When parents send their children to school, they expect them to be safe, supported, and guided by trusted adults. But for some students, the very people tasked with protecting them become the source of unimaginable harm.
That’s what happened to C.M., a former wrestler at Patrick Henry High School in San Diego, who is now bravely pursuing justice against both her former coach and the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD). Her case highlights the urgent need to hold institutions accountable when they fail to protect children from abuse.
At Betts Law Group, we represent survivors of sexual abuse across California, whether it occurs in schools, healthcare settings, or workplaces. We believe no survivor should have to face these battles alone, and every institution must be held to its duty of care.
What Happened at Patrick Henry High School?
The defendant, Eduardo “Eddie” Hernandez, served as a wrestling coach at Patrick Henry High and other schools in the district for decades. According to the lawsuit, Hernandez groomed C.M. beginning at age 13 and ultimately raped her at 17. Tragically, Hernandez had already assaulted at least one other student before abusing C.M., yet SDUSD continued to employ him for years.
Hernandez was arrested in November 2024 and has since pled guilty to sexual abuse of a minor. Despite this, C.M. and her legal team allege that the district’s failure to properly supervise, investigate, and remove Hernandez made the abuse possible.
This is not an isolated issue. Institutional sexual assault occurs when organizations like schools, hospitals, or sports programs ignore warning signs or allow predators continued access to vulnerable individuals.
The Claims Against SDUSD
C.M.’s lawsuit names both Hernandez and SDUSD as defendants. The allegations include:
- Sexual abuse of a minor
- Sexual harassment and gender violence
- Intentional infliction of emotional distress
- Negligent hiring, supervision, and retention of an unfit employee
- Breach of mandatory duty to report suspected child abuse
- Negligent failure to warn, train, or educate staff
- Negligent supervision of a minor
These claims echo the pattern we often see in cases of sexual harassment in California, where institutions prioritize reputation or convenience over the safety of those in their care.
Why This Case Matters
C.M. is now 39 years old, but the trauma she endured as a teenager is lifelong. Her willingness to step forward is about more than her own healing – it’s about preventing other students from being harmed.
Cases like this shine a light on systemic failures. Schools have a duty to protect children, investigate complaints, and remove predators immediately. When they don’t, they not only endanger their students but also break the trust of families who expect schools to be safe spaces.
Unfortunately, silence and inaction are common in institutional abuse cases. Survivors often hesitate to report due to shame, fear of retaliation, or the belief that no one will believe them. Institutions sometimes exploit that silence to avoid accountability.
At Betts Law Group, we know how important it is to break that cycle. By filing this case, C.M. hopes to encourage other survivors to come forward and to push SDUSD (and other school districts) to adopt stronger protections for students.
How Betts Law Group Supports Survivors
Pursuing a case against an individual abuser is difficult enough. Holding an entire institution accountable adds another layer of complexity. That’s where an experienced legal team matters.
At Betts Law Group, we:
- Conduct thorough investigations into institutional negligence.
- Work with trauma-informed care to support survivors at every step.
- Pursue both accountability and compensation for the harm done.
- Push for policy changes that can protect future students.
Our team, led by Whitney Betts and Thomas Betts, is dedicated to fighting for survivors and ensuring their voices are heard.
Taking the Next Step
C.M.’s case was filed on August 13, 2025, at the start of a new school year. For some children, returning to the classroom is exciting. For others, it can mean returning to an unsafe environment. Cases like this are so important because they not only seek justice for one survivor but also aim to create safer systems for future generations..
If you or someone you love has experienced abuse in a school, workplace, or healthcare setting, know that you are not alone. Contact Betts Law Group for a confidential consultation. We are here to listen, support, and fight for the justice you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is considered institutional sexual abuse?
Institutional sexual abuse occurs when someone in a position of authority within an organization (such as a teacher, coach, doctor, or employer) exploits that power to abuse someone under their care. - Can I still file a claim if the abuse happened years ago?
Yes. California law provides extended timelines for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to pursue justice. Even if the abuse occurred decades ago, you may still have a valid claim. Our team can help you understand your rights and explore your legal options. - What types of claims can be brought against a school district or institution?
Claims may include negligent hiring, supervision, or retention of staff, failure to report suspected child abuse, and direct liability for harassment or assault. Each case is unique, which is why consulting with an experienced attorney is so important. - How do I prove negligence in a case like this?
Evidence may include prior complaints about the abuser, witness testimony, or patterns of misconduct ignored by the institution. Our attorneys have extensive experience building strong cases that hold institutions accountable. - What support is available for survivors outside of legal action?
Survivors often benefit from counseling, peer support groups, and advocacy services. While we focus on the legal side, we also connect clients with resources to support their healing. - How can Betts Law Group help if I’ve been harmed?
We provide confidential consultations, trauma-informed guidance, and representation against both abusers and the institutions that enabled them. Whether through settlement or trial, we fight for accountability, justice, and policy change.
