Clergy members and religious leaders are entrusted with supporting and protecting their communities, but for survivors of clergy sexual abuse, that trust was exploited in devastating ways. Survivors may be entitled to their day in court, even if the abuse happened decades ago.
Key Takeaways
- Clergy sexual abuse is a profound betrayal of trust. Survivors often struggle to recognize or report the abuse because of the authority and influence religious leaders hold.
- Institutions, such as the Catholic church, may also be accountable. Claims can extend beyond the individual perpetrator to the organization that enabled, ignored, or failed to prevent the abuse.
- You may be entitled to financial compensation. Survivors can pursue individual claims or join broader legal actions to seek financial recovery for the harm they experienced.
- Reaching out is confidential and pressure-free. Speaking with a trauma-informed attorney can help you understand your rights without obligation.
In 2002, The Boston Globe published a two-part Spotlight series, about the sexual abuse of children by Catholic priests and the archdiocese’s attempts to keep this abuse under wraps, exposing a widespread, decades-long pattern of abuse in all four Boston dioceses. The following year, the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office published a report titled The Sexual Abuse of Children in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston.
From the report: “According to the Archdiocese’s own files, 789 victims have complained of sexual abuse by members of the clergy; the actual number is no doubt higher. The evidence to date also reveals that 250 priests and other church workers stand accused of acts of rape or sexual assault on children.” Then Attorney General, Thomas Reilly, goes on to say that “the mistreatment of children was so massive and so prolonged that it borders on the unbelievable.”
Since then, survivors of all ages, including those in their 50s, 60s, and 70s, have made the difficult decision to come forward to tell their stories and hold both their abusers and the Catholic Church accountable. When you’re ready, we are here to listen and to help you understand your legal options, including potential grounds for financial compensation.
If you believe you were the victim of clergy sexual abuse, we encourage you to reach out. We take a trauma-informed approach to every case, recognizing how hard it can be to come forward and how important it is to feel heard. You are not alone.
Our sexual abuse team includes a victim advocate who will be by your side throughout the process to answer your questions, offer support and resources, and help you make informed decisions. There is no cost to speak with us, and our conversations will always be kept confidential.
Clergy Sex Abuse Claims – FAQs
What is considered clergy sexual abuse?
Clergy sexual abuse includes any unwanted or inappropriate sexual contact, behavior, or advances by a priest, minister, pastor, or other religious authority. Because of the power and trust these leaders hold, victims may not immediately recognize the conduct as abuse.
Can religious institutions be held responsible?
Yes. Just as in other institutional abuse cases, organizations can be liable if they ignored warning signs, failed to protect victims, or allowed abusive clergy members continued access to children or vulnerable adults.
What legal options do survivors have?
Survivors may pursue individual lawsuits or participate in broader legal actions. Both paths may allow victims to seek financial compensation for the harm they experienced.
Do I need to prove the abuse right away?
No. Your first step is simply to reach out. An attorney can help evaluate your experience, gather information, and explain what evidence may be needed. All conversations are confidential.
Is there a time limit to file a clergy sex abuse claim?
Many survivors are uncertain about deadlines. The best way to understand your specific options is to speak confidentially with an attorney who can review how the laws apply to your situation.
What if I’m not sure whether what happened was abuse?
That is very common. Abuse by trusted authority figures can be confusing. You can speak privately with a lawyer who understands these dynamics and can help you make sense of what occurred.
What should I expect if I contact Shepard O’Donnell?
You will never be pressured to take any action. A compassionate, trauma-informed attorney will listen to your story, explain your options, and help you understand whether you may be entitled to compensation.
Sexual abuse is a traumatic experience and can have life-long physical and psychological effects on survivors. Conversations about sexual abuse are difficult but our compassionate and supportive attorneys are ready to listen to your story. Call us at (800) 451-4471.
There is no fee to reach out and share your experience – our conversations will always be kept confidential – and we will tell you honestly if we think you have a valid claim. If so, we will aggressively fight for your right to financial compensation and hold the perpetrator accountable for the terrible harm done to you.
