Clergy Abuse Attorney
Choose an experienced clergy abuse lawyer who will battle for maximum compensation in your youth abuse lawsuit
If you are a victim of clergy or priest sexual abuse, then to protect your potential abuse lawsuit, make sure you consult with professional clergy abuse lawyers. Getting a free case evaluation with a lawyer lets you figure out your legal rights and options during this dark time. My Rights Law is a personal injury law firm focusing on assisting clergy abuse victims with getting financial compensation and justice from their abusers and the institutions responsible for these abuses. Our clergy abuse lawyers is prepared to help you today. So, if you have been subjected to clergy sex abuse, call (888) 702-8882 or contact us through our secure web form for a free consultation.
Clergy Sexual Assault Is A Global Problem
Sexual assault by members of the clergy is a global problem. These horrific cases involve betrayal by a member of the community who holds themselves out in a position of trust, yet who then preys on the vulnerability of children. For these reasons, many states have taken significant steps to ensure that all victims of priest and clergy sexual assault have an opportunity to be heard in a court of law.
Our clergy sexual assault lawyers have experience in the intricacies of these cases. We understand your need for privacy and justice. We also accept that no amount of monetary compensation can ever adequately atone for the abuse and betrayal you suffered at the hands of a trusted member of the clergy. We will take the time to understand you and what happened. We will meet with you without charge and answer all your questions. During our meeting, our lawyers will provide you with all your options should you choose to proceed.
This article will examine the current state of the law concerning clergy sexual assault. Specifically, it will address the following:
- what constitutes sexual assault;
- the impact of clergy sexual assaults on children;
- the clergy sexual assault law;
- the independent commission program;
- damages to which victims are entitled; and
- how to proceed if you have been the victim of clergy sexual assault
It will also address some frequently asked questions. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact My Rights Law. We are waiting for your call, and there is no charge for your initial consultation.
What Is Sexual Assault?
In most states, the following would constitute sexual assault:
- Unwanted sexual contact with genitalia
- Exposing oneself or forcing another to expose themselves
- Groping without consent
- Fondling without consent
- Touching, even over the clothes, in a suggestive manner
- Any other touching when done for sexual gratification
The list above consists of some examples but not all types of sexual assault. It is also important to know that any act of sexual assault becomes a more serious, aggravated offense when the victim is a minor.
While the criminal code addresses these matters, the offender’s punishment is not enough to make the survivor whole. As a result, survivors of clergy sexual assault can seek monetary compensation for their injuries in civil court.
Any single act listed above would provide a basis for a survivor to file a sexual assault civil lawsuit against a member of the clergy and the church in which they worked. There does not need to be a criminal conviction to pursue a civil case. You can proceed regardless of whether your abuser was arrested, tried, or convicted. You may even proceed if your abuser was found not guilty at trial.
The criminal justice system and the civil law system have different standards and aims. The criminal justice system aims to provide a deterrent, punish, and protect society from dangerous criminals. The civil justice system addresses injuries sustained by wrongful conduct. By pursuing your case in civil court, you play an important part in bringing the truth of clergy assault and the abuser to the light of day.
Devastating Effects Of Clergy Childhood Sexual Assault
Survivors of childhood sexual abuse face immediate and chronic psychological and mental injuries. Immediately after the assault, survivors feel some combination of shock, betrayal, fear, and anxiety. As the initial shock wears off, chronic injuries begin to surface. These chronic injuries can first appear shortly following the assault or materialize later in life. What follows is a list of some of the most common psychological and physical injuries sustained by survivors of childhood clergy sexual assault:
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
- Sleep disorders
- Eating disorders
- Personality disorders
- Depression
- Substance abuse
- Self-abuse
- Suicidal ideation
- Difficulty maintaining relationships
- Difficulty achieving intimacy
- Emotional regulation
- Distress tolerance
This psychological damage can last decades and requires consistent treatment from mental health experts and medication.
Physical damages may include all the following:
- Stunted development
- Chronic pain syndrome
- Digestive health issues
- Anorexia
- Obesity
- Heart-related issues
As is the case with psychological damages, physical injuries can last for decades and require regular medical visits. Survivors of clergy sexual abuse can seek monetary compensation for all the impairments listed above and many others.
It must also be acknowledged that these crimes devastate the survivors and their families and communities. Since the assault is at the hands of a trusted member of the family’s church, the child victim bears an excessive burden. The child must speak up concerning one of the most immoral acts and accuse an individual that the family and community regard as a moral authority. When children inform a trusted family member, the family can risk being ostracized by charging such a revered member of the community. In this way, the effects extend far beyond the immediate survivor.
One typical response to these injuries is denial. This denial can linger for years and even decades. During that time, many victims lose their ability to seek justice in court for their injuries.
Clergy Sexual Assault Law
A common difficulty victims have in pursuing justice for childhood sexual assault comes from the imposition of statutes of limitation. States’ statutes limit the amount of time a victim must file a lawsuit. Since the victims of these horrific crimes are children when they occur, the limitations can be particularly harsh. Children are not generally able to exercise their rights. Even though many courts extend the time for children to the age of majority, this has proven an unworkable solution to the issue.
Another reason many cases failed to see a courtroom was the systematic behavior of churches in denying the existence of a problem. Churches did everything they could, both legal and illegal, to discourage the cases. They manipulated evidence, engaged in far-reaching cover-ups, transferred accused clergy members to difficult-to-reach locations, and, in some cases, attacked the survivor’s character.
Fortunately, some states have enacted laws that extend the statute of limitations for filing claims and increase compensation to victims. If you are a survivor of childhood clergy sexual assault, this is your opportunity to hold your abuser and the church accountable in court
Changes in some states’ laws provide opportunities for survivors to seek the justice they deserve. By extending the time to file a case until the survivor is older, states allow the survivor to make an informed decision concerning the best course of action for them to pursue.
It is of little surprise that some churches and clergy have fought against state laws that protect survivors’ rights. Some have acted to prevent the survivors of their abuse from being heard. They were historically slow to acknowledge and take action against priests and clergy members that engaged in the childhood sexual assault of children.
Clergy Sexual Abuse Attorneys
The attorneys at My Rights Law are ready to help clergy abuse victims financially recover against their abusers. We can prudently review your situation, help you gauge your options, and vigorously pursue all remedies against your abuser so that you can get the compensation and justice that you deserve. Clergy sex abuse victims should call (888) 702-8882 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Damages Available In Clergy Sexual Assault Claims
The damages you may be entitled to recover after a successful claim for clergy sexual abuse fall into two categories, economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover all the costs associated with the abuse. Non-economic damages cover the pain and suffering you endured because of the abuse and punitive damages. These damages are defined in further detail immediately below.
- Economic damages cover every expense you have incurred because of the abuse. These damages include medical expenses, lost opportunities, future lost earnings, mental health treatment, prescriptions, lost wages, and any long-term care you received.
- Non-economic damages will cover your pain and suffering because of the abuse. While this can cover a wide range of injuries, in clergy sexual assault cases, they typically include compensation for depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and other mental health issues that arose from the assault.
- Punitive damages are available in some states’ clergy sexual assault cases. These awards, sometimes referred to as exemplary damages, are in place to punish the abuser and deter others from engaging in appalling behavior.
- Treble damages are also available under some states’ clergy sexual assault laws. Treble damages allow the court to increase your award.
Many states have recognized that survivors of clergy sexual assault have suffered for too long. Those states have attempted to level the playing field and allow you the opportunity to be heard and heal.
Talk To A Clergy Sexual Assault Lawyer
If you are a survivor of clergy sexual assault, you have lived with the devastating repercussions of the act for a large segment of your life. We understand the range of emotions that must arise when you consider seeking justice. Our lawyers will take the time to learn your story and the unique facts of your assault. We will take the time to understand you and how these horrific actions have affected your life. We are here to help. Our consultation is entirely free.
We will do everything possible to protect your privacy and dignity while fighting relentlessly for the justice you deserve. During your consultation, we will answer all your questions and advise you of your options. We are here to help. Take the time to speak with us today and fully understand your rights.
