Sexual assault is a serious offense that can cause mental and physical trauma for many years. When sexual abuse occurs in the church, victims are often left feeling guilty, ashamed, and angry that this happened to them — and rightfully so. If you’ve found this page after enduring sexual abuse or assault from a church member, we are sorry you are going through this challenging time.
Without consent, no one has the right to touch you. If a priest, minister, rabbi, pastor, or another clergy member has taken advantage of you physically, clergy sexual abuse lawyers in Midland, Michigan, from White Law PLLC will help you get the justice you deserve.
Getting help may seem overwhelming or impossible after sexual abuse. Our top-rated clergy sexual abuse lawyers are here to fight on your behalf, so you no longer have to. Learn how we can help you move forward with your life after a sexual assault in the church, and contact us 24/7 — day or night.
What Constitutes Sexual Abuse or Assault in Michigan?
According to the American Psychological Association, sexual abuse is defined as unwanted sexual behavior or activity without consent from victims. The state of Michigan defines sexual assault as “Criminal Sexual Conduct.” Criminal sexual conduct can occur when victims are sleeping, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or when sexual activity happens by force.
The State of Michigan defines sexual assault, or criminal sexual conduct, in numerous ways. Sexual assault may occur in many ways at the hands of friends, family members, boyfriends or girlfriends, or spouses.
- Rape
- Child sexual abuse or molestation
- Incest
- Other forms of sexual abuse
Sexual abuse or assault can happen in more than one way. While rape, incest, and child molestation are more commonly discussed, sexual abuse can also include parents having sex in front of children, adults making sexual comments to children, or making another person watch or engage in pornography without their consent. Perpetrators or pedophiles can be held accountable for wrongful and illegal actions with the help of a clergy sexual abuse attorney.
Midland Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer Near Me (517) 316-1195
Who Can Be Affected by Clergy Sexual Abuse?
Sexual assault from a clergy member can happen to anyone. However, sexual predators a more likely to prey on children because they are more vulnerable and susceptible to bribes. As reflected through the National Center for Victims of Crime overview of Child Sexual Abuse Statistics, 9.2% of victimized children were also sexually assaulted in 2010.
Christianity Today goes further to say that approximately 1 in 10 young protestants have left the church because of sexual abuse from a clergy member. Churchgoers between 18 to 34 are more likely to report unwanted sexual behavior, whereas older generations are more likely to remain silent due to fear of speaking out.
You don’t have to stay silent if you have been affected by sexual abuse from a clergy member. Help is available for you. Midland clergy sexual abuse lawyers can help collect evidence proving how you have been harmed to achieve the fair compensation you deserve.
For a free legal consultation with a clergy sexual abuse lawyer serving Midland, call (517) 316-1195
What Kind of Compensation Could I Recover After Sexual Abuse or Assault From a Member of the Clergy in Michigan?
Wrongful parties should be held responsible for their actions when the rules are broken. One way clergy members can pay for their hurtful words and actions is through the reimbursement of economic and non-economic damages. After a successful clergy sexual abuse claim, victims could be entitled to fair compensation for out-of-pocket expenses and other damaging factors, including the following:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Lower quality of life
- Depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Mental anguish
- Mental health therapy treatments
Midland clergy sexual abuse lawyers in Michigan understand a large portion of your healing process is seeing your perpetrator held accountable for what they have done. We aim to help make that a reality for you after enduring sexual abuse in the church.
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Michigan Laws & Clergy Sexual Abuse
According to Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. § 750.520b, sexual abuse is considered sexual conduct in the first degree. Punishment for sexual abuse in Michigan is imprisonment for life or an extended number of years, based on findings and rulings of a jury. Adults over 17 who sexually abuse children will receive no less than 25 years in prison for their crimes.
In addition to a lengthy prison sentence, perpetrators of sexual abuse will also undergo lifetime electronic monitoring to watch their whereabouts. Lawyers of clergy sexual abuse in Midland, Michigan, can explain more about the type of prison sentencing the defendant may receive after a successful sexual abuse lawsuit.
Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse in Michigan
The statute of limitations in Michigan for child sexual abuse or assault by a clergy member is by the age of 28. However, this new law was only passed in 2018 and only includes sexual assaults that have happened since. This also includes a 3-year discovery rule from the day the sexual abuse occurs or is indicated through inappropriate touching or behavior.
To learn more, talk to sexual abuse attorney. We can help you determine if you could be eligible for compensation.
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Hire a Clergy Sexual Abuse Attorney in Michigan
Sexual abuse happens when someone touches you inappropriately without your consent. Sexual abuse from a clergy member can make you feel unwanted, guilty, or ashamed — but this is not your fault. Clergy sexual abuse lawyers in Midland, MI, can help you file a lawsuit against clergy members in Michigan.
If you’re struggling with grief and shame after sexual abuse, it is time to hold responsible parties accountable for their wrongful actions. Attorneys for sexual abuse in Michigan can help you.
Get started as soon as possible and contact us at White Law PLLC. You can reach out to a top-rated sexual abuse anytime, 24/7. We are here for you today.
Call or text (517) 316-1195 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form