Clergy & Religious Sexual Abuse Victims

While the horrific sexual abuse scandal that continues to plague the Catholic Church has gotten the most prominent play in the press, the truth is that sexual is abuse is non-denominational. Victims of sexual abuse span every major religion and sect, and victimizers may be lurking in any church, mosque, or synagogue, no matter how large or respectable these institutions may seem. Indeed, one of the most sinister aspects of church and clergy sexual abuse is the way in which our faith in these figures and the institutions that support them is used against us.

Our law firm stands with victims of sexual abuse of any faith, including but not limited to:

• Catholic Church

• Judaism

• Islam

• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

• Jehovah’s Witnesses

• Protestant Church

• Mormon Church

• Hinduism

• Buddhism

• Seventh-day Adventists

Victims of Sexual Abuse Are Often Entitled to Financial Compensation

Those abused or assaulted by priests, clergy, or employees of religious institutions and organizations may pursue legal action to obtain justice against their abusers. In Pennsylvania and New Jersey, strong laws support attempts by victims to hold the individuals and entities involved in their abuse liable for abuse or negligence. Lawsuits may seek financial compensation for pain and suffering, medical treatment, and counseling.

As the Catholic Church scandal has demonstrated, the institutions themselves are often a large part of the problem, and they will work to conceal abuse for as long as possible. Abusers are also often moved or relocated.

Abusers in these may include:

• Priests

• Nuns

• Sunday school teachers

• Choir directors

• Youth Leaders

• Volunteers

• Deacons

• Bishops

• Reverends

• Ministers

• Pastors

• Rabbis

• Imams

Child Abuse and Molestation by Priests and Clergy

Tragically, the most common victims of sexual abuse by priests and clergy are children or adolescents. The stress and suffering they undergo as a result of abuse at so young an age is unimaginable; it is also compounded by the involvement of community leaders, religious figures, and authority figures. As we know, in many instances, victims will repress the traumatic events for years - even decades - until something triggers its remembrance in adulthood. While the recovery of such repressed memories comes as a terrible shock, the goods news is that adult victims of child abuse may still have legal recourse to bring suit against their abusers and institutions.

Pennsylvania and New Jersey Church and Clergy Abuse Law Firm

If you or someone you know has been the victim of priest or clergy sexual abuse, please contact our attorneys toll-free for a free consultation at 1-215-462-3330 or by using our online contact form.