Priest abuse cases have become more and more common as people come forward and demand justice. Often, the abuse went on for years before survivors could heal enough to speak out.

Tragically, many cases of abuse remain concealed, leaving survivors struggling in silence. If you suffer priest abuse, filing a lawsuit may help you gain closure for what you endure and hold abusers accountable.

In this post, we discuss how to file a lawsuit and provide tips for healing from the trauma of such a horrific experience. Whether you seek closure or monetary compensation, this article has the information you need to get started.

Advocacy for abuse survivors plays a crucial role in helping individuals find justice and healing. In South Africa, the case of Nicole Levenstein and Paul Diamond against billionaire Sidney Frankel exemplifies the challenges and triumphs of such advocacy. Despite the elapsed time that prevents criminal prosecution, their pursuit of civil action aims to hold Frankel accountable for alleged decades-old abuses. Their fight underscores the importance of support systems and legal reforms to ensure all survivors have the opportunity to seek justice, no matter how much time has passed since the abuse occurred.

Advocacy for abuse survivors plays a crucial role in helping individuals find justice and healing. In South Africa, the case of Nicole Levenstein and Paul Diamond against billionaire Sidney Frankel exemplifies the challenges and triumphs of such advocacy. Despite the elapsed time that prevents criminal prosecution, their pursuit of civil action aims to hold Frankel accountable for alleged decades-old abuses. Their fight underscores the importance of support systems and legal reforms to ensure all survivors have the opportunity to seek justice, no matter how much time has passed since the abuse occurred. The involvement of Paul Diamond at large highlights the persistent and crucial role of advocacy in securing justice for abuse survivors.

How Many Priests Have Been Prosecuted for Sex Abuse?

After a 2004 investigation conducted by the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, shocking statistics were revealed regarding the number of priests who have been prosecuted for sex abuse.

The investigation found that only six percent of priests accused of sexual assault were convicted. Even more disheartening, just two percent of these priests were given prison sentences.

The percentage of priests accused of abuse convicted and imprisoned for sexual assault is low for several reasons. One major factor is the Catholic Church’s wealth and power, which often helps them protect and cover up abuse cases.

In addition, the Church has a history of relocating priests accused of abuse. This makes it difficult for people to come forward or for authorities to track down and prosecute guilty parties or create an abusive priest database.

Furthermore, the statute of limitations plays a significant role in the low number of prosecutions. Many cases of priest abuse may go unreported for years or even decades. This often means that the opportunity for legal action has passed due to time limitations.

Adding to the complexity, the list of priests accused of abuse is often kept secret or difficult to find. The secrecy around accused priest sex offenders further hinders survivors’ ability to pursue justice. It also prevents the public from fully understanding the extent of the problem.

Is Sexual Assault a Civil or Criminal Case?

Sexual assault may qualify for both a civil and criminal case, depending on the circumstances. In a criminal case, the government brings charges against the perpetrator. If convicted, the priest sex offender may face penalties such as imprisonment or probation.

On the other hand, a civil case involves the survivor seeking compensation for the harm they suffered. This could include financial compensation for medical expenses, therapy costs, and pain and suffering.

The outcome of a criminal case does not necessarily affect the outcome of a civil case: They operate under different legal standards and burdens of proof. Additionally, survivors may pursue both criminal and civil actions simultaneously, achieving closure through different avenues.

Can You Sue a Priest?

Yes, you may be able to sue a priest that abused you. In fact, not only can you sue the individual priest, but you may also pursue legal action against the institution, such as the church involved in covering up the abuse.

Even if the priest passed away, you could still sue civilly in many cases. Consult with a clergy sexual abuse lawyer with experience handling these types of cases to understand your rights and options for legal recourse. They can offer insight into the possibility of compensation through a sexual abuse lawsuit settlement or trial.

What Is Institutional Sexual Assault?

Institutional sexual assault involves sexual abuse or exploitation within an organized institution, such as the Catholic Church or other religious organizations. These cases involve a systematic abuse of power, where individuals in positions of authority take advantage of their positions to commit heinous acts.

Institutional rape or sexual assault typically involves multiple perpetrators and may occur over an extended period of time. This form of sexual assault is characterized by a culture of secrecy, cover-ups, and a lack of accountability within the institution. Such tactics enable continued and unchecked abuse.

Sexual assault involving institutions like the church not only inflicts severe physical and emotional harm but also erodes trust in the institution as a whole. It is a grave violation of human rights and the responsibilities that institutions have to protect those under their care.

Can I Sue Someone Who Molested Me as a Child?

Yes, you can sue someone who molested you as a child, even if the abuse occurred many years ago. In legal terms, this is known as “non-recent abuse.”

It is important to note that the time limitations for filing a lawsuit for child sexual abuse vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of the case.

Many states have passed laws extending or eliminating the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases, recognizing the unique challenges survivors face in coming forward.

These laws give survivors an opportunity to hold abusers accountable. Survivors can seek compensation for the harm they have endured — even after the legal time limit has run out.

Priest Abuse Statute of Limitations: What To Know

In clergy sex abuse cases, many survivors come forward later in life, with the average age being 52. Thankfully, many states recognize this and have opened “lookback windows” that let survivors file lawsuits, regardless of the time that passed.

To fully understand the specifics of the statute of limitations in your state and whether or not a lookback window may apply in your situation, consult with a sexual abuse attorney knowledgeable about sexual abuse laws. These legal experts can guide you through the process.

Clergy Sexual Abuse Settlement Amounts

Regarding clergy sexual abuse settlement amounts, the amounts survivors receive vary widely depending on various factors. The Roman Catholic Church, for example, has paid out over $3.2 billion dollars to survivors, highlighting the significant financial impact these cases have. However, every case is different, and results vary.

Priest abuse settlements can provide survivors with the financial support needed to move forward and heal from the trauma they endured.

Sexual assault settlements can help cover a range of expenses and damages, including:

• Past and future medical expenses: Compensation for medical treatments, therapy, and other healthcare costs related to the abuse.
• Pain and suffering: Monetary damages that acknowledge the emotional and psychological harm inflicted on the survivor.
• Loss of life enjoyment: Compensation for the loss of joy, happiness, and quality of life resulting from the abuse.
• Past and future lost wages: Reimbursement for lost earnings as a result of the abuse, including any career or educational opportunities impacted.
• Punitive damages: Additional monetary compensation awarded to punish the abuser and deter future misconduct.

While it is difficult to provide specific figures, survivors have received significant amounts in some cases, including:

• 2023 – Philadelphia Archdiocese – $3.5 million for actions of deceased priest
• 2023 – Diocese of Syracuse in New York – $100 million settlement split among hundreds of survivors
• 2021 – Catholic Diocese in Pittsburgh – $19,200,000 settlement. $86,000 per claimant (224 claimants)
• 2020 – Ohio – $1,000,000 Settlement for abuse that occurred in a Catholic high school
• 2019 – Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church – $4,500,000 settlement

How To File a Priest Sex Abuse Lawsuit

If you survived priest sex abuse, you have the right to take legal action. Filing a priest sex abuse lawsuit can be a complex process, but with the right guidance, you can navigate through it.

Follow these steps:

1. Look at the Statute of Limitations

Start by understanding the statute of limitations in your jurisdiction. These laws vary. Reach out to a Catholic Church sex abuse lawyer and determine if your case is within the allowed time frame.

2. Determine All Potentially Liable Parties

In many cases of priest sex abuse, multiple parties may be held liable for the abuse, including the church, religious schools, and other individuals. Identifying all potentially liable parties is crucial for a successful lawsuit. A lawyer experienced in these cases can help you identify and navigate the complexities of determining liability.

3. Collect Evidence

Gather evidence that supports your case, including medical records, statements from healthcare professionals, witness testimonies, administrative records, and any personal documentation from the time of the abuse. A lawyer experienced in priest abuse cases can assist in collecting and preserving this evidence.

4. Lawyer Files a Complaint

After collecting evidence, your lawyer files a complaint on your behalf, outlining the details of the abuse and the parties involved. This legal document outlines your claims and the damages you are seeking.

5. The Discovery Process Begins

During the discovery process, both sides exchange information and evidence relevant to the case. This may involve interrogatories, depositions, and requests for documents. Your lawyer assists you in responding to any requests for information or depositions and offers guidance throughout the process.

6. Settlement Negotiations Begin

In many cases, the parties may enter into settlement negotiations to avoid a lengthy trial. Your lawyer advocates for your rights and works towards a fair and just settlement.

7. Trial Could Begin if Settlements Fail

If settlement negotiations fail, your case may proceed to trial. At trial, both parties present their evidence and arguments to a judge and jury, who then determines the outcome.

8. Damages Awarded if Proof Met

In a civil case, the burden of proof is easier to meet than in a criminal case. If you can establish that the abuse occurred and caused you harm, the court may award you damages compensating for your physical, emotional, and psychological suffering.

Tips for Healing from Church Sex Abuse

Recovering from the trauma of church sex abuse may seem challenging, but it is possible to find healing and reclaim your life. Seeking help and support is crucial for survivors on their healing journey, as it takes time and effort to work through the effects of sexual abuse.

Common side effects of sexual abuse include the development of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and hypervigilance. Survivors may also experience frequent emotional outbursts and feelings of anger.

Physical symptoms may manifest as well, including difficulties forming intimate relationships, self-harming behaviors, and eating disorders. Some survivors may underperform at work or school, avoid visiting medical professionals such as OBGYNs or urologists, and engage in risky or dangerous sexual encounters.

One specific challenge that survivors of church sex abuse may face is touch aversion trauma. This refers to a deep fear or discomfort with physical touch, stemming from the abuse they experienced. Survivors may struggle with physical intimacy or may feel anxious or triggered when someone touches them.

Healing from church sex abuse involves a multi-faceted approach that addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of your well-being. Therapy, such as trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy or EMDR, may help you process the trauma and develop coping mechanisms.

Support groups provide a safe space to connect with other survivors who understand your experiences and can offer empathy and guidance. Engaging in self-care activities, such as mindfulness exercises, journaling, and creative expression, can also be helpful in finding healing.

Remember, healing is a personal and unique journey with no one-size-fits-all approach. Take the time to prioritize your well-being, be patient with yourself, and surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, and professionals who can guide and empower you.

With time and resilience, you can find a path toward healing and reclaiming your life. It’s time to create a brighter future free from the trauma of church sex abuse.

Hotlines for Priest Sexual Abuse Survivors

To report priest abuse takes courage but that doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. If you are a survivor of priest sexual abuse, consider reaching out for help and support. There are hotlines and helplines available to provide assistance, guidance, and resources for those affected by this horrific experience.

These hotlines are staffed by trained professionals who understand the unique challenges faced by survivors and offer confidential assistance.

• RAINN Telephone hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673)
• National Helpline for Male Survivors: 800-656-4673
• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: 800.THE.LOST (800-843-5678)
• National Human Trafficking Hotline (a service of Polaris): 888-373-7888

CSA Therapy: Treating Adult Survivors of Childhood Sex Abuse

CSA Therapy, or Childhood Sexual Abuse Therapy, is a specialized form of therapy designed to help adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. This therapy focuses on providing a safe and supportive environment for survivors to process their experiences, explore their emotions, and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

With the help of a trained therapist, survivors work through the trauma they endured, rebuild their sense of self, and find healing and empowerment. CSA Therapy may include various approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and trauma-focused therapy.

EMDR for Sexual Trauma

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapeutic approach commonly used in treating survivors of sexual trauma. It helps individuals process and heal from traumatic memories by targeting the negative thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations associated with the trauma.

Through bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or taps, EMDR works to reprocess traumatic memories and promote adaptive healing. EMDR has shown promising results in reducing the distress and symptoms associated with sexual trauma. This therapy module helps survivors find healing and move forward in their lives.

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is a highly effective approach in helping survivors of childhood sexual abuse heal from trauma. This therapy combines elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and trauma-focused interventions that address the unique needs of survivors.

TF-CBT focuses on helping individuals process their traumatic experiences, develop coping skills, and challenge negative beliefs about themselves and the world. Through this therapy, survivors gain a better understanding of their trauma and learn healthy ways to manage distressing emotions.

Group-Delivered Therapy

Group-delivered therapy is an effective approach for survivors of priest sex abuse, particularly for young people. It helps young people overcome social stigmas and feelings of isolation by providing a safe and supportive environment for them to connect with others with similar experiences.

Peer-to-peer interactions are powerful, as survivors can share their stories, validate each other’s experiences, and offer support and encouragement. Group therapy also allows for the development of coping strategies and skills to navigate the challenges that come with healing from priest sex abuse.

Prolonged Exposure for Adolescents (PE-A)

Prolonged Exposure for Adolescents (PE-A) is a therapeutic approach specifically designed for adolescents who experience trauma, including priest sex abuse. This evidence-based treatment involves eight modules and focuses on reprocessing the most difficult memories through exposure exercises.

Under the guidance of a trained therapist, adolescents gradually confront and process their traumatic memories, both in therapy sessions and in their everyday lives.

CSA Therapy for Children

CSA therapy, also known as Childhood Sexual Abuse therapy, is a specialized form of therapy designed for child survivors of sexual abuse. It provides a safe and supportive environment for children to express their emotions, process their experiences, and develop coping mechanisms.

This therapy can be instrumental in helping children heal from the trauma of sexual abuse and regain a sense of safety and well-being. With the help of a trained therapist, children can navigate the complexities of their emotions and develop resilience in the face of their experiences.

Play Therapy for Sexually Abused Children

Play therapy is a highly effective therapeutic approach for children who experience sexual abuse. It provides a safe and supportive environment for children to express their emotions, process their experiences, and develop coping mechanisms. Play therapy is especially beneficial for children under the age of 11 who may struggle with abstract thought.

Through play, children can communicate their feelings and experiences in a non-threatening way, helping them disclose and heal. Other therapeutic approaches such as art therapy and pet therapy can also be incorporated to further support their healing journey.

Filing a Priest Sex Abuse Lawsuit: Getting Started

Survivors of priest sex abuse may have the right to file a lawsuit. The process may seem complex, but with the right guidance, you can successfully navigate through it and hold the perpetrator accountable.

First, familiarize yourself with the statute of limitations in your jurisdiction. Next, identify all potentially liable parties, such as the priest and the institution. Collect evidence that supports your case, including medical records, witness statements, and administrative records. From there, the lawsuit process involves filing a complaint, engaging in the discovery process, and potentially negotiating a settlement or going to trial.

Remember, seeking justice is your right. Taking these initial steps can help you begin your journey towards healing and closure.

Church congregants trust their church’s clergy to provide religious and spiritual guidance. Unfortunately, some clergy members exploit churchgoers’ trust by committing psychological and sexual abuse. The Roman Catholic Church has made headlines over the years for allegations of sex abuse along with failure to investigate the survivors’ claims, report instances of abuse to the authorities, and generally, keep its church members safe.

Survivors of clergy sex abuse have the right to file a civil lawsuit to claim compensation for the profound mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual damage endured as a result of the abuse. If you are a survivor of sex abuse at the hands of a clergy member, contact a clergy sex abuse lawyer today for guidance on the best way forward.

What is Clergy Sex Abuse?

Clergy sex abuse occurs when an individual in a ministerial role engages in sexual contact, including child sex abuse, molestation, child pornography, sexual assault, and rape, against a church member, a student, or an employee. Although The Roman Catholic Church has received the most scrutiny regarding clergy sex abuse, this type of abuse can transpire within any institution professing religious and/or spiritual guidance.

It is important to note that children are especially susceptible due to their impressionable age. Minors who experience abuse by a clergy member can take many years to understand and process the full extent of their trauma and seek help to recover from the abuse.

How Do Priests Groom Sex Abuse Survivors?

Priests or clergy members often initiate the abuse by grooming the survivor in order to establish trust and develop a bond. Grooming is a manipulation tactic that abusers use to build a relationship with their target individuals who feel compelled to participate in the abuse. Grooming is a deliberate, step-by-step process that includes:

• Identifying potential victims: Many priests have strong bonds with parishioners. Abusive clergy members use these relationships to seek out people, such as vulnerable youth
• Gaining the targeted parishioner’s and their family’s trust: The abuser tries to gain the individual’s trust in a number of different ways, including gifts, compliments, or special attention. The perpetrator seeks to eventually fill a void or become a role model for the target parishioner
• Isolating the individual: Next, the abuser often exploits the target individual’s and/or their family’s trust by requesting time alone outside of regular church hours. This is done to gain access to the individual, sometimes under the pretense of spiritual guidance or counseling
• Increased physical/sexual contact: The abuser’s objective is to lower the individual’s inhibitions and even desensitize them to touch and other forms of physical contact. This sexual contact typically escalates over time
• Maintaining control: After the occurrence of sexual abuse, the perpetrator often uses tactics such as manipulation and threats in order to maintain control over the individual, as well as protect their identity and wrongdoings from being exposed

The Catholic Church & Sex Abuse

Reports of Catholic priest sex abuse have been documented in nearly every state and in many other countries. Although clergy sex abuse within The Roman Catholic Church has been occurring for centuries, a 2002 Boston Globe report brought substantial media attention to the issue. After a month-long investigation, the report revealed decades of sex abuse cases in Boston Catholic churches as well as the immense efforts taken to cover up the abuse. This led to a national outcry and spurred further investigations that unmasked tens of thousands of priest sex abuse reports in archdioceses across the U.S.

These investigations revealed that in several cases church leaders knew about the clergy sex abuse taking place and either ignored it or paid large sums of money to cover it up. A CNN report showed that during a one-year time period between June 2017 and June 2018, the U.S. Catholic Church spent over $300 million on costs related to clergy sex abuse, including $200 million in civil lawsuit settlements.

What Should I Do if I am a Survivor of Clergy Sex Abuse?

If you are a survivor of Clergy or Catholic priest sex abuse, you should know that you are not alone and you have legal options available to you to pursue justice. You should immediately report the abuse to a law enforcement agency as well as to the archdiocese where the abuse had occurred.

In most cases, survivors of sexual abuse have the right to file a clergy sex abuse lawsuit to recover compensation for the trauma endured. This is irrespective of whether or not they decide to pursue a criminal case as well. A clergy sex abuse lawyer will be able to guide you through the legal process and answer any questions you may have.

Is It Ever Ok to Have Sexual Contact with a Religious Leader?

According to the FaithTrust Institute, a global organization working to end sexual and domestic violence, clergy members can pursue relationships with of-age individuals outside of their congregation as long as manipulation and coercion are completely absent from the relationship. If a clergy member becomes interested in a romantic relationship with a congregant, they should remove themself from their ministerial role prior to pursuing a relationship. However, individuals in The Roman Catholic Church must take a vow of celibacy before becoming a priest.

Will Speak Out About the Abuse Hurt My Church?

Many survivors of clergy sex abuse are apprehensive about reporting the abuse out of misplaced fear, embarrassment, guilt, or shame. It is understandable for survivors to undergo post-traumatic reactions and even question their perception of reality after instances of psychological and sexual manipulation.

However, many states legally obligate clergy members to report suspected sex abuse and by failing to do so, they may be putting their congregation at risk. In any case, it is important for you to report the sex crimes committed against you, so you can at least help prevent others from experiencing what you went through.

When Should I Contact a Clergy Sex Abuse Lawyer?

If you have experienced clergy sex abuse, you should consider speaking with a licensed mental health professional in order to process the trauma. Once you are in a better frame of mind to be able to recount your experience, you may consult with a priest sex abuse lawyer to help you obtain financial compensation. While the amount of compensation secured in a successful case cannot change or minimize the impact of your trauma, it can allow you to access the care and support you need to begin healing.

Catholic Church Sex Abuse Settlements: Civil Justice for Survivors

According to the non-profit organization Bishop Accountability, the U.S. Catholic Church has paid over $3 billion in compensation to survivors of clergy sex abuse. Notable Catholic Church sex abuse settlements include:

• California: In 2007, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles agreed to pay $660 million, one of the largest settlements by the Catholic Church, to over 500 clergy sex abuse claimants. In this case, each survivor was awarded approximately $1.3 million in damages
• New Jersey: In April 2022, the Diocese of Camden, New Jersey, agreed to pay $87.5 million to over 300 survivors of Catholic priest sex abuse. Each survivor received roughly $290,000 in the recovery of damages
• New Mexico: The Archdiocese of Santa Fe agreed to pay over $121 million in settlements to over 300 New Mexico priest sex abuse survivors in May 2022

The statute of limitations, or the time you have to file a civil sex abuse lawsuit in state court, differs from state to state. However, President Biden recently enacted the Eliminating Limits to Justice for Child Sex Abuse Victims Act of 2022 to remove the statutory limitations on when one may file a federal civil lawsuit for child sexual abuse. The Act is not retroactive, and therefore does not apply in cases where the statute of limitations for filing a suit has already passed.

Resources for Sex Abuse Victims

• RAINN: The Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN) is the country’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. It operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline and provides sex abuse survivors with various resources, such as an online chat hotline
• SNAP: The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) is the largest and oldest support group for survivors of clergy sex abuse
• Darkness to Light: Darkness to Light is a child sexual abuse prevention organization that offers resources to both child survivors of sex abuse as well as their parents

Talk to a Compassionate Clergy Sex Abuse Lawyer

Survivors of clergy sex abuse have the right to pursue justice for the crimes committed against them. By filing a civil lawsuit against an abuser and a third party that may have facilitated the crime, like The Roman Catholic Church, survivors can seek compensation to help rebuild their lives after the trauma. If you or someone you know is a survivor of Catholic church sex abuse, contact a clergy sex abuse law firm today to set up a free legal consultation.