Were You Abused at Brattleboro Retreat?
You may have legal options.
Brattleboro, Vermont • Operated by Brattleboro Retreat
4
Documented Incidents
2
Lawsuits Filed
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What Happened at Brattleboro Retreat
The Brattleboro Retreat, a private residential treatment facility in Brattleboro, Vermont, has faced multiple documented incidents of sexual assault and misconduct involving staff members. Among the most serious cases are charges against Sidney Rivers Jr. for sexual assault and a 2019 incident involving Robert Havens, also for sexual assault. The facility has also been subject to legal action, including the whistleblower lawsuit U.S. ex rel. Joseph v. Brattleboro Retreat and the civil case Kuligoski v. Brattleboro Retreat in 2016. With four documented incidents on record, including two formal lawsuits, the Brattleboro Retreat has demonstrated a concerning pattern of safety failures in what should be a protected therapeutic environment. Despite the serious nature of these allegations involving vulnerable patients in residential care, there have been no documented monetary settlements resulting from the legal actions. The repeated incidents of sexual assault charges against staff members raise significant questions about the facility's screening procedures, supervision protocols, and overall commitment to patient safety and accountability. If you or a loved one experienced abuse or misconduct at the Brattleboro Retreat, it may be beneficial to consult with an attorney who specializes in institutional abuse cases to understand your legal rights and options.
- Location
- Brattleboro, Vermont 05302
- Facility Type
- private residential treatment
- Status
- active
Documented Incidents & Lawsuits
The following have been documented through news reports, court filings, and official investigations.
Sidney Rivers Jr. Sexual Assault Charges
Sidney Rivers Jr., a former caregiver at Brattleboro Retreat, faces felony charges for sexual assault and sexual abuse of a vulnerable adult resident. The charges were filed following an investigation by the Major Felony Review & Appeals Unit.
U.S. ex rel. Joseph v. Brattleboro Retreat
A case involving Brattleboro Retreat, a not-for-profit in-patient addiction treatment facility, in federal court in Vermont. The case appears to be a whistleblower lawsuit under the False Claims Act.
Robert Havens Sexual Assault
Robert Havens, a mental health worker at Brattleboro Retreat, was arrested after sexually assaulting a patient. He was sentenced to four to 15 years in prison after admitting to sexually assaulting a 15-year-old patient.
Source: VTDigger →Kuligoski v. Brattleboro Retreat
This case arose from an assault of Michael Kuligoski by someone (ER) after they were discharged from Brattleboro Retreat. The case reached the Vermont Supreme Court in 2016.
Source: Justia →Your Legal Rights in Vermont
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You May Be Entitled To
Compensation for pain & suffering, medical expenses, therapy costs, lost wages, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Location
Anna Marsh Lane, Brattleboro, Vermont 05302Open in Google Maps →
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Nearby Facilities
- Sununu Youth Services CenterManchester, NH•56.8 mi•1 incidents
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- Hampstead HospitalHampstead, NH•71.3 mi•2 incidents
- Bradley HospitalEast Providence, RI•95.7 mi•2 incidents
- Weeks SchoolVergennes, VT•96.8 mi
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If you or a loved one experienced abuse at Brattleboro Retreat, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Contact us for a free, confidential case evaluation.
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