Sexual Abuse by the Clergy: Protect Your Rights
If a member of the clergy has sexually abused you, find out if you can file a lawsuit in New York to recover monetary compensation.
There was a time when sexual abuse by a priest, rabbi or minister was unfathomable. Recently, however, stories from victims have demonstrated that sexual abuse by clergy members is pervasive. We are only beginning to discover just how much emotional and physical damage this abuse has caused to the victims and their families.
When anyone takes advantage of children and sexually abuses them, it can result in criminal and civil punishment. It has become widely known that some religious institutions have gone to great length to “cover up” sexual abuse by their clergy members. The failure to address the problem has allowed abusers unrestricted access to victims. These institutions must be held accountable to victims whose lives were ruined by the unspeakable acts committed by people they trusted. They must be held accountable to prevent further abuse in the future.
Alonso Krangle, LLP can help you pursue legal remedies when a member of a religious organization has sexually abused you or a loved one. Hold them accountable for their silence and recover damages for your pain and suffering. Call us today to find out more about recovering monetary damages for sexual abuse.
New York Child Victims Act Extends Time for Victims To File Lawsuits
Recently, New York enacted the Child Victims Act. Over the years, many victims of child abuse do not report it. Children were afraid to come forward, and as they became adults, they were too traumatized to take action. Today, these adults, who have spent years grappling with the emotional damage and suffering, have an opportunity to take action.
Many states, including New York, have pushed to eliminate the statute of limitations on sexual abuse or extend it so that more victims can come forward, confront their offenders, and seek compensation. Under the prior law, many were time barred from bringing legal action. Under the New York Child Victims Act, sexual abuse victims who were barred by a statute of limitations will now be able to file lawsuits against religious institutions and other abusers – until age 55. Formerly, the age limit was 23.
The new law also allows victims to pursue criminal charges against their abuser until they are in their mid to late 20s. Finally, the New York Child Victims Act also includes a provision creating a window during which victims who were previously barred from filing suit under the old statute of limitations will have a short time to pursue legal remedies.
Impact of the New York Child Victims Act
The passage of the Act means that thousands of sexual abuse victims will be able to seek compensation from their abusers. The government’s willingness to extend the statute of limitations indicates how serious our political leaders in Albany are taking child sexual abuse, especially when religious figures perpetrate it.
If a member of the clergy has abused you or a family member, consider speaking to our sexual abuse lawyers at Alonso Krangle, LLP. Find out if you have the right to file a civil lawsuit against your abuser and let us help you collect the maximum damages the law allows.
Seeking justice may be an essential step toward recovering from the emotional scars left by your sexual abuser, and you have a narrow window of opportunity to recover a legal award.
Sexual Abuse By Clergy Occurs Is Not Limited To One Religion
It has become well-known that the Catholic Church has spent decades protecting known abusers. However, no religious institution is free from its share of sexual abuse. We have heard victims describe acts of child sexual abuse by clergy in nearly all religions including but not limited to:
- Baptist Church
- Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon Church)
- Jehovah’s Witness
- Judaism
- Roman Catholic Church
- Greek Orthodox Church
- Episcopal Church
When children are sexually abused, it is almost always by someone they know and trust. Churches and temples should be safe havens for kids and their families. When a religious figure takes advantage of the proximity to young children and the intimacy that a church setting fosters, it is tragic. It is essential that victims come forward and stop sexual abuse by clergy. Contact the sexual abuse lawyers with experience pursuing sexual abuse cases against religious institutions: Alonso Krangle, LLP.
What Is Sexual Abuse By Clergy?
Sexual abuse is devastating to a minor child, especially when it is perpetrated by a member of the clergy such as a priest, rabbi, pastor, minister, youth leader, or teacher. The emotional scars can last a lifetime and have devastating effects such as depression, suicide, cutting, alcoholism, drug addiction, and violence.
There are many ways that a member of the clergy can sexually abuse a child. The following are examples of sexual abuse:
- Showing a child sexual photographs, pornography
- Exposing kids to sexually charged language, innuendo, requests
- Exposing one’s genitals
- Taking inappropriate photos of a child
- Requesting a child take inappropriate pictures of himself or herself
- Fondling
- Inappropriate touching
- Asking that a child touch you or fondle you
- Oral sex
- Penetration
Abuse of power, coercion, age, and physical intimidation is what often allows clergy members to abuse their victims. Children learn to respect authority in church or other institutions and not to question the activities of their elders. Some kids may be too young to understand what is happening or just can’t protect themselves. The dynamic between trusted religious figures and children is one that presents a predator with ample opportunity to abuse victims. The result for the victims is often a lifetime of depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems.
Contact Alonso Krangle if a Member of the Clergy Sexually Abused You
Ask yourself: Was I sexually abused by a Catholic Priest when was young? Did my Jewish Orthodox Rabbi inappropriately touch me? Was it sexual abuse when my pastor asked me to kiss him when I was little? If a member of your religious institution sexually abused you as a child, the New York Child Victims Act may protect you. You have the right to file a lawsuit and pursue legal remedies. It is essential that you contact an experienced sexual abuse lawyer to find out if you have a claim while you still have the opportunity to pursue that claim.
You are not alone. Join thousands of victims of child sexual abuse who are pursuing their abusers and the religious entities that protected them for decades. Call Alonso Krangle today at 800-403-6191 for a free evaluation of your New York sexual abuse case.