Clergy Child Sexual Abuse Attorney
We know that any instance of child sexual abuse can be incredibly harmful and traumatic for the victim, leaving emotional and psychological wounds that may never heal.
But when a trusted figure, such as a clergy member, violates the trust of a child and their family, the damage can be particularly deep. For years now, the media has exposed incidents of clergy members and Catholic priests preying on children.
These revelations of the abuse survivors regarding the depths of suffering they have endured throughout their lives after the abuse have reinforced the public's opinion that our children must be protected and justice must be available to survivors of sex crimes.
Survivors often carry these traumatic experiences well into adulthood, affecting relationships, mental health, and quality of life.
As a parent, if you suspect or have discovered that a member of the clergy has sexually abused your child, it's crucial to understand your rights.
You have the right to file for civil damages on behalf of your child, separate from any criminal charges the abuser may face. This legal recourse can empower you to take action and seek justice for your child.
If you are an adult survivor of clergy sexual abuse, there is hope. California has recently rescinded the statute of limitations on such cases via Assembly Bill 452. This means that you can now sue for damages, regardless of how long ago the abuse took place.
These changes in the law provide survivors with new legal options and the opportunity to seek justice, offering a beacon of hope in what may seem like a daunting journey.
At the Injury Justice Law Firm, our attorneys have extensive experience defending the rights of victims of child sexual abuse. We understand the complexities of these cases and are committed to working tirelessly to get you the full measure of compensation you deserve, providing you with the support and guidance you need during this difficult time.
You can trust our team to provide you with the support and guidance you need during this difficult time. Suppose you or a loved one has been sexually assaulted, molested, or subjected to any sexual behavior that has made you uncomfortable.
In that case, you must consult a respected clergy sexual abuse lawyer who is prepared to take action and file a claim for damages. Our law firm can help you with the first steps to filing a claim.
The Lasting Impact of Clergy-Perpetrated Abuse
When a member of the clergy commits abuse, it can cause a unique type of harm. Religious leaders are often seen as trustworthy, moral, and caring people to turn to for support and guidance. When a clergy member violates this trust, it can deeply disrupt a child's view of authority, spirituality, and self-worth.
Survivors of clergy-perpetrated abuse may suffer from mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and substance abuse disorders. Many struggle with feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation.
The financial burden of counseling, treatment, and other medical expenses stemming from this abuse can be overwhelming. The pain, suffering, and loss of joy that can't be easily translated into a dollar amount further underscore the need for compensation and legal action.
Many children and adults have been the victims of clergy abuse or harassment, whether in the work environment or as parishioners of a specific religious group.
Sexual harassment can be sexual innuendos, veiled sexual comments, or any other unwanted sexual actions that are upsetting and illegal.
Often, the parishioners, sometimes innocent children, are asked to perform certain sexual acts, to discuss private matters, including talking about their genitals, or to engage in discussing or participating in various sexual activities.
These are serious offenses and must be addressed with a sexual harassment attorney in a civil lawsuit against the individual and church that allowed the actions to occur.
How Common Is Clergy Sexual Abuse?
Despite the national scandals shining a spotlight on this issue in recent years, child sexual abuse continues to be an issue among the clergy worldwide.
While it's nearly impossible to know exactly how frequently it occurs, researchers estimate that 18 percent of girls and 7.6 percent of boys suffer sexual abuse as children by clergy members worldwide. Thus far, at least 5300 members of the clergy have been implicated in child sexual abuse cases across the United States.
Here in California, as of 2020, there have been 757 clergy members who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse, and the number since then has likely increased. These atrocities are committed by different types of religious leaders, including the following:
- Ministers,
- Priests,
- Rabbis,
- Pastors,
- Church staff,
- Religious workers.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Child Sexual Abuse in California Churches?
In California, liability for child sexual abuse by clergy can extend beyond the individual perpetrator to include the institution itself. When abuse occurs within a religious organization, it is often due to negligence or failure to implement safeguards that protect vulnerable individuals.
California law allows survivors to seek damages from both the abuser and any organization that contributed to or covered up the abuse. The following parties may be held liable in a civil claim:
- Individual Clergy Members: Any clergy member responsible for abuse can be directly held accountable in a civil lawsuit.
- Church Officials: High-ranking officials, including bishops or ministers, may be liable if they knew of the abuse and took steps to conceal it or failed to take reasonable action to prevent it.
- Religious Institutions: Churches, dioceses, or other religious organizations can be held responsible for the abusive actions of their employees if they were negligent in hiring, training, or supervising clergy. If a church or religious institution fails to report known abuse or enables it to continue, it may also face liability.
Our firm is skilled at identifying all responsible parties and holding them accountable. We work to ensure that institutions are held to the highest standards of transparency and responsibility regarding the safety of children and other vulnerable individuals.
How Can You Take Legal Action?
Sometimes, cases of clergy sexual harassment include efforts to speak to the victims privately to discuss sexual matters. This activity is often the beginning of more serious sex crimes, including abuse.
The Catholic Church has long been under scrutiny for many serious criminal activities with regard to clergy members committing acts of sexual abuse.
The Pew Research Center found that Americans view Catholic clergy sexual abuse as a serious ongoing problem and that most adults have at least heard about the abuse and victims coming forward.
It's crucial to remain vigilant against any form of sexual harassment. If you or someone you know has experienced clergy sexual abuse, it's imperative to seek help from a child sexual abuse lawyer immediately.
We will help you prepare and gather all that is needed to fight for the compensation you deserve.
The clergy of all faiths are entrusted with the enormous responsibility to report any suspected case of child sexual abuse. Most children who clergy have abused simply don't talk about it.
Notably, a sexual predator rarely stops at just one child. One predator can abuse numerous children over a lifetime. When a religious institution finds out about sexual abuse and takes no action or covers it up, it allows the predator to commit more abuse, making the situation even worse.
Anyone who hides sexual abuse can become liable. Those who commit the abuse, as well as those who knew of it and allowed it to continue, must be held accountable. These complicated cases require the skill of our knowledgeable clergy abuse attorneys to ensure success.
Why It's Important to File a Civil Suit for Clergy-Child Sexual Abuse
Filing a civil lawsuit for clergy-perpetrated child sexual abuse in California is a powerful step toward healing and justice. While criminal charges are possible, prosecutors must prove the abuser's guilt "beyond a reasonable doubt," and even if the abuser is convicted, the survivor doesn't necessarily have a say in how much restitution they receive.
A civil claim uses the "preponderance of the evidence" standard, which is a lower standard of proof and increases the chances of the survivor receiving compensation for the harm they have endured.
It also creates a formal record of the abuse, regardless of whether the abuser is convicted. By taking legal action, you may help prevent future incidents and encourage religious institutions to implement more robust protection policies.
For additional information, contact our sexual abuse lawyers at Injury Justice Law Firm, based in Los Angeles, California. We offer a free case evaluation and work on a contingency basis, meaning you do not pay any fees unless we win your case.
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