Van Law Firm Encourages Victims Of Church Sex Abuse To Come Forward

Last May, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops shared audit findings concerning sexual abuse cases reported between July 2022 and June 2023. According to the report, more than 1,200 victims filed more than 1,300 complaints during that time. Tellingly, most of the people who filed the complaints were adults reporting that clergy abused them when they were kids.

“These numbers are not just numbers,” Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said in a preface to the report. “The statistics are the many stories and accounts of the betrayal of trust and the lifelong journey towards recovery.”

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While allegations of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church tend to garner shocking headlines in the national press, this type of clerical misconduct is not unique to Catholicism, however. Religious leaders of various denominations and faiths, such as Southern Baptists, Mormons and Scientologists have also been accused of sexual abuse.

If you have been sexually abused by a religious leader, Van Law Firm may be able to help you obtain compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial harm you experienced.

Examples Of Church Or Clergy Sex Abuse

Experts classify church or clergy sexual abuse as inappropriate and/or illegal activities carried out by priests, pastors, youth pastors and other religious leaders. It includes:

• Sexual grooming – repeated behavior used to convince a victim that unwanted sexual activity is actually okay and should not be reported.
• Making unwelcome contact with another person’s body in a sexual or sexually suggestive manner.
• Repeatedly making sexually explicit jokes or comments targeting a specific person or group.
• Any activity classified as sexual harassment.
• Distributing nude or sexualized photos, or asking for any such images of a particular person or persons.
• Any activity classified as sexual assault
• Rape

Effects Of Church Or Clergy Sexual Abuse On Victims

A 2019 report shows that victims of clergy sexual abuse experience significant trauma resulting in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and other conditions affecting their mental health.

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Among other things, victims who have been sexually abused by religious leaders experience ongoing feelings of shame, helplessness, sadness, guilt and betrayal, the report found. This tends to make them prone to substance abuse and other self-destructive behaviors. The inability to trust anyone else may also lead to dysfunctional relationships with others. Fear of reprisal from the church and invalidation by family and/or other members of the congregation sometimes makes victims more reluctant to seek help.

Legal Options For Victims Of Church Abuse

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If a religious leader sexually abused you, you may be able to seek compensation for your physical, emotional and financial losses. Your ability to do so depends on when the abuse occurred and the deadline for taking legal action. Because the deadline in these types of civil cases vary, it is important that you come forward as soon as possible.

Depending on where you live or where the incident(s) occurred your options for doing so include:

• Going directly to the police
• Reporting the matter to the religious institution or state
• Consulting a lawyer directly

How Van Law Firm Helps Church Sex Abuse Victims

At Van Law Firm, our experienced church sex abuse lawyers can quickly and easily assess the unique circumstances to see if you have a viable case. If you do we will share all of your options for legal recourses so you can make an informed decision about what is best for you.

Specifically, we will:

• Gather and safeguard all relevant evidence
• Help you write and file formal complaints with religious oversight agencies as needed
• Ensure the matter is reported to appropriate law enforcement agency/agencies.
• Filing a sexual abuse lawsuit against the religious leader or institution for you
• Manage interactions with the church, its attorneys, and the courts
• Negotiate a settlement with the church or its insurance company when necessary.
• Represent you in all relevant court appearances

Most importantly, you can count on our dedicated clergy sexual abuse lawyers to handle your case with the care and compassion it deserves. But the first step is up to you. Contact our office to begin the process by scheduling your free consultation today.