Sexual Abuse In Pennsylvania Religious Institutions Lawyers Helping Victims Seek Justice and Closure

Sexual abuse in Pennsylvania religious institutions has been a pervasive issue for decades. This abuse has had a significant impact on victims, as well as on the religious institutions themselves. Victims are often afraid to come forward and expose their abusers, and many abusers in faith-based institutions are protected by their church leaders, who often deny the abuse and make it even harder for victims to seek justice.

The attorneys at Andreozzi + Foote discuss key aspects of sexual abuse cases in religious institutions and explain how survivors can seek justice and hold their abusers liable for their conduct.

How Has the Catholic Church Been Affected by Sexual Abuse Cases in Pennsylvania?

The Catholic Church has faced significant scrutiny for its handling of sexual abuse allegations within its ranks. In many instances, the church seemed to be more concerned with avoiding public scandal rather than protecting sexual abuse victims, often failing to take action to remove sexual predators from clergy positions.

As an example, one notable case in Pennsylvania involved the cover-up of sexual abuse by clergy members in the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese – a fairly large diocese spreading across eight counties in the state and covering over 6,000 square feet. This cover-up involved several high-ranking church officials within the Catholic Church who attempted to dismiss the abuse and protect the perpetrators.

In the Altoona-Johnstown case, a grand jury determined that more than 50 religious leaders and Catholic priests have sexually assaulted hundreds of children in the diocese over a period of more than 40 years.

What Other Religious Organizations Have Been Affected by Sexual Abuse Cases?

Sexual abuse is not limited to the Catholic Church. In fact, there have been reports of sexual abuse in other faith communities across Pennsylvania. These institutions include Protestant churches, synagogues, and mosques. For example, the Jehovah’s Witnesses have also been implicated in sexual abuse cases in Pennsylvania. Recent news stories draw attention to a case in which a Pennsylvania grand jury brought sexual abuse charges against nine male members of the Jehova’s Witnesses congregation.

It is believed that many sexual abuse cases inside the Jehova’s Witnesses congregations go unreported as members may be led to believe that using common justice means, such as reporting the abuse to the police, is not appropriate and that they should wait for divine intervention instead. In addition, the Jehovah’s Witnesses have a hierarchical organizational structure that allows local leaders to have significant influence over congregation members, potentially creating an environment where sexual abuse can occur.

Why Should Sexual Abuse Victims Consider Taking Legal Action Against the Church?

It is important for sexual abuse victims to know that they have rights and can take action through a civil lawsuit. For starters, a civil lawsuit can provide victims with a way of holding the at-fault party financially liable for the harm they endured. Through a civil lawsuit, victims can receive monetary damages to help cover medical treatment expenses, psychological therapy, and other financial losses associated with the abuse.

However, taking legal action is really not just about the money. A civil lawsuit can hold the church accountable for its actions, expose any wrongdoing or negligence on the part of the institution, and potentially lead to necessary changes that can prevent others from becoming victims in the future.

Sexual abuse victims may also find comfort in knowing that they are not alone in their plight. Through a civil lawsuit, it is possible for victims to come together in a collective effort to seek justice. This can be an empowering experience for survivors of sexual abuse, as it can give them a chance to feel that their voices are being heard and that they are being taken seriously.

What Do You Need to Prove in a Religious Institution Sexual Abuse Case?

In a sexual abuse civil case, it is up to the plaintiff (the person filing the lawsuit) to prove that they or their child were a victim of sexual abuse by a member of a religious institution. Unfortunately, many sexual abuse cases may not have any physical evidence, especially if the abuse took place several years in the past. If that is the case, the plaintiff may present other types of evidence to support their claim.

One of the most important types of evidence is a plaintiff’s medical records. Having a doctor share important aspects of the victim’s medical history and potentially documenting the physical impact of the sexual abuse on the victim may be fundamental to proving their case. Another powerful type of evidence is the testimony of expert witnesses. Professionals such as psychologists can conduct an evaluation of the victim’s mental state and give their professional opinion of how the plaintiff’s mental well-being has been harmed or how their behavior indicates signs of someone who is suffering from trauma due to abuse.

In other cases, it may be worth digging deeper into the defendant’s background to see if that person has any history of abuse or previous complaints. It is quite common for faith-based organizations to cover up sexual abuse complaints against their leaders and condemn families for making such accusations, even though they are aware of the fact that their leaders may be hurting innocent people whom they were supposed to protect and guide.

Uncovering such previous complaints may positively impact a victim’s argument. Finally, the plaintiff can bring witnesses who can testify about the defendant’s character and provide validation to the plaintiff’s claim.

What Kind of Damages Can a Plaintiff Receive for a Sexual Abuse Claim?

Damages is the term used in legal language to describe the losses and negative impact a person has sustained as a result of someone else’s negligent actions. In the context of a sexual abuse claim against a church or any faith-based institution, the losses or damages sustained by a survivor are incredibly devastating.

While nothing can undo the harm the survivor has endured in the hands of an institution that was supposed to be trustworthy and benevolent, the civil courts use damages compensation as the next most appropriate remedy to make sexual abuse victims whole and figuratively undo the damages caused by the defendant.

By filing a civil lawsuit, the sexual abuse survivor can hold the defendant financially liable for their actions. There are three types of damages that may be available in a sexual abuse civil lawsuit – economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.

Economic damages are tangible financial losses, such as medical expenses, mental health therapy, and reduced earning capacity. Non-economic damages are the more subjective and intangible losses sustained by a victim, such as pain, suffering, mental anguish, loss of quality of life, and a variety of other psychological, behavioral, and emotional issues resulting from the abuse.

In sexual abuse cases, non-economic damages make up the bulk of damages a plaintiff may seek. In cases where the jury finds the defendant’s conduct especially egregious and grossly negligent, the judge may also order the defendant to pay punitive damages.

Punitive damages are a civil court’s way of punishing a defendant for their actions and can significantly increase the amount of damages a plaintiff may receive. However, it is important to understand that each case is different, and outcomes may vary. It is best to speak to a seasoned sexual abuse attorney to understand the potential overall value of your claim.

How Can a Sexual Abuse Attorney Help?

While it is true that it is up to the plaintiff of a sexual abuse case to prove that the abuse happened and that they sustained serious damages as a result, there is no need to take this step all alone. With the help of a skilled and compassionate sexual abuse lawyer, victims can gather the evidence and leverage the resources they need to build a strong case.

An attorney not only has deep knowledge of the laws impacting a sexual abuse civil claim but also the ability to recruit expert witnesses to provide even more insight into your case. Your attorney can also handle all necessary communications with the parties involved in the case and serve as your trusted legal ally at every step of the way.

At Andreozzi + Foote, standing up for the rights of sexual abuse victims is all we do. We are passionate about helping survivors seek justice and have their voices heard by helping them hold their abusers liable for the harm they caused. If you or someone you love were a victim of abuse by a member of the clergy or any other religious institution in Pennsylvania, contact Andreozzi + Foote at 866-311-8640 for the legal representation you deserve.

Sexual Abuse in Pennsylvania Religious Institutions

Even though the Catholic Church has received the most attention, sexual assault is not limited to any one religious institution. In recent years, both the Baptist and Methodist Churches have come under fire for their handling of sexual abuse cases. Allegations of sexual assault have been made against almost every religion on every continent, meaning no place of worship is safe from those who hope to prey on the innocent who are seeking nothing more than solace and safety.

If you or a loved one has been sexually abused by someone within your religious institution, be reassured that the law is on your side. The perpetrator will be held accountable and justice will prevail. Clergymen are not exempt from punishment if they break the law – anyone who harms another person should face consequences, regardless of their profession or social standing.

It’s critical that you contact a sexual assault lawyer who is experienced in situations involving religious institutions. You can trust them to listen carefully to your story and believe it, hold the wrongdoers accountable, and help to prevent other victims from having to endure what you’ve gone through. A skilled and tenacious sexual assault lawyer for victims can assist you in obtaining the financial compensation necessary for your recovery so that you can continue on with your life.

Experienced Sexual Abuse Lawyer Fighting For Victims Of Abuse

If you have been sexually abused or assaulted by your church or other religious institution, we can help. We offer free, completely confidential initial consultations to help survivors of sexual abuse find healing, closure and justice through litigation.