Catholic Church Sexual Assault Attorneys

We Stand Strong for Those Who Were Assaulted by Clergy Members

Sexual abuse by a spiritual advisor is one of the worst kinds of betrayal one can experience. Many Americans who grew up in the Catholic Church were groomed and abused by their priests and bishops. While the Church routinely covered up complaints against clergy for decades, public scrutiny has revealed the size of its sex abuse problem and lead to more survivors speaking out about their experiences.

The trauma of sexual abuse or assault is hard to live with and can be even harder to open up about. However, coming forward with your story has many benefits—from lifting a psychological weight to giving others the courage to name their abusers to providing you with a pathway to restitution. KMD Law is your partner in this fight. Our clergy sex abuse lawyers focus on helping the survivors of sexual assault and abuse win compensation and get the justice they were for so long denied. You deserve better, and our team is here to go toe-to-toe with anyone who committed or enabled this heinous crime.

Schedule your free and confidential consultation with one KMD Law. We can help you file for compensation against the Catholic Church.

What Does Sexual Abuse by the Catholic Church Look Like?

Catholic Church sexual abuse refers to instances where clergy members, including priests, bishops, and other church officials, have been accused or found guilty of sexually abusing minors and, in some cases, adults. These abuses have been widespread and often systemic, involving not only the initial acts of abuse but also the cover-ups by higher-ranking officials within the Church. The scandal has had significant repercussions on the Church's credibility and has led to numerous legal actions and compensations for victims.

Common examples of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church include:

• Molestation: This involves inappropriate touching or fondling of minors. Such acts are often committed by priests or other clergy members under the guise of mentorship or pastoral care.
• Rape: In more severe cases, sexual abuse has escalated to rape, involving forced sexual intercourse with minors or adults who are in a vulnerable position.
• Grooming: This is a process where abusers build a relationship of trust with a minor (and sometimes their family) to facilitate future abuse. Grooming can involve giving gifts, special attention, or other forms of manipulation to gain the trust and compliance of the victim.
• Sexual Exploitation: This includes exploiting the power dynamic between clergy and parishioners, where priests or other church officials use their authority to coerce or manipulate individuals into sexual acts.
• Child Pornography: There have been cases where clergy members have been found in possession of child pornography or involved in its production or distribution.

Sexual Abuse and Assault Have Long-Term Effects

Even for those who have been long removed from abusive situations, the trauma of being violated may still impact their lives. Children who are sexually abused or assaulted during their formative years are likely to develop defense mechanisms that, while they make sense at the time, can lead to a cycle of challenges and pain down the road.

Those who survive childhood sexual abuse are more likely to suffer:

• Depression
• Anxiety/post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Dissociation
• Eating disorders
• Substance use disorders
• Chronic pain
• Self-inflicted injury or self-neglect
• Other types of violence

Sexual abuse may also result in the transmission of sexually transmitted infections or diseases (STIs/STDs) that can be treated, but never cured. Pregnancy is also a concern for some.

Altogether, these impacts can have a substantial effect on one’s life. From decreased performance in work or school to additional medical needs to, in some cases, criminal justice costs, past sexual abuse can affect one’s prospects and ability to live the life they want.

How Making a Claim Could Help You

Even if you do not see yourself in many of the impacts listed above, there is no question that sexual assault can cause extreme mental anguish among survivors. Increased feelings of shame and guilt are common among those who were sexually abused as children, as well as a tendency to blame themselves for what happened. This is a heavy weight to carry, and one that never should have been inflicted upon anyone.

Whether asking for a settlement is essential to help meet medical or other needs caused by abuse or simply necessary to show the Catholic Church recognizes its wrongdoing, you deserve the recompense. No matter what it takes, our lawyers are here to fight for you.

Holding the Catholic Church Accountable

Though Church policies and practices have changed for the better over the years, there is still a troubling lack of transparency in many dioceses. Additionally, multiple barriers continue to keep survivors of clergy abuse quiet—especially if they are children. The Catholic Church has not done enough to address this horrifying issue, and many of the moves it has taken happened only after years of public attention and pressure. By coming forward with your story, you can help further the goal of eradicating clergy abuse within the Catholic Church.

As a religious organization, the Catholic Church should have recognized the pain of its members and charges of hypocrisy as a call for radical change. Because it did not, we are here to advance the approaches that have made a difference: Attacks on its reputation and high monetary costs to compensate those who suffered because of its laxity surrounding sexual abuse. Individuals like you have driven this movement with their courage and insistence on justice.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of who can be held liable:

• Clergy Members: Priests, bishops, and other religious officials who directly engage in sexual abuse are primarily responsible for their actions. They can face both criminal charges and civil lawsuits.
• Supervisors and Bishops: Those in supervisory roles who were aware of the abuse but failed to take appropriate action can be held liable. This includes bishops and other high-ranking church officials who may have moved offending priests to different parishes, failed to report the abuse to civil authorities, or attempted to cover up the incidents.
• Diocesan Officials: Members of the diocesan administration who were complicit in the cover-up or failed to enforce protective measures can also be held accountable.
• Dioceses and Parishes: The local diocese or parish can be held vicariously liable for the actions of their clergy members. This means that victims can sue these entities for damages resulting from abuse perpetrated by their employees or agents.
• Religious Orders: In cases where the abuser belongs to a specific religious order (e.g., Jesuits, Franciscans), the order itself can be held liable.
• Schools and Orphanages: Institutions run by the Church, such as Catholic schools, orphanages, and other residential facilities, can be liable if the abuse occurred within their premises or by their staff.
• Church Lawyers and Advisors: Legal advisors and other professionals who advised on covering up the abuse or obstructing justice may face legal consequences.
• Staff and Volunteers: Individuals within the Church who knowingly assisted in concealing the abuse or intimidating victims can also be held liable.

We Can Fight for You

Talking about past sexual abuse is emotionally challenging, but your story deserves to be heard, and you deserve compensation for all the hardships you have faced because of the Catholic Church’s decision to cover up the massive clergy abuse problem within its ranks. KMD Law has made a career of holding powerful figures and institutions accountable for perpetrating or concealing sexual abuse. We want to help you win compensation and get the justice you have long deserved.

With 20 years of experience, our attorneys are tough when it’s needed but always honest and compassionate with our clients. Our team handles every sexual abuse case with discretion, protecting your privacy and wellbeing throughout the course of your claim. Stepping up to tell your story is a brave move, and the moment you are ready, we are here to stand by you.

Call KMD Law at (833) 456-3529 to schedule a free and confidential consultation with one of our attorneys. We are here to talk to you 24/7.