness the abuse firsthand and did not file any written complaints at the time.
The trial, which has now entered its 15th day, will soon see the state presenting its side. The state’s attorneys have argued that the state should not be held liable for the actions of rogue employees and have questioned the credibility of Meehan’s claims. They also raised the issue of the statute of limitations, which typically allows for lawsuits to be filed within three years of the injury. However, exceptions can be made for cases where the victim was unaware of the link to the wrongful party. Assistant Attorney General Brandon Chase requested the judge to issue a verdict based on the statute of limitations, but the judge denied the request, stating that the jury will decide.
Judge Andrew Schulman expressed doubts about when Meehan may have realized he had a claim against the state, suggesting it may not have been until he was an adult. He reflected on his visit to the facility with jurors at the start of the trial, noting the limited view that residents would have had from their rooms. Despite the challenges presented by the statute of limitations argument, the judge emphasized the importance of the jury’s decision in this case. The trial has seen a total of 11 former state workers being arrested since Meehan went to the police in 2017, with over 1,100 former residents of the Sununu Youth Services Center filing lawsuits alleging abuse over six decades.
The testimonies presented in court by Wouters and other witnesses shed light on the systemic issues of abuse and neglect that persisted at the youth detention center for years. The allegations of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse have sparked a broader conversation about accountability and justice for the survivors. As the trial continues, it remains to be seen how the state will address the claims of abuse and whether they will take responsibility for the actions of their employees. The impact of this landmark lawsuit could have ripple effects on how similar cases are handled in the future, highlighting the need for transparency and reform within the state’s youth detention facilities.
