The short answer: Yes. When a child is harmed by the church, culpability and liability can land on more than the abuser. This includes: A bishop or cardinal whose job it was to oversee the clergy responsible The local diocese in charge of supervising the church leadership and reporting suspected abuse A living or dead…
If you are a victim of clergy sexual abuse, it can take years before you decide to take legal action against your abuser. The abuse might have happened when you were a minor, you might feel ashamed or that the abuse was your fault. However, when you take the steps to seek legal advice or…
Sexual abuse and assault cases can happen to anyone at any age. Survivors of abuse can go years before realizing they were a victim of sexual abuse, especially when their abuser is in a position of authority. Clergy sexual abuse occurs at the hands of a religious leader, or member of the Church, and is…
The Child Victims Act has allowed victims of sexual abuse to seek compensation as long as 30 years past the time of their abuse. The new act doubles the former 15 years allowed, offering more leeway for child sexual abuse victims to come forward. Although this isn’t as big a change as some states such…
Clergy Malpractice: All Religious Sects are Subject to the “Lemon Test” As clergy abuse attorneys we sadly have assisted clients with clergy abuse and sexual harassment cases. Unfortunately, many victims of such cases are unaware these cases are not limited to what one might consider mainstream religions. When interactions occur with a secular counselor…
Cases of sexual misconduct involving the clergy are not limited to children. The clergy hold a position of trust and therefore a fundamental obligation of care owed to children and adults. When a member of the clergy takes advantage of an adult’s innocence and vulnerability, it can still be criminalized based on laws surrounding sexual…