California Clergy Abuse Lawyers
Clergy members are supposed to offer spiritual and moral guidance. Unfortunately, some use their power and influence to sexually abuse congregation members. Even worse, religious institutions have perpetuated the abuse by protecting abusers and disregarding victims’ claims. If you or a loved one was sexually abused by clergy in California, Cutter Law’s compassionate and knowledgeable sexual abuse lawyers can help file a lawsuit for compensation and justice.
Congregations rely on clergy members for spiritual guidance, religious instruction, and moral counseling. Unfortunately, many clergy members from various denominations have used their positions of authority and influence to prey on and sexually abuse their congregants in California and nationwide. Meanwhile, religious leaders and institutions have often protected these abusers, concealed the abuse, and fostered a culture that discourages reporting incidents.Â
At particular risk are children. According to a recent report, 451 Catholic clerics and religious brothers had abused at least 1,997 children across the U.S.Â
Clergy sexual abuse can cause severe, long-term consequences, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction. If a clergy member has sexually abused you or a loved one, contact Cutter Law’s compassionate and experienced California clergy abuse lawyers. We have the resources, skills, and staff to pursue the justice you deserve.
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What Constitutes Clergy Abuse?
Clergy sexual abuse occurs when an individual with religious authority intentionally uses their position to sexually exploit, harass, or engage in sexual activity with another. The abuse can involve a wide array of behaviors, including:
- Unwanted touching and hugging
- Sexualized conversations
- Pressuring for sexual attentionÂ
- Rape and sexual assault
- Presenting pornographic materials or content that depicts sexually explicit conduct
- Sexual activities such as kissing, touching sexual organs under or over clothing, masturbation, oral sex, and intercourseÂ
- Rubbing or pressing up against a person
- Invading someone’s personal space
- Creating hostility and pressure when boundaries are set
Clergy sexual abuse can happen simultaneously with emotional, physical, and financial exploitation. Talk to a California sexual abuse lawyer and psychologist if you suspect you or a loved one has suffered from clergy sexual abuse. They can determine your next steps and provide emotional support.
The Importance of Speaking Out and Seeking Justice
Clergy sexual abuse victims may be reluctant to discuss their abuse for various reasons. For one, they may fear retaliation from the clergy or religious community. They may also feel ashamed and believe they were responsible for their abuse.Â
However, the more victims speak out, the more law enforcement can help stop clergy sexual abuse. Sexual abuse is a crime. A criminal investigation will start when a clergy abuse victim speaks out and reports the cause to law enforcement. Authorities can then pursue charges against perpetrators and those who enabled them.
The criminal justice system can provide some justice to victims. However, religious institutions like churches have rarely faced criminal prosecution for sexual abuse. Criminal prosecution also does not compensate victims for the losses they have suffered.Â
Clergy abuse victims should also seek legal advice from clergy abuse lawyers in California. California clergy sex abuse attorneys can inform victims whether they are eligible to file a civil sexual abuse lawsuit. A successful lawsuit can provide needed funds for therapy and other expenses to help get a victim’s life back on track. A lawsuit can also hold the institution or church that allowed the abuse responsible for sexual abuse.Â
For instance, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles has settled sexual abuse cases for $660 million, averaging $1.3 million per survivor. Similarly, the California Independent Compensation Program—created by six California dioceses to compensate clergy abuse victims — made its last payment to a clergy abuse survivor. In total, the dioceses paid $23,970,000 to 197 eligible claimants abused by clergy members in the Catholic Church.
California Clergy Abuse Laws To Help Survivors
In 2019, California passed Assembly Bill 218, a new law that extended the statute of limitations or deadline for childhood sexual abuse civil claims.Â
Victims can now file lawsuits for childhood sexual abuse until their 40th birthday or within five years of discovering the abuse that psychologically harmed them, whichever is later. Previously, the California statute of limitations had a cutoff at age 26.
For events that happened after the victim’s 18th birthday and on or after January 1, 2019, California law allows a lawsuit to be filed within 10 years from the date of the incident or within three years of discovering the harm.Â
If that victim was at least 18 on the incident date and the assault occurred before January 1, 2019, the victim had only two years to file a lawsuit.
Church abuse attorneys and psychiatric professionals can collaborate to substantiate the psychological impact rooted in past abuse. After receiving emotional and psychological support, you can start thinking about legal action once you are ready. Your California clergy abuse lawyer will use your psychiatric reports and notes to maximize the compensation you deserve.
Important 2024 Update
California has eliminated the deadline to file a childhood sexual abuse lawsuit for anyone whose abuse occurred on or after January 1, 2024, allowing victims to bring an action anytime.
Learn more: California Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse
Identifying Liable Parties in California Church Abuse Cases
Besides suing the person responsible for their sexual abuse, clergy abuse survivors can also seek justice by holding other related parties accountable for negligence or concealment in abuse cases involving a deceased clergy member. These parties include:
- Churches or diocesesÂ
- Priests
- Deacons
- Bishops
- Archbishops
- Other clergy members whose negligence played a role in sexual abuse or subsequent coverups
If you or a loved one suffered sexual abuse, seek help from specialized clergy abuse lawyers like Cutter Law’s California clergy sex abuse attorneys. Our skilled clergy sexual abuse attorneys can help survivors navigate the legal system and secure compensation and justice.
Types of Compensation for Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims
No amount of money can compensate for the consequences of sexual abuse. However, a successful clergy sexual abuse lawsuit can financially compensate you and your family for costs incurred by sexual abuse.Â
Your clergy abuse attorney can help you gather evidence for the following types of compensation:
- Economic damages are objectively verifiable damages associated with your sexual abuse. Examples include medical and therapy bills and prescription fees.
- Non-economic damages are subjective damages associated with your sexual abuse. Examples include pain and suffering, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Punitive damages are awarded by courts to punish wrongdoers and deter similar crimes.
Under the California Child Victims Act, Assembly Bill 218, childhood sexual abuse survivors may recover triple the damages if the institution or abuser knowingly hid the abuse.
Compensation amounts depend on various factors, such as the victim’s age, the severity of the sexual abuse, and the consequences of the abuse. Talk to a Cutter Law clergy abuse attorney to learn more about the types of compensation you are eligible for.
How a California Clergy Abuse Lawyer Can Assist
Parishioners are supposed to trust the clergy for spiritual and emotional guidance. If a California clergy sexually abused you or your loved one, Cutter Law’s church abuse lawyers can help you seek justice. We can:
- Provide legal advice:Â Cutter Law’s trusted sexual abuse lawyers can provide valuable legal advice to sexual abuse survivors and their loved ones. They can explain the legal options available, provide information about the applicable statute of limitations or deadline, and help you pursue legal action against the clergy member or institution involved.
- Investigate and collect evidence: Cutter Law can conduct a thorough, independent investigation can gather evidence to build the most compelling claim.  Â
- Evaluate your damages: Cutter Law’s experienced sexual abuse attorneys can analyze your losses to establish the maximum value of the physical, psychological, and emotional suffering you have endured due to California clergy sexual abuse.Â
- Help you navigate legal processes:Â The legal system can be daunting and complex for survivors of California clergy sexual abuse. Cutter Law’s priest abuse attorneys have experience navigating the legal process for sexual abuse cases. We can handle every process step, from filing paperwork to conducting discovery and litigating your case.
- Negotiate a settlement:Â Often, clergy sexual abuse cases can be resolved through settlement negotiations. Our lawyers will use their negotiation skills to seek a fair and just settlement for you and your family.
- Provide trial representation:Â If the party or parties responsible for your sexual abuse refuse to settle for the amount you deserve, Cutter Law can take your case to trial. Our attorneys have ample experience advocating for sexual abuse victims’ rights before a judge and jury.
- Protect your identity:Â We at Cutter Law understand the sensitivity of clergy sexual abuse cases. We will take steps to safeguard your privacy during and after the legal process so you feel secure and protected while pursuing justice.
To learn how Cutter Law can help, schedule a free case review with our California clergy abuse lawyers. We will help you pursue justice for your clergy abuse and bring your abuser to justice.
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