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Matthew Joseph Shelton, 43, a Benicia Unified school teacher faces 12 counts of lewd acts on four children under 14 in 2022.
Charges are:
- five counts of a lewd act on one child,
- two counts on another,
- one on another,
- and four on a fourth child.
Shelton attending a court hearing that will determine whether there is enough evidence to move the allegations forward to trial. Shelton was charged with misdemeanor sexual abuse involving four of his students in Napa, where he was working as a third-grade teacher at Phillips Edison Elementary School in April 2007. He was acquitted of those charges.
Understanding Teacher-Student Sexual Misconduct
Teacher-student sexual misconduct is a deeply troubling violation that not only damages the lives of the victims but also erodes public trust in educational institutions. When a teacher crosses the line and engages in inappropriate behavior with a student, it compromises the very foundation of the school system’s responsibility to protect children.
How Can A Civil Lawsuit Help Victims Seek Justice For The Trauma They May Have Experienced By Matthew Joseph Shelton?
A civil lawsuit can serve as a path to justice for victims seeking redress from the trauma of sexual abuse, especially when organizations are implicated in the wrongdoing. By initiating legal action, survivors can hold both individual perpetrators and the institutions that may have enabled or failed to prevent the abuse accountable. Civil suits allow victims to seek compensation for the physical, emotional, and psychological harm they have endured. Thus helping to alleviate the financial burdens associated with medical and therapeutic expenses.
Additionally, these lawsuits contribute to raising awareness about the prevalence of sexual abuse. Legal proceedings also offer survivors a platform to share their experiences, thereby challenging the culture of silence surrounding sexual abuse and empowering others to come forward.
Can I File A Lawsuit Against The School?
Yes. If you were a victim of Matthew Joseph Shelton, you might have rights.
Andreozzi + Foote is a leading national sexual abuse law firm with trauma-informed sexual abuse attorneys. Contact us today to discuss your legal rights.
