Sex Abuse at Church

If as a child you experienced sex abuse at church, it was likely the most traumatic experience of your life. Sexual abuse can have a long-term negative impact on a child’s life, even well into adulthood. If you were abused by a member of the clergy, it could be even more challenging to come to terms with because this is a person you are supposed to be able to trust. Unfortunately, sexual abuse by a priest or other clergy member is all too common an occurrence.

If you were sexually abused as a child, you likely have many questions and wonder whether you can file a lawsuit against the clergy member and the church. For more information, our California child sex abuse attorney at Beck Law P.C. can provide more information and resources.

Sex Abuse at Church

Sexual abuse may occur at church or any of the facilities of the diocese. A member of the clergy, such as a priest or bishop, a member of the church, or someone employed by the church may have sexually abused you as a child. Sexual abuse can include molestation that occurs once or several times. A child may be unable to tell someone else about the abuse, either out of fear or because they were told to keep it a secret. As a result, it is possible that the child does not report the incident until they are adults. 

Who Is Held Accountable for Child Sex Abuse at Church?

A variety of individuals or entities may be held accountable for a child who suffered sexual abuse by a member of the clergy. The priest or bishop himself is responsible for the child molestation that he perpetrated. A church administrator might be accountable if they knew about the incident and helped to cover it up. The diocese itself could be responsible if those in charge knew about the alleged sexual abuse and did nothing to stop it. Further, some people are required or mandated by law to report any incidence of child sexual abuse. Failure to report it could be a crime and might also make the entity responsible for future abuse.

Is The Diocese Required to Report Child Sexual Abuse?

California has laws that mandate some people to report child abuse whenever they are aware of it. A mandated reporter in California has a legal obligation to report any type of abuse of a child. They must report the suspected abuse to authorities, even if it is not confirmed. Clergy members are mandated reporters, as are teachers, medical professionals, social workers, and others. Failure to report is a misdemeanor that carries a punishment of up to six months in jail and fines of up to $1,000. While the diocese is required to report incidents of alleged child sexual abuse, in the past, they didn’t always do so. 

Did the Church Cover Up the Incident of Sexual Abuse?

Sadly, incidences of child sex abuse at church have often been covered up by administrators. Rather than take any action, the churches often simply moved alleged perpetrators to other churches or assignments. Unfortunately, that inaction is not adequate, and often, these offenders repeat their sexual abuse again and again, sometimes over many years. When the church officials knew or were aware of potential claims of sexual abuse, they and the diocese itself could be held accountable for abuse. 

If you are a victim of child sex abuse at church by a clergy member, you could be owed compensation by the clergy member and the church or diocese. The law limits the time to file a claim, so don’t delay. Contact the California child sexual abuse lawyer at Beck Law P.C. today at (707) 576-7175 to schedule a confidential consultation.