Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Scandal Widens in California
Catholic Church sexual abuse scandal In California. More than 1,500 new lawsuits have been filed thus far against California Catholic church clergy for alleged sexual abuse of children. This greatly widens the previous number of allegations. It brings to light the problem of alleged sexual abuse is much more prevalent than previously known. The latest allegations are the result of new legislation that allows victims of sexual abuse to come forward even if the crime occurred years ago. The new details are outlined in an investigative report from NBC Bay Area.
If you need legal assistance with a child sexual abuse case in California, please reach out to the California child sexual abuse attorney at Beck Law P.C.
Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Clergy Accused
The latest lawsuits name a number of different people as perpetrators of sexual abuse in relation to the Catholic church. Most of the alleged sexual abusers are priests, while some are church employees. Employees include teachers and coaches who worked at the churches. Several nuns are also named in lawsuits. Some priests and others have multiple accusations against them. The lawsuits stem from alleged sexual abuse that occurred to child and teen victims over decades.
Diocese of Oakland, Diocese of San Diego, Diocese of Santa Rosa
Many of the latest lawsuits have been filed against the Diocese of Oakland, Diocese of San Diego, and Diocese of Santa Rosa, as well as others.
One high-profile priest accused of sexual abuse is deceased Bishop Floyd Begin. Bishop Begin is a founding member of the Diocese of Oakland. He is accused of sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl in Oakland in 1968 after he had already become a Bishop. Some dioceses, including the Diocese of San Diego and the Diocese of Santa Rosa, have stated they could potentially face bankruptcy due to the pending charges.
A longtime priest who served in the East Bay parishes has been accused of sexually abusing a young boy who attended Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Brentwood. The boy was eight years old when the abuse occurred in the 1990s. The priest named is Father John Garcia, who is now deceased. The accuser, now a 34-year-old man, states that the priest raped him dozens of times. He says the abuse occurred in the priest’s residence, on church grounds. Several more victims have come forward, naming Garcia as well.
Coming Forward is the First Step Toward Healing
Indeed, suffering sexual abuse as a child can have a long and devastating impact on your life. One victim said that the abuse led to a road of addiction, criminal activity, and homelessness. He feels that filing the lawsuit is a necessary step toward healing. Many other victims apparently believe so, too. The Catholic Church is slowly being forced to come to terms with the sexual misconduct that has taken place under its watch. Victims may take legal action by filing a lawsuit against the perpetrator and the Catholic Church.
If you are a victim of sexual abuse that happened as a child, you deserve justice. The perpetrator and others who were negligent could owe you money for damages. Whether the abuse happened in San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, or anywhere in California, to learn more about child sexual abuse cases and discuss your case details, contact a California child sex abuse lawyer at Beck Law at (707) 576-7175.
