As the Catholic Church grapples with the fallout from decades of sex abuse scandals, more and more survivors have come forward to report sexual abuse and demand justice. With the right legal representation, Catholic Church sex abuse survivors can take the necessary steps to hold the abuser and the church responsible for sexual abuse. An experienced and compassionate attorney can help the survivors of Catholic Church sex abuse understand their legal rights and provide them with legal representation as they pursue their cases.

At Edwards Henderson, our experienced Catholic Church sex abuse lawyers are ready to fight for you. If you or someone you love was sexually abused by a priest or other member of the Catholic Church, please contact us today for a free and confidential consultation.

Catholic Church Sex Abuse

Sexual abuse is defined as any unwanted or forced sexual behavior, touching, or activity without consent. The Catholic Church sexual abuse crisis involves sexual misconduct by priests, deacons, and other members of the clergy.

Sexual abuse within the Catholic Church has been a long-standing issue that has come to light over the past decades, after having caused immense pain and suffering for thousands of survivors, many of whom were children at the time of the abuse. The sex abuse scandals, however, continue to be covered up by the Church to protect perpetrators and prevent scandals. Sexual abuse is not unique to the Catholic Church; however, the extent of abuse and the Church’s handling of the crisis has caused a significant public outcry.

While the Catholic Church has taken steps to address the issue, including implementing policies to protect children and removing offending priests from ministry, many sexual abuse survivors are still seeking justice and accountability for the crime.

Catholic Church Sex Abuse Statistics

According to the research conducted by the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, there have been over 11,000 sexual abuse allegations against 4392 priests, constituting approximately 4% of all active Catholic priests in the U.S. during the study period of 1950-2002. Only about 2% of all priests accused between 1950 and 2002 have received prison sentences. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has stated that the U.S. Catholic Church spent over $300 million due to clergy sex abuse between June 2017 and June 2018 alone.

Sadly, the Catholic Church sex abuse scandal is not just an issue in the United States, but a global crisis affecting countries like France, Ireland, Australia, and many others. In Australia, a Royal Commission uncovered thousands of cases of abuse, leading to a national apology from the government and the Catholic Church. In Ireland, the Church has faced widespread criticism for its handling of abuse allegations, whereas in France, a recent investigation revealed over 200,000 children were subject to sexual abuse by the Catholic clergy since 1950. These are just a few examples of the ongoing issue of Catholic Church sexual abuse around the world.

Why Does the Catholic Church Cover Up Sexual Abuse?

Catholic Church sex abuse has been taking place for decades. The most concerning aspect of this issue relates to how the Church handles the allegations of sexual abuse. In many cases, the Catholic Church has been known to routinely cover up sex abuse and shuffle around the offending priests between parishes and even different countries so as to avoid prosecution and public scandal.

One of the reasons why the Church covers up sexual abuse is to protect its reputation. The Catholic Church has long been seen as a spiritual and moral authority, which is why revelations of widespread sex abuse are damaging to its reputation and have the potential to cause a loss of faith among its members. By covering up these cases, the Church hopes to maintain its credibility and avoid public scandal even at the cost of perpetrating further sex abuse.

Another reason for the cover-up is to protect the priests involved in the abuse. Rather than report the incidents to law enforcement, the Church often shuffles these priests across multiple locations, where they sexually abuse more people. This allows the Church to avoid accountability in the area where it is based and delays criminal prosecution of the abusive priest.

The cover-up of sexual abuse has been a common practice within the Catholic Church for many years. It is only in recent years that these instances have come to light, largely due to the survivors who have spoken out and shared their stories. If you are a survivor of Catholic Church sex abuse who wants to hold the responsible parties accountable for the harm caused to you, speak to a Catholic Church sex abuse attorney today.

How Common is Catholic Church Child Sexual Abuse?

In response to the increasing reports of child sex abuse by Catholic protests, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops implemented the Dallas Charter in 2002. The charter mandated the establishment of diocesan review boards to investigate allegations of abuse, required background checks for all Church personnel, and mandated immediate reporting to civil authorities. Despite these efforts, the Pennsylvania grand jury report released in 2018 highlighted decades of sexual abuse of more than 1,000 children by over 300 priests in the state, revealing cover-up by the Church members to protect the priests and silence the survivors.

The grand jury’s report sparked renewed outrage and prompted other states to launch their own investigations into Catholic Church child sexual abuse. The archives of several dioceses across the country show that hundreds of priests have been suspected of abusing minors. The ongoing investigations and subsequent reports suggest that Catholic Church child sexual abuse is not an isolated incident but a systemic issue that needs to be addressed.

Catholic Church Sexual Abuse: Recent Cases and Controversies

The Catholic Church has faced widespread criticism and outrage over its handling of sexual abuse allegations in recent years. Many survivors have come forward to share their stories of clergy sex abuse and seek justice for the harm and trauma suffered due to the abuse. These cases have sparked heated debates about the Catholic Church’s policies and its responsibilities to protect its congregants from sexual predators.

The Archbishop of Boston Sex Abuse

One of the most notable cases of Catholic Church sexual abuse involves the Archbishop of Boston, Cardinal Bernard Law. In 2002, the Boston Globe’s investigation revealed that Law repeatedly covered up allegations of sexual abuse by priests under his leadership. Despite multiple reports of abuse, Law allegedly transferred priests to new parishes where they continued to abuse children for years. The scandal led to widespread calls for reform and resulted in the Archdiocese of Boston paying $84 million in compensation to settle 552 sex abuse claims.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego Sex Abuse

In 2007, the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego reached a landmark $198.1 million agreement with 144 childhood sexual abuse survivors. This agreement followed a long investigation into sexual abuse allegations made against members of the Catholic Church. The investigation showed that the diocese had known for years about the abuse, but had failed to act to protect the survivors.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Denver Sex Abuse

In another settlement related to clergy sexual abuse, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Denver agreed to pay $5.5 million in 2008 to settle 18 sex abuse claims. This settlement brings the total payout by the archdiocese in such cases to $8.2 million.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Louisville Sex Abuse

In 2003, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Louisville agreed to pay $25.7 million to settle clergy sex abuse allegations. This settlement was meant to resolve the majority of 254 lawsuits that had been filed since April 2002. The lawsuits alleged sexual abuse over five decades by 35 priests, two religious brothers, three parochial school teachers, and a volunteer coach.

The Archdiocese of Baltimore Sex Abuse

The Maryland Attorney General’s investigation found that over 150 Roman Catholic priests in the Archdiocese of Baltimore have been accused of sexually and physically abusing more than 600 people over the past 80 years. According to the report, 115 priests were prosecuted for sex abuse or identified publicly by the archdiocese as having been “credibly accused” of abuse. However, another 43 priests had been accused of sexual abuse but were not identified publicly by the archdiocese.

The Catholic Archbishop of Washington, D.C.

Theodore McCarrick, the former Archbishop of Washington D.C., was once considered one of the most influential and respected members of the Catholic Church in the U.S. However, he fell from grace after allegations were made that he sexually abused multiple children over the course of his career. The case against Theodore McCarrick highlights the importance of holding those in positions of power and influence accountable for their actions.

Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Survivors: Finding Support + Resources

If you were sexually abused within the Catholic Church, you may be feeling overwhelmed and isolated by your trauma. Remember that finding support can comfort you and be an important step towards healing. There are various ways to seek help, such as individual therapy, group therapy, and support groups. Some survivors also find solace in books and podcasts on sexual abuse and recovery. Additionally, alternative therapies such as reiki can complement traditional medical and therapeutic treatments.

Here are some notable organizations and resources for sexual abuse survivors:

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): RAINN is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization which provides support for survivors of sexual violence, including a 24/7 hotline and online chat.
FORGE: FORGE is a national organization that provides support, education, and advocacy for transgender and gender non-conforming survivors of sexual violence. They offer counseling services and resources for survivors and their loved ones.
The Trevor Project: The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQIA+ youth. LGBTQIA+ survivors of sexual abuse may find comfort in connecting with this organization.
The Catholic Project: The Catholic Project is a research and media initiative promoting healing and accountability for the Catholic Church’s sex abuse survivors. They provide resources such as counseling and support groups.
SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests): SNAP is a support network for survivors of sexual abuse by clergy members, including priests.
National Center for Victims of Crime: The National Center for Victims of Crime provides advocacy, support, and resources for sexual abuse and assault survivors.

Victim Compensation Fund

In response to the countless cases of sexual abuse perpetrated by Catholic Church officials, some states like California and New York have established Victim Compensation Funds. These funds provide financial compensation for survivors of sexual abuse by members of the Catholic Church.

All victim compensation funds have certain processes and deadlines for filing a claim, so it is important to consult an attorney who can assist with the procedure and help gather the necessary information for filing a claim. While victim compensation funds provide faster payouts, they might have certain limitations such as smaller payment amounts or restrictions on the right to sue the perpetrator.

When Should I Hire a Sex Abuse Attorney?

If you or a loved one is a survivor of Catholic Church sexual abuse, you might consider hiring a sex abuse attorney to help advocate for your rights and pursue rightful compensation. A skilled attorney can help increase your chances of winning a lawsuit against powerful entities like the Catholic Church by using their legal skills and knowledge to your advantage. A sex abuse attorney typically works with law enforcement, medical professionals, and other witnesses to collect relevant evidence that is admissible in court.

A sexual abuse attorney can help maximize the chances of obtaining fair compensation for the sexual abuse and trauma you may have undergone due to the negligence of the Catholic Church. An experienced attorney can help ensure that your sex abuse lawsuit is filed in the correct jurisdiction and within the applicable statute of limitations.

Additionally, an experienced sex abuse attorney can offer guidance and support throughout the entire process, from filing the initial complaint to pursuing a settlement or verdict that covers the full extent of your pain and suffering, relevant medical bills, and similar losses.

Ultimately, hiring a sex abuse attorney is crucial when it comes to protecting your rights and obtaining the justice you deserve. If you or someone you love is a survivor of Catholic Church sexual abuse, do not hesitate to seek the legal help you need to move forward with your life.

Catholic Church Sex Abuse: FAQs

1. How many Catholic priests have been accused of sexual abuse?

According to a report from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, thousands of Catholic priests have been accused of sexual abuse in the United States alone. The report found that approximately 4 percent of all priests who served between 1950 and 2002 had been accused of abuse. While this number may seem small, it represents a significant number of survivors and a disturbing trend within the Catholic Church.

2. How many Catholic priests have been accused of child sexual abuse?

According to a 2019 Associated Press investigation, over 5,100 priests in the United States have been accused of sexually abusing children. Out of this number, a shocking 1,700 continue to live freely in the country without any legal repercussions.

3. Does the Catholic Church still cover up abuse?

Despite the widespread attention brought to the issue of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church in recent years, there are still many instances where sexual abuse is covered up or downplayed by the Catholic Church.

Note that the Catholic Church owes you a legal duty to provide reasonable care. If you or a loved one has been abused by a member of the Catholic Church, and the Church refused to take any action to ensure abuse didn’t happen again or covered up the abuse, you can file a civil sexual abuse lawsuit against them for their negligence.

4. What does the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program do?

The Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program (IRCP) was set up by the Catholic Church to provide compensation to survivors of sexual abuse by members of the clergy. The program is independent of the Church and is designed to help survivors receive compensation without having to go through a lengthy legal process. Some groups have criticized the IRCP for not doing enough to help survivors and for not being transparent about the compensation process. However, the program has been a way to receive compensation and find closure for some church sexual abuse survivors.

5. Can I sue the Catholic Church for sexual abuse but remain anonymous?

It is possible in some cases to file a lawsuit against the Catholic Church for sexual abuse while remaining anonymous. However, the specifics of each case may vary, so it is best to speak with a lawyer who specializes in Catholic Church sex abuse cases to understand the available options. An experienced attorney can help explain how you may protect your identity while pursuing a lawsuit.

6. How much has the Catholic Church paid to abuse victims?

It is difficult to determine an exact number, as many settlements are confidential. However, estimates suggest that in the U.S., the Catholic Church has paid anywhere from $3 to 4 billion in settlements to sexual abuse survivors. This number continues to grow as more survivors come forward and pursue legal action against the Catholic Church. While some progress has been made in recent years, there is still much work to be done to ensure justice and support for those affected by this ongoing crisis.

7. How much did California’s Independent Compensation Program for Diocesan priests pay to sexual abuse survivors?

The Independent Compensation Program for Diocesan Priests in California was created in 2019 to provide monetary compensation to survivors of sexual abuse by priests. The program has paid a total of $23,970,000 to the survivors, with individual payments ranging from $10,000 to $1.2 million. The program was established as a way for the Catholic Church to take responsibility for past abuse and enable survivors to seek justice and closure.

8. How do I report sexual abuse by a Roman Catholic priest?

If you or someone you know has been sexually abused by a Roman Catholic priest, you may consider the following course of action:

Contact law enforcement: Report the sexual abuse to the police in the jurisdiction where it occurred. This is an important step in holding the abuser accountable and ensuring that they cannot hurt anyone else.
Contact the church: If the abuse occurred in a Catholic Church, you should also report the abuse to the local diocese or archdiocese so they may keep track of abusive priests. If the church refuses to help or covers up the abuse, you can pursue legal action to hold it accountable as well.
Seek medical help: Sexual abuse can have immediate as well as long-lasting effects on the survivors, which is why it is necessary to consult a professional for help. You can also request a rape kit that may be used as evidence in case of a potential lawsuit.
Consider hiring a sex abuse lawyer: A lawyer who specializes in Catholic Church sex abuse cases can help you understand your legal options and get you the compensation you deserve.

9. I am an adult survivor of childhood sex abuse by a priest. Can I sue the Catholic Church now?

The answer to this question depends on the state where the abuse took place, as personal injury cases have time limits that vary from one state to another. Fortunately, many states have passed legislation extending or suspending their statutes of limitations for clergy abuse lawsuits, meaning that survivors in such states may have more time to hold the abuser accountable and pursue compensation. However, it is best to consult an experienced attorney as soon as possible so they may advise you on your legal options.

10. Can I sue a bankrupt diocese for sexual abuse?

If you are a sex abuse survivor, you may seek compensation by filing a claim with the bankruptcy court. When a diocese files for bankruptcy, all legal claims against the diocese are paused, and a compensation fund is established for survivors of sexual abuse. Each bankruptcy case is unique, and the compensation available may vary depending on the circumstances.

11. What is the statute of limitations for filing a Catholic Church sexual abuse lawsuit?

The statute of limitations for Catholic Church sexual abuse lawsuits varies from state to state. Fifteen states have extended or suspended their statutes of limitations for clergy abuse lawsuits, making it possible for survivors to pursue justice and seek compensation even years or decades after the abuse. However, it is best to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to understand if you may file a lawsuit in your state.

Contact our Catholic Church Sex Abuse Attorneys

At Edwards Henderson, our nationally recognized sex abuse lawyers have helped many sex abuse and child sex abuse survivors seek justice and compensation for the crimes committed against them. Our Catholic Church sex abuse attorneys can help you navigate the complex legal system and file a civil sex abuse lawsuit against the abuser and the specific church liable for negligence for such abuse. We understand the sensitivity of your case and are dedicated to providing compassionate representation.

Catholic Church Sex Abuse Lawyer

Key Takeaways

Representing Survivors of Catholic Church Sex Abuse