Clergy abuse lawyer
Religious institutions have the sacred duty of protecting children as well as vulnerable adults against sexual predators. It is disheartening that these institutions instead serve as a perfect grooming ground for the perpetrators of this abominable act. The victims are left to suffer unbearable emotional pain while the perpetrators enjoy the protection of these institutions.
But it’s high time that narrative changed. If you were sexually abused by a clergy member, sexual abuse attorneys at Horowitz Law are ready to help you pursue damages and ensure the clergy and institution pay for their misdeeds.
What is clergy sex abuse?
Clergy sex abuse occurs when a clergy member uses his/her position of religious authority to subject a subordinate or member of the congregation to unwanted sexual contact. Clergy sex abuse covers the inappropriate use of power by priests, pastors, bishops, rabbis, imams, deacons, nuns, etc. at Horowitz law, we represent victims of any faith, including but not limited to abuse within:
- Catholic Church
- Protestant Churches
- Jehovah’s Witnesses
- Church of God in Christ, Inc.
- Seventh-Day Adventists
- Baptist Church
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
- Judaism
- Islam
Who are the defendants in a clergy abuse case?
Usually, the first defendant is the perpetrator of the abuse. Victims can file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator and recover damages even if they would not be held criminally liable. Besides the clergy, the religious organization may also be held liable if there is any negligence. Such organizations are expected to protect their congregation from abuse their negligence can stem from:
- Hiring
- Supervision
- Concealing abuse
- Not properly investigating or reporting cases brought to their knowledge
- Failing to maintain the proper procedures and protocols expected of such organizations
Our clergy abuse attorneys at Horowitz Law will help you evaluate your case and determine the parties that can be held liable.
What is the statute of limitations in sexual abuse cases?
A lot of clergy sexual abuse victims are minors and many do not discover the abuse for what it is until much later. If you were sexually molested by a clergy member as a child, do not think it’s too late to come forward. We are experienced in "getting around" the statute of limitations based on various legal theories. Sexual abuse laws vary from state to state and in several states there is no statute of limitations.
Simply schedule a free consultation with our clergy abuse lawyers and they’ll be glad to help. However, the best time to do that is now because every second counts in clergy abuse cases.
Schedule a free consultation with an expert clergy abuse lawyer
The psychological effects of clergy abuse could last a lifetime. However, you can facilitate your healing process by ensuring the clergy and the religious organization are made to pay for their actions. If you or anyone you know has suffered from clergy abuse, contact a clergy abuse lawyer for a free and confidential consultation.