A recent federal lawsuit has cast a spotlight on disturbing allegations of abuse at Circle of Hope Girls Ranch, a now-shuttered Christian boarding school in Missouri. The legal action has intensified calls for stricter oversight of religious educational institutions in the state.
Circle of Hope Ranch Abuse Case: Survivors Call for Trial, Rejecting Plea Deals
The 25-page civil suit, filed on behalf of an 18-year-old Missouri resident known as Jane Doe or Plaintiff D.A., alleges a harrowing array of mistreatment including "abuse, harassment, forced servitude, assault, and fraud" by the facility's operators. The plaintiff, who entered the ranch at age 13, is pursuing punitive and compensatory damages against Circle of Hope, its proprietors Stephanie and Boyd Householder, and Springfield-area pastor Jeffrey Ables.
This case is not an isolated incident in Missouri's landscape of religious boarding schools. Since 2020, Circle of Hope has faced no fewer than 26 lawsuits in state and federal courts from former students claiming abuse. Similarly, Agape Boarding School, another faith-based institution for boys, has been hit with at least 20 federal suits and 40 state court lawsuits alleging comparable misconduct.David Clohessy, a representative of the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP), characterized the alleged behavior at these schools as "almost unbelievably sadistic, bizarre and repeated criminal behavior". The gravity of the situation is further underscored by the fact that Circle of Hope's owners, Stephanie and Boyd Householder, were charged with over 100 abuse-related felonies in 2021. While Boyd Householder passed away in June, Stephanie Householder is slated to face a criminal trial later this year, charged with 21 felonies including child abuse, neglect, and endangerment.
They stress the importance of community support in the healing process. Robin Craycroft, a survivor turned therapist in Springfield, emphasizes the enduring impact of sexual trauma, explaining how it can fundamentally alter an individual's perception of the world, making it seem inherently dangerous.
Attorney Ryan Frazier of Monsees & Mayer P.C. shared his perspective on the case:"This lawsuit against Circle of Hope Girls Ranch is profoundly disturbing. It reveals not just a single incident, but a pattern of alleged abuse that persisted unchecked for years. The lack of oversight for these religious schools in Missouri is particularly alarming.
Legally, these cases are multifaceted. They often involve various defendants - not only the direct perpetrators but also those in positions of authority who may have failed to intervene. The inclusion of board member Jeffrey Ables as a defendant sends a clear message about the accountability of those in oversight roles.These cases are vital for several reasons. They can offer a measure of justice for survivors, drive much-needed reforms in institutional regulation and monitoring, and encourage other survivors to speak out. I urge anyone who has experienced abuse in these settings to come forward. Resources are available, and while imperfect, the legal system can be a powerful catalyst for change. It's never too late to seek justice and help prevent future abuse."
Read: https://abuseguardian.legalexaminer.com/legal/circle-of-hope-abuse-survivors-demand-trial-in-missouri-case/
