Sexual abuse by clergy is a phenomenon that goes back decades. The problem was brought to light in 2002 by the Boston Globe . The report was made into the award-winning film “Spotlight,” which further publicized the issue of sexual abuse of minors by clergy—in this case specifically, by Roman Catholic priests.
In the ensuing years, more and more cases of clergy sexual abuse have been reported and priests or other clergy in many cases have been defrocked, brought to trial and/or sent to prison. In the realm of personal injury law (LINK), lawyers have been tasked with bringing the perpetrators of sexual abuse to justice.
The statistics are not happy ones but they serve to put things in context and remind us of the depth of this problem. In fact a Catholic organization (the Catholic League) outlines on its website the scope of the problem in an effort to address it based on real numbers. There are areas, like Boston, where the problem—-statistically—-is much worse than in other areas.
Sexual Abuse Not Limited to Catholic Clergy
The problem is not limited to Catholic clergy, either. A report to the Baptist Convention in 2000 cited a study from the 1980s which showed that 12% of ministers has engaged in sexual relations with members of their congregation.
In American Judaism, one statistic showed that 73% of female rabbis experienced some form of sexual harassment.
The numbers dovetail with the report issued by RAINN which shows that 93% of perpetrators are known to their victims.
93% of perpetrators are known to their victims
Once the act of sexual abuse has been committed, though, it cannot and should not be covered up. It takes a great deal of courage for survivors to come out into the open after suffering at the hands of clergy or other authority figures. That is the first step on the road to justice. Also, some in authority over those accused of misconduct have at times looked the other way, allowing abuse to continue, sometimes for many more years.
When those who have been victimized by clergy finally do come forward, they face many legal hurdles. However, by enlisting legal counsel, they begin to open the window on abuse and those responsible can be brought to justice. A successful verdict in such cases can never eliminate the fact that the abuse occurred, but it can prevent abusers from committing future abuse as well as send a message to others that through the justice system they can and will be prosecuted.
Taking the Next Step Following Clergy Sexual Abuse
If you or a loved one has suffered sexual or other abuse by clergy or an authority figure, the law offices of Kyle Scott can help. We have won verdicts in cases involving clergy sexual abuse as well as against teachers and school districts and will bring the same expertise to the table if you are the victim of this psychologically devastating abuse. Call us today at 714-544-1460 or toll-free: 866-757-0959.