Church Sexual Abuse Cases
Since the mid-1980’s the Catholic church sexual abuse cases of children and other vulnerable people has taken place by clergymen. Church sexual abuse happens when someone is in a vulnerable position and threatened, forced, or taken advantage of by engaging in unwanted sexual activity. Regrettably, Catholic Church sexual abuse cases are not only the fault of the perpetrators but also the catholic church for putting the perpetrators in a position of power that they may have used to manipulate victims. When Clergymen and other figures of power in the catholic church sexually abuse victims it can have a very lasting harmful and traumatic effect. Victims of Catholic Church sexual abuse cases often suffer from physical, psychological, and emotional issues including flashbacks, depression, eating disorders, and self-harming behaviors.
If you or a loved one has suffered from Church sexual abuse don’t hesitate to contact Arentz Law Group National Injury Lawyers today. Our church sexual abuse attorneys are committed to helping you secure the maximum compensation for your injuries and suffering. Holding individuals as wells the catholic church accountable for the catholic church sexual abuse cases that occurred under their watch is important. Contact Arentz Law today to discuss your legal options and get any questions you have answered. After a no-obligation free consultation If you decide to move forward with the legal process, you only pay us if you recover compensation.
Fill out our Free Case Evaluation form today to get started on your claim.
Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Cases
Far too frequently perpetrators of church sexual abuse are in positions of trust within the church or religious institution. In 2002, a Boston Globe report discovered that there had been a widespread cover-up of church sex abuse. The cover-up was implemented by a group of Boston area priests and church officials. In response to this, the catholic church has established new policies and procedures in order to ensure that church sexual abuse cases are taken seriously. Sadly, many critics of the catholic church are doubtful that these new policies are even being enforced. As recently as 2018 a grand jury in Pennsylvania released a report detailing the abuse and cover-up at six dioceses that they investigated. Although most of these were prior to the new policies, a handful were from the last decade.
The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University has said that the 2018 grand jury report included a lot more detail than past reports. CARA in combination with John Jay College of Criminal Justice has gathered data on all allegations of sexual abuse since 1950. Although the number of catholic church sexual abuse cases has dropped significantly since 2000 compared to decades prior, there is still a problem. According to CARA there have been more than 300 sexual abuse cases between 2000 and 2017. Consequently, Pope Francis summoned Catholic bishops from around the world for an unprecedented meeting at the Vatican. This meeting took place in February 2019 to discuss the topic of “prevention of abuse of minors and vulnerable adults” as a result of the Pennsylvania grand jury report. If you or a loved one has experienced church sexual abuse at the hands of a church member we are here to help you.
Our firm is ready to discuss your case with you. Call 1-800-305-6000 today.
High-Profile Catholic Church Abuse Cases
For several years now, there have been a number of high-profile catholic church sexual abuse cases. Sadly many of the perpetrators involved hold high-ranking positions in their organization and tend to cover up sexual abuse cases. Because of this these perpetrators as well as the organization they are associated with are being held accountable and pay millions in settlements to the victims of Catholic Church sexual abuse.
Catholic Churches as well as other Catholic institutions throughout the country are being exposed for mishandling or covering up sexual abuse allegations. The Diocese of Brooklyn has agreed to pay $27.5 million to victims of sexual abuse. One religious teacher at a Roman Catholic Church committed sexual abuse on multiple victims between 2003 and 2009. The clergy members of the Brooklyn Diocese were found to not only ignore the warning sign of abuse but also failed to report it.
This case Occurred only one month after the previously mentioned grand jury report in Pennsylvania. This report found that over a span of 70 years, 300 Roman Catholic priests sexually abused at least 1,000 children. In addition to these high-profile cases, the newest case had one of the largest sexual abuse settlements in history. In May of 2018 Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis agreed to pay $210 million in damages. This settlement was awarded to 450 victims that were sexually abused by more than 90 different Catholic priests. For far too long, religious leaders have been committing sexual abuse or overlooking sexually abusive priests. For decades innocent and vulnerable people have been prayed upon by people they were lead to trust. These abuses of power need to be accounted for, if you or a loved one has experienced a form of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, contact Arentz Law National Injury Lawyers today.
Fill out our Free Case Evaluation form today to get started on your claim.
Lasting Effects of Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse involves unwanted or intentional sexual contact with someone who is unwilling to engage. Unfortunately, acts of sexual abuse are swept under the rug and go unpunished because of the perpetrator’s position of power. This can occur because of perpetrator intimidation, or worse, unwillingness to punish or protection from the Church. Due to factors like these many victims are kept silent for years and are afraid to come forward even now.
The long-term effects of sexual abuse, coupled with the fear of coming forward can be physical, emotional, or behavioral. In many catholic church sexual abuse cases victims could experience the following effects:
Physical Effects of Sexual Abuse:
- Chronic or localized pain
- Panic attacks
Emotional Effects of Sexual Abuse:
- Anxiety disorders
- Personality disorders
- PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
- Relationship and intimacy issues
- Somatic disorders
Behavioral Effects of Sexual Abuse:
- Self-harm
- Substance abuse
- Eating disorders
- Mood swings
- Sleep problems
- Poor health
- Relationship issues
- Discipline problems
Catholic Church sexual abuse cases can take a toll on victims of sexual abuse as well as their family. At Arentz Law National Injury Lawyers our sexual abuse attorneys will work diligently in holding the perpetrator responsible. Our team will pursue any damages you may be entitled to as a result. Complete the free case evolution form on this page or call 1-800-305-6000 today.
Benefits of Hiring a Church Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Catholic Church Sexual Abuse cases could present specific legal challenges that make it difficult to earn proper compensation without a lawyer. Our team of attorneys are dedicated to securing justice for the victims of sexual abuse. We are here to help guide you through this difficult time and fight for your rights. Call Arentz Law National Injury Lawyers today for a no-obligation free consultation.