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Who is Brother James Avent?
Brother James Avent’s name appears in the Grand Jury Report on the Baltimore Archdiocese. The report exposed more than 150 predator clergy members for sexually abusing children.
In 1993 a woman alleged that Avant abused her 8th-grade son and other boys in the early 1970s at St. Martin’s rectory. The mother’s report of the abuse to the church seemed to result in no action. Avant had left St. Martin’s Rectory in 1990. Avant worked at Morgan State University in 1972, St. Martin (Baltimore) from 1972-1978, and Charles Lwanga Center from 1979-1984.
Moving and reassigning clergy after allegations is a long-documented tactic of the church to cover up child sexual abuse. This only enables clergy abusers to abuse more children without accountability. We understand how hard it is to accept the reality of sexual abuse and how scary the system can feel.
You are not alone.
Andreozzi + Foote lawyers offer experience and a trauma-informed approach when seeking justice for our clients.
How Can A Civil Lawsuit Help Victims Seek Justice For The Trauma They May Have Experienced At The Hands Of Brother James Avent?
There are many misunderstandings about why a survivor of sexual abuse would choose to file a civil lawsuit. Child sexual abuse takes away so much from the survivors and families impacted. Our society struggles to find ways to repair the harm done by perpetrators and institutions that have covered up child sexual abuse. Outdated statutes of limitations across our country leave far too many survivors denied access to our criminal or civil justice courts.
Filing a civil case can be essential for survivors and their families to rebuild their lives. Motivation for filing a civil suit is often questioned and unfairly stereotyped as being “all about money. Therefore, the concept of filing a civil lawsuit casts survivors as “money hungry” and is weaponized to shame and blame them even more. This couldn’t be further from the truth for survivors of child sexual abuse. The civil justice system offers victims more than just monetary benefits. It gives survivors access to justice, validation, exposure, confrontation, and ultimately some resolution. The resolution allows survivors of sexual abuse to understand and process what happened. Thus creating a new path forward without confusion, questions, and fear.
As a Result of the Archdiocese of Baltimore Report, Can I file a lawsuit against Brother Avent, the Catholic Church, or Morgan State University?
Yes.
As a result of the Grand Jury Report into the Archdiocese of Baltimore the law has expanded. The skilled lawyers of Andreozzi + Foote have experience working with Maryland’s new law allowing any previously time-barred victims to file civil lawsuits for child sexual abuse. If you were a Deacon William Steven Albaugh victim, you could take action against the church for failing to protect you or your child.
We know it can be hard to talk about these experiences. Our compassionate sexual abuse lawyers are here to listen and provide knowledgeable legal guidance. We provide free, confidential case evaluations where you can learn more about your rights and options under your state’s laws, contact Andreozzi + Foote today.
