Chicago, IL – April 18, 2024 – A severely disabled resident at the Marklund Hyde Center in Geneva became pregnant from alleged sexual abuse at the facility, according to news reports. The alleged sexual abuse was reported just last week, the Kane County sheriff’s office said.
Marklund provides residential, educational, and therapeutic services to individuals with severe and profound developmental disabilities. The woman has resided at the facility for more than 20 years.
Because of the woman’s disabilities, the pregnancy went unnoticed until a regular check-up at Delnor Hospital, where it was revealed that the Marklund resident was 33 weeks pregnant. She delivered the baby the next day. Under Illinois law, mentally incapacitated individuals cannot consent to sexual activity.
Marklund has since announced in a press release that it has placed three male staff members on leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
"This situation is not only deeply disturbing, it's a blatant violation of a vulnerable person's trust. The resident entrusted Marklund with their well-being, and this alleged abuse is a complete betrayal of that trust."
As a preeminent Illinois personal injury law firm and pioneer in nursing home abuse litigation, we express profound outrage over the recent reports of sexual assault against a long-time disabled, non-verbal resident at the Marklund Hyde Center in Geneva. We urge law enforcement to complete a comprehensive investigation to ensure the perpetrator and any enablers are held accountable.
Levin Perconti has a long-standing history of advocating for victims of nursing home abuse and neglect. The firm has a proven record of securing millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for those who have suffered from inadequate care and abuse. We understand the devastating impact abuse and neglect can have on victims and their families.
