Seeking Justice on behalf of Hazing Victims
Hazing has been a hot topic in recent news. Despite the recent media attention, hazing is not a new problem, but has been a problem on university campuses and beyond for a number of years.
Over the years, hazing has been associated with several deaths around the country. College fraternities and sororities and their initiation practices have resulted in physical and emotional hazing injuries to young students. Unfortunately, several of those incidents have resulted in death. Hazing can result in serious and lasting injuries. Recent victims have reported paralysis, emotional disturbances, depression, and anxiety after being abused.
Hazing is very difficult to prove. Organizations or people who are involved in an incident rarely admit that there was hazing. Usually, there is a Code of Silence about the hazing incident. Sometimes, there is an organized effort to protect not only the individuals involved but also the organization.
SC Hazing Injury Epidemic
The statistics document a widespread problem with hazing. At the college level, three out of five college students report being subjected to hazing practices. Another forty-seven percent of students report being hazed before they even enter college.
Hazing is a very real and very serious problem in our society. Whether hazing occurs during “Hell Week” at the Citadel, as part of an initiation antic in a fraternity or sorority, while serving in the military, or as a participating member of a sports team, hazing happens too often. Although unintended, the results can be deadly. No matter the source, there are a number of common hazing practices.
Common hazing practices include:
- forced alcohol consumption
- water exhaustion
- excessive physical exertion or physical abuse
- personal servitude
- public and private humiliation
- isolation
- sleep deprivation
- unwelcome sex acts
The after effects of hazing can be permanent. Hazing has been shown to cause mental trauma, physical trauma, and in some instances permanent injury or death to the victims subjected to it. Hazing may even lead to PTSD—the same mental condition suffered by rape victims and war veterans.
Hazing is Illegal Under South Carolina Law
In South Carolina, hazing is illegal under the law. While it may be illegal, hazing is often difficult to prove. Oftentimes when hazing occurs, neither the aggressor(s) nor any witnesses will admit what actually occurred. In some instances, the entity may even try to cover up the fact that an incident occurred and rely upon an oath or code of secrecy. Shockingly, many aggressors may even attempt to argue that the hazing victim was a willing participant. Don’t let this happen to you.
Regardless of the situation, our South Carolina hazing injury attorneys can provide the resources you need to help you investigate what occurred. If you or a loved one is a victim of a hazing injury incident, we are here to help. Contact the South Carolina personal injury attorneys at the Strom Law Firm, LLC today for a free, no-cost consultation today. 803.252.4800
