Sexual abuse of a minor causes severe harm from which the victim may never recover. When the perpetrator teacher abused official authority under color of state law, the victim may assert a claim for relief under §1983. The abuse of governmental authority violates the minor’s due process right to bodily integrity and security.

The alleged abuse may have occurred many years ago, and the victim may have repressed it for a long time. The defendant’s attorney will almost certainly invoke a statute of limitations defense.