Are you looking for a lawyer who has extensive experience in clergy sexual abuse cases? If so, then look no further. Our team at White Law PLLC stands up for the victims of sexual abuse and won’t give up until justice is served.
If you think these cases are complicated, it will be helpful to seek skilled advice. We understand that after a serious crime like this, victims may feel lost or helpless. Our team is trained to help victims navigate through the legal system and represent them in court.
If you are a clergy abuse survivor looking for information about your case or are wondering how clergy sexual abuse lawsuits work, continue reading on.
What Is Considered Clergy Sexual Abuse?
Things get complicated when it comes to sexual abuse in Michicgan, especially within a church. Cases like this will need to have sufficient proof and establish clear liability. Clergy sexual abuse is defined as the actions of a priest or authoritative religious power, forcing sexual acts of a churchgoer to satisfy their own needs.
This can be considered molestation and can include all sexual contact. Some additional acts that are considered clergy sexual abuse include:
- Inappropriate touching
- Use of pornographic images or videos
- The suggestion of sexual activities
- Fondling
- Or sexual assault
In many cases, there will be common tactics used by religious authority figures. At times, the situation you were in may have clearly led you to be taken advantage of. Some of these tactics include the following:
- Grooming: This technique begins with being led to believe that you, as the victim, are the favorite and highly honored above others within the church community. If you were pulled for one-on-one time or asked to work on a project specifically, you may have been groomed. Of course, all the attention you received at first will have been positive and caring but will have turned into negative actions very quickly.
- Shame: this is a great tactic that many will use because this is defined as the shaming and threatening of the victim. Those in religious power can make the victim feel scared or shameful of the actions that have been committed, therefore enabling the activities to go on because of the fear of speaking up.
Holland Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer Near Me (517) 316-1195
What Should You Do if You Have Been Sexually Abused at Church?
If you are a victim of clergy sexual assault, it is of utmost importance to speak with someone outside of the church where the abuse happened. More importantly, it’s crucial to speak with a skilled clergy sexual abuse lawyer in Holland, Michicgan. Our team at White Law PLLC has the experience and skills needed for cases like yours.
We know exactly what to do if you are faced with serious abuse in the church. First, we will gather all the necessary evidence for your case. This will include police reports, witness statements, a detailed report from you, and any photographic or video evidence we can find.
Then, we will determine who will be held liable for your sustained damages. Cases like these can sometimes be a bit tricky because of liability. There are various parties that can be held accountable for the crimes, and it’s up to us to figure it out.
For a free legal consultation with a clergy sexual abuse lawyer serving Holland, call (517) 316-1195
Who Is Held Liable in Sexual Abuse Cases?
As stated above, there are various parties that can sometimes be held responsible for clergy sexual abuse. Holding the church accountable is a difficult one. On the one hand, churches offer support and services throughout a community; on the other, they are also business-like.
By employing priests and clergy members or ministers, the church is also a business. Therefore, with that being said, they must follow a basic level of care for those that are employed or use the property freely.
In a case that involves clergy sexual abuse, it’s important that we go straight to the culprit of these crimes. Directly suing the clergy member or employee of the church who has sexually abused you will be the best course of action.
Similar to other businesses, the church will try and pay you settlements without dealing with the crimes head-on. This is where we come in. By holding the responsible party liable, we can ensure you have justice and an attractive amount of compensation.
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What Can You Claim in Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuits?
At White Law PLLC, we understand that no amount of money will ever be able to cover what was lost. As victims of sexual assault, monetary damages can be awarded in order to compensate for your life0changing experiences and trauma.
Unlike that of other sexual abuse cases, there are different damages that can be collected. Generally, the damages aren’t those losses associated with monetary value but more associated with intangible damage.
Some damages that victims of clergy sexual abuse include the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Past and future ongoing trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In some cases, you are able to claim compensatory damages for monetary losses such as medical bills or psychological treatment. However, you will generally be able to collect non-economic losses.
By having our skilled team research your case, we can determine your losses and seek the appropriate amount of compensation. These cases can be complex, which is why you need the right team of support on your side.
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Reach Out to Our Skilled Clergy Sexual Abuse Attorneys in Holland, Michigan, Today!
If you have been a victim of clergy sexual assault or know of someone who has been affected by trauma from this type of abuse, you shouldn’t feel alone. Clergy sexual abuse is a serious crime, and it is punishable under the law.
If you want to learn more about our clergy sexual abuse lawyers or have any questions about your case, contact us today.
Call or text (517) 316-1195 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form