Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Clergy Sexual Abuse Law Firm

How Can a Clergy Sexual Abuse Attorney Help?

Many victims of clergy sexual abuse are reluctant to file a lawsuit against their abusers because they fear public exposure of their trauma and private pain. Feeling disempowered or afraid by their experiences, survivors may not know where to turn for guidance and compassionate support. 

Choosing an experienced clergy sexual abuse lawyer can help you determine what options are available to you. Whether you want to file a lawsuit or claim, at Parker Waichman LLP, our legal team can help you make the right decision and guide you through every step of the legal process. 

You need an experienced sexual abuse attorney to be your advocate and provide compassionate and knowledgeable legal support and guidance resulting in a settlement offer, with no need to proceed to trial. At each step, your clergy sexual abuse lawyer will follow your wishes, helping you achieve the closure you’re entitled to. 

At Parker Waichman LLP, a clergy sexual abuse attorney can help during this challenging time in many ways, including:

• Help you explore your legal options and rights to determine the best way to pursue compensation
• Investigating your case
• Determining liability of all people and entities involved
• Assessing damages to determine the value of your case
• Pursuing a settlement from an insurance company that provides coverage to the abuser or another liable party
• Filing a lawsuit
• Representing you in court
• Helping you secure compensation for the damages you suffered

What is Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse can include any action that coerces or pressures an individual to do something sexually that they don’t want to do. The term sexual abuse also refers to behaviors that impact an individual’s ability to control the circumstances in which sexual activity occurs. 

Some examples of sexual abuse can include:

• Sexual contact with an individual under the influence of alcohol or drugs who is unable to give consent
• Unwanted touching or kissing
• Pressuring or threatening individuals into unwanted sexual contact
• Attempted rape or rape

Who Can Be Held Liable for Clergy Sexual Abuse?

Clergy sexual abuse can involve abuse perpetrated by an individual who belongs to a religious institution. 

Parties that can be held liable for abuse include:

• The church, religious institution, or religious facility where the abuse occurred
• Pastors
• Nuns
• Priests
• Deacons
• Ministers
• And other clergy members.

Filing a Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

The wounds of sexual abuse don’t heal easily. A survivor usually carries the emotional, physical, spiritual, and financial scars inflicted by the abuser for the rest of their life. If you are a victim of clergy sexual abuse, filing a civil lawsuit cannot take away your pain, but it can allow you to find much-needed support. 

Civil actions can help further goals by preventing clergy abuse in the future. Some survivors of sexual abuse will file a lawsuit individually, while others will join together in group litigation. As with any lawsuit, a positive outcome is never guaranteed. However, many recent lawsuits against clergy members have demonstrated that a survivor can recover substantial compensation.

What Are Warning Signs Of Clergy Sexual Abuse?

As a family member or parent of someone who may have been the victim of sexual abuse, it’s important to listen to your instincts. 

Below are warning signs that can help you recognize the symptoms of sexual abuse:

• Signs of physical trauma
• Regressive behaviors such as social withdrawal, thumb sucking, or bed-wetting
• Unexplained sexual knowledge, talking about sexual topics
• Secretive behavior, reluctance to be left alone with clergy, teachers, or caregivers, feelings of guilt or shame
• Personality or mood changes including overly compliant behavior or aggressive behavior
• Loss of interest in activities with family or friends
• Depression or anxiety
• Eating disorders
• Panic attacks

How Does Clergy Sexual Abuse Occur?

In many cases, clergy sexual abuse occurs when a member of the clergy uses their influence and power to take advantage of their victims in a sexual manner. Like other types of sexual abuse, abuse at the hands of a clergy member often involves a wide range of behaviors and violations, including:

• Non-consensual or unwanted sexual contact, such as penetration, fondling, or touching
• Unwanted sexual advances
• Building a relationship of trust with victims over time through attention, gifts, or other means to gain sexual access

Sexual abuse by a clergy member often involves manipulation and coercion, demonstrating many underlying causes that can result in abuse, including:

• Abuse of trust and power
• Manipulation
• Access to victims
• Cover up and silence
• Failure to enforce policies

At Parker Waichman LLP, your clergy sexual abuse lawyer will make your voice heard. They will investigate your case, gather vital evidence, and work tirelessly to hold your abuser accountable for the harm you have suffered over the years. During this challenging time, we will stay by your side, providing the support and guidance you need.

These cases can be very complex and difficult to prove. Let an experienced clergy sexual abuse lawyer on our legal team fight for you and help you obtain the justice, closure, and compensation you deserve.

Contact Us Today

If you or someone you love was a victim of sexual abuse by a clergy member, contact Parker Waichman LLP today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced clergy sexual abuse lawyer on our legal team. We can meet with you to discuss your case, explore your legal options, and help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn more.