Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer

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.