It is not your fault that you were sexually abused by a person in power in the church, yet many victims hide their abuse because they feel ashamed. You can take back your dignity by speaking out.
Your courage to come forward and expose the abuses by members of the clergy can help you to move on in your life and potentially save other children from the horrors you survived. You did not deserve what happened to you.
While nothing can undo your pain, you can seek justice and financial compensation. The clergy sex abuse attorneys of White Law PLLC in Ann Arbor have experience resolving claims of this nature. We work hard to prove victims’ claims and fight aggressively for compensation on their behalf.
Can I Make a Civil Claim for Clergy Sexual Abuse?
Whether or not you can file a lawsuit because of sexual abuse you suffered as a child depends on the specifics of your situation. To help survivors weigh their legal options, the attorneys at The White Law PLLC Firm provide free, private case evaluations.
We support anyone who has experienced sexual abuse or assault, including:
- Children who have been victimized
- Parents of child sex abuse victims
- Adults who have been abused or violated
- Adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse by the clergy
Numerous clergy members from a variety of religions have been accused of sexually abusing minors in recent years. Examples of some of the churches who have been involved in clergy sexual abuse of minors include:
- Catholic Church
- Roman Catholicism
- Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or Mormon
- Jehovah Witness
- Church of Scientology
- Reformed Judaism / Yeshivas
No matter how powerful you believe the church is, the people committing these crimes are still subject to the law. They can be stopped, and you can get help from a clergy sexual abuse attorney in Ann Arbor.
A civil suit against the clergy and the church provides the victims with a path toward healing and the financial compensation they need and deserve to pave the way to their futures.
Ann Arbor Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer Near Me (517) 316-1195
Sexual Abuse By Clergy Happens in Many Religions
The Roman Catholic Church is not the only institution plagued by sexual assault. Allegations of sexual assault in the clergy have been leveled against a number of religious institutions.
- According to a report published by the Insurance Journal, the Protestant Church sees an average of 260 allegations of sexual abuse against its clergy and other employees.
- Accusations of child pornography, sexual abuse, and rape have been leveled against Lutherans, and in one claim, nine Lutheran church clergy sexual abuse victims received a $69 million settlement.
- There have been other occasions on which the Haredi Jewish community of Brooklyn has been criticized for failing to report abuse within its ranks.
- There have been numerous allegations of clergy sexual abuse in evangelical churches and the Southern Baptist Church.
- Mormon Church officials have also been accused of abuse and has been tied to covering up sexual assault inside the Boy Scouts of America. The Mormon Church and Boy Scouts reached a $1 billion settlement with sexual abuse victims.
- According to a report published in 2020, the Anglican Church often ignored and sometimes exacerbated the anguish of abuse victims.
In each of these situations, the responsible organization has denied any knowledge of the wrongdoing or actively worked to cover it up. Most churches have laws or guidelines that allow sexual abuse to occur, and offenders are rarely punished inside the church.
An Ann Arbor church sex abuse attorney understands the complexity of these situations. We will work to cut through murky and self-serving church investigations to ensure that appropriate action is taken and compensation is made.
For a free legal consultation with a clergy sexual abuse lawyer serving Ann Arbor, call (517) 316-1195
Clergy Sexual Abuse Coverups Can and Should Be Exposed
Clergy are looked to for moral and ethical instruction because of their position as religious leaders. Members of the clergy or priesthood commit the ultimate betrayal when they use their religious authority and power to perpetrate sexual abuse and cover it up.
Many churches and religious organizations have been criticized for their inability to appropriately investigate claims of sexual abuse and keep vulnerable children and members safe. These atrocious acts should be stopped and the liable parties involved should be forced to pay.
Perhaps you told someone about your abuse and they didn’t listen. The clergy sex abuse lawyers of our firm in Ann Arbor understand how painful it must feel to be unheard. We will listen and act to secure justice and to prevent these deplorable acts from being inflicted on others.
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I Was Abused as a Child. How Long do I Have to File a Sexual Abuse Claim Against the Clergy in Michigan?
Even if you were abused years ago, you may still have time to file a claim but this was not always the case. Because of special laws surrounding clergy sex abuse in Michigan, many potential claimants can now pursue financial compensation as an adult for abuse suffered as a child.
The ordinary limitation for personal injury claims in Michigan is 3 years. However, clergy sexual assault charges have been addressed by new legislation in Michigan, which is welcome news. There is a unique time limit on filing criminal charges related to child sexual assault in Michigan (Compiled Law 600.5851b).
A claim for conduct occurring while the plaintiff was a minor may now be filed at any time prior to the plaintiff’s 28th birthday. Otherwise, individuals have three years from the time they learn of the abuse or link an injury to criminal sexual activity to submit a claim.
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We Help Clergy Abuse Survivors to Recover Compensation and Their Dignity
For decades, churches covered up reports of sexual abuse by priests, ministers, bishops, and other members of the clergy. At last, individuals are feeling safe enough to speak up about their ordeals and demand justice and appropriate recompense.
The attorneys at White Law PLLC can assist you in filing a claim for sexual assault by a member of the church in Ann Arbor. Let us help you review your claim and walk you through the procedure.
Until you receive your settlement check, there will be no fees for our legal services. To learn more about how a clergy sexual abuse victim lawyer in Ann Arbor can help, please contact us immediately.
Call or text (517) 316-1195 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form