Current news headline have illustrated the ongoing problem with sexual abuse at the hands of the clergy including priests, ministers, bishops, deacons, nuns and church volunteers. This problem is a national disgrace with hundreds of thousands of potential victims, sadly most are children.
Who will hold these religious organizations accountable for violations of human rights?
While children are often the targets of clerical sexual abuse, they are not the only victims. Many of these children are now adults that face lingering sexual and psychological problems that require professional help in dealing with the trauma of being sexually abused in their trusted place of worship.
While most of the news has focused on the Catholic dioceses, the problem may extend to other Christian and non-Christian religions. Abusing power has no religious restraints.
The lawyers and attorneys at National Injury Help are highly concerned about this epidemic of clergy abuse, and we will help any victim of priest sexual abuse no matter when or what state the sexual abuse took place. 
Because many of these church organizations hid or manipulated reporting of sexual abuse, courts may choose to not apply any statute of limitations for filing sexual abuse claims, even years later you can still file a clergy abuse lawsuit.
Latest clergy abuse headlines making the news include:
“AG’s Office: Charges related to Catholic Church investigation could be announced soon” Reported by Fox47 news in Lansing Michigan.
“California to review sex-abuse responses of all 12 dioceses” as reported by KRON in the Bay area of California.
“State attorney general investigating L.A. Archdiocese’s handling of sex abuse cases” Reported by the Los Angeles Times.
“New York Archdiocese Names 120 Catholic Priests Accused of Abuse” Reported by the New York Times.
“Archdiocese of Baltimore discloses the names of 23 deceased clergy accused of child sexual abuse” reported by The Baltimore Sun.
“Lawsuit alleges Dallas Catholic Diocese mishandled report of priest’s sexual abuse” Reported by the Dallas News.
What can I do if I was abused in Church?
If you or someone you love has suffered any form of sexual abuse at the hands of trusted priests, Fathers, ministers or any other church staff member we will take stern and swift action. We understand that it may be difficult for victims to come forward, but in doing so you’ll show other victims that justice can be had. Take the time today to report any sexual abuse you may have encountered in your church.
Sexual abuse in the church isn’t a new problem.
Sexual abuse in churches has been taking place for as long as churches have been around. Many assume the problems with the Catholic Church took place in the 1980s and 1990’s, since that organization has received the most attention, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. Men in power have always abused their power, and if they are religious leaders respected in the community, many feel they can hide behind their power and standing in the community. We’re now seeing various state Attorneys General’s taking action on these problem churches. 
Who is committing clerical sexual abuse?
Reports of sexual abuse are mostly on men priests, Fathers and ministers; however sexual abuse can occur from other church members including:
- Church Staff Members
- Church Volunteers
- Nuns
- Church Administrators
- Bishops
- Deacons
- Sunday School Teachers
- Field Strip Supervisors
- Church Bus Drivers
How to Report Sexual Abuse in your Church or Dioceses
If you suspect any form of sexual abuse in a church or your local dioceses, you may report them by calling us at 1-800-214-1010, all calls are handled with the utmost privacy.
If you are a clergy sexual abuse victim and need a support group we recommend the tremendous work done by The SNAP Network. Please visit their website at: http://www.snapnetwork.org
Who is SNAP? Here is their mission statement:
Today SNAP is the largest, oldest and most active self-help group for clergy sex abuse victims, whether assaulted by ministers, priests, nuns or rabbis. SNAP is a confidential, safe place for wounded men and women to be heard, supported and healed. SNAP works tirelessly to achieve two goals: to heal the wounded and to protect the vulnerable. The organization has more than 25,000 members and support groups meet in over 60 cities across the U.S. and the world.
Were you abused by a trusted church member, or know a victim? Contact us by calling 1-800-214-1010 or use the secure contact form at the bottom of this page. Take Action Now and help prevent more clerical abuse in churches and houses of worship.
Clergy Abuse Lawsuit Lawyers | Priest Sexual Abuse Attorneys page updated on May 7, 2019.
Sources:
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/26/nyregion/new-york-archdiocese-catholic-priests.html
