The appropriate channels for reporting Presbyterian church sex abuse in Nevada depend on the crime’s circumstances. For instance, if a child is experiencing abuse, a mandated reporter, such as a doctor, should contact Child Protective Services. If an adult is in immediate danger, they should call local authorities.
Some organizations within the Presbyterian church want to know about instances of abuse so they can conduct internal investigations. These organizations have the power to strip clerical authorities of their ranks or impose other penalties.
As a reputable Nevada sexual abuse lawyer, Van Law Firm advocates for justice in all cases. Our team can also manage all the details of your case for you.
You Can Alert Nevada Authorities to Current Instances of Abuse
If you or a loved one is experiencing sexual abuse in the Presbyterian church, you’re within your rights to contact the authorities. Law enforcement can investigate your allegations and hold the perpetrator responsible for their actions. You may call:
- Child Protective Services (CPS). CPS responds to allegations of assault and abuse involving people under 18 years old. Calling CPS does more than initiate an investigation; it also empowers survivors and their families to connect with local resources.
- 911. If you or a loved one is in immediate danger of suffering abuse, you can call the police. They can assess the scene, listen to your story, and protect you from any threats.
For a free legal consultation, call (725) 900-9000
You Can Report Sex Abuse to the Presbyterian Church in Nevada
Clerical officials in the Presbyterian church must obey the rules and regulations stated in the Book of Order. This document outlines the processes and penalties for addressing clerical misconduct. It also allows survivors to file complaints against ministers, teaching elders, deacons, and other congregation members.
To make a report, you must have some basic information about the abuser, their role in the church, and other details. The Presbyterian Church encourages survivors to call its hotline to learn more about their options and obligations when reporting.
Keep in mind that each presbytery has its own abuse policies and procedures. While each church must follow the Book of Order’s guidelines, some are more lenient with their interpretations than others.
What Constitutes Sexual Abuse in the Presbyterian Church?
The Book of Order prohibits sexual misconduct. It describes sexual abuse as sexual relations involving:
- Anyone under 18 years old
- Anyone over 18 years old who cannot consent
- The use of force, coercion, intimidation, threats, or misuse of ministry office
What You Can Expect After Reporting Sex Abuse to the Presbyterian Church
When you report abuse to a clerical authority in the Presbyterian church, they must:
- Listen to your story.
- Avoid questioning your credibility or the story’s details.
- Explain that what happened isn’t your fault.
- Reassure you that you did the right thing by reporting the incident.
- Write down details so they can pass along accurate information to higher-ups.
Anything short of these obligations could mean the other party isn’t taking your allegations seriously. While unfortunate (and a violation of the Book of Order), you still have options. As we’ll explain later, when you work with a sex abuse attorney, they can report the incident to the proper authorities and uphold your legal rights.
You Can Report Sex Abuse to an Educational Facility’s Administration
Sexual abuse in the Presbyterian church doesn’t only happen on church grounds; it can also happen at affiliated colleges, universities, and seminaries. When this happens, these schools have a protocol to protect survivors. However, administrators also have a vested interest in protecting their schools’ reputations and sweeping these matters under the rug, so to speak.
Still, you can benefit from reporting any instances of sexual abuse to as many parties as possible. This can generate evidence to support your case and set the claims process in motion.
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What Happens After I Report Presbyterian Church Sex Abuse in Nevada?
Ideally, after reporting the sexual abuse, the overseeing agency will investigate what happened and hold the perpetrator accountable for their actions. This may involve stripping clerical authorities of their titles, making arrests, or transferring perpetrators to other facilities.
Yet, reporting the abuse will not yield compensation in and of itself. If you want to secure compensation for your pain, suffering, and other damages, that is an entirely separate process with its obligations. A sex abuse lawyer from our firm can walk you through that process and take on the tasks involved in seeking damages.
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A Sexual Abuse Lawyer Can Hold the Liable Party Financially Accountable
Working with a sexual abuse lawyer can offer the guidance, resources, and insights you want to support your pursuit of compensation. They can advocate for what you deserve by:
- Listening to your story. We want to know everything about what you experienced so that we can build the strongest possible claim. Everything you disclose stays between you and your legal team. If you work with our team, we prioritize your comfort and confidentiality throughout our partnership.
- Investigating the abuse. As noted, we need evidence to build a successful case. This information can include eyewitness testimony, information from mental health providers, and church reports.
- Identifying the liable party. The perpetrator might not be financially accountable for their actions, but rather an overseeing agency. For instance, if a pastor at a religious sleepaway camp committed abuse, the camp itself could be liable for hiring the official.
- Assessing your losses. We review your medical bills, employment records, and pain and suffering to learn what constitutes a fair settlement.
- Pursuing what you need. Whether through an out-of-court settlement or a sexual abuse lawsuit, we intend to resolve your case and secure what you need.
Our law firm handles everything your clergy abuse lawsuit case requires on a contingency fee basis, meaning you never pay out of pocket to retain our services.
Begin Your Confidential Case Review With Our Nevada Sexual Abuse Attorneys
The sexual abuse lawyers at Van Law Firm have more than 100 years of combined experience advocating for survivors of sexual abuse. To us, compensation is more than money; it allows survivors of assault to move forward.
Call us now to connect with our legal team. We want to offer the peace of mind and sense of closure you deserve.
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