Sex abuse perpetrated by trusted religious leaders can leave deep emotional and psychological scars, often made worse by the betrayal of trust within a religious community. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to supporting abuse survivors, offering years of experience in managing these complex cases.

The city of Fayetteville has had its share of distressing cases, most of them related to child sexual abuse. If you or a family member survived abuse in a local religious organization, you can rely on us to fight with you while you take legal action.

Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

Over the years, we have secured millions in compensation for our clients who have suffered sexual abuse while providing a responsive, compassionate, and sensitive service. Our services combine our dedication to justice with legal expertise so survivors can rely on us to advocate for them.

Table of Contents

$14.2 Million Priest grooming and handling	$4.1 Million Deacon assault and rape	$3 Million Clergy child abuse filed in adulthood
$2.5 Million Volunteer-perpetrated Catholic church abuse	$2.3 Million Religious school priest teen sexual abuse	$1.5 Million Clergy abuse case filed against a deceased priest

We aim to help survivors heal by securing the financial compensation and closure they need to move on. We also know that sexual predators do not operate alone, as religious institutions often stay silent about the abuse. This is why we demand accountability from the abuser and any institution that allowed the abuse.

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Prevalence of Clergy Sexual Assault and Abuse in Fayetteville

Clergy abuse statistics show church members are not more likely to commit abuse compared to other populations. However, due to the community’s trust, they have access to vulnerable individuals and children.

Also, while the Catholic Church accounts for the majority of publicly known cases, other sex offenders have been present in different churches. There are at least 15 people connected to Arkansas on a list of Southern Baptist Church leaders accused of abuse or failing to report it, with one of them from Fayetteville. [1]

Notable Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases and Accused Priests in Fayetteville

There have been several cases known cases of clergy sexual abuse in Fayetteville, Arkansas, within different religious organizations. These are only the most well-known perpetrators, as most abuse is never reported.

Walter Rajmund – The Diocese of Little Rock, which covers the entirety of Arkansas, including Fayetteville, has published the names of sexual offenders within the church, including Walter Rajmund, who served in St. Joseph, Fayetteville, between 1971 and 1973. There are multiple allegations against him. Walter Rajmund is deceased. [2]
Timothy Lee Reddin – Convicted in 2000 for possessing child pornography materials, Timothy Lee Reddin was convicted again in 2019 for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. He is serving a 10-year sentence in federal prison without the possibility of parole. [3]

Common Forms of Clergy Sexual Misconduct

Clergy sexual abuse involves inappropriate or unlawful sexual actions committed by individuals in positions of spiritual leadership or authority. It can involve any sexual act that is forced upon another person. It may include:

Sexual harassment – This includes verbal or non-verbal behaviors, including inappropriate comments, gestures, advances, and purposefully invading someone’s personal space.
Use of sexualized materials – Showing or sending explicit images, videos, and texts.
Sexual exploitation – This includes using authority to coerce or manipulate someone into sexual activity.
Grooming – Emotional abuse and manipulation created to build trust, isolate the victim, and prevent them from speaking out.
Sexual assault – Any forced sexual contact, such as kissing or groping. Sexual assault also includes rape, defined as any non-consensual sexual intercourse, including statutory rape and attempted rape.

The Profile of Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims

Clergy abuse victims can be of any age, gender, or background, but they are often vulnerable individuals, such as children, adolescents, or adults in spiritual or emotional distress. Victims often belong to religious communities where trust in clergy is high, making them more susceptible to manipulation.

Those who have suffered childhood sexual abuse by religious figures suffer lifelong consequences, including:

Emotional trauma – Survivors may suffer from depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Physical injuries – In cases involving physical and sexual abuse, survivors may have physical consequences.
Spiritual confusion – Clergy abuse often causes deep spiritual crises, leading to loss of faith or trust in religious institutions.
Social isolation – Victims may feel ashamed or fearful of coming forward, leading to isolation from family or community.
Long-term effects – Many victims endure long-term struggles with self-esteem, relationships, mental and physical health.

Common Signs of Clergy Child Abuse

Sexually abused children often stay silent about the abuse. However, there are typically signs that something is wrong, such as:

Sudden behavior changes – The child may become withdrawn, anxious, or display anger and aggression.
Fear of certain adults – Unexplained fear or discomfort around specific clergy members or places of worship.
Regression – Reverting to younger behaviors, such as bedwetting or thumb-sucking.
Avoidance of religious activities – Reluctance or refusal to attend church or participate in religious events.
Sexualized behavior –Inappropriate knowledge or behaviors that are not age-appropriate.
Sleep problems – Frequent nightmares, insomnia, or bedwetting.
Unexplained physical injuries – Bruises, injuries, or soreness, especially in private areas.
Drop in academic performance – Decline in school performance or loss of interest in school activities.

Eligibility to File a Civil Claim for Clergy Member Sexual Abuse

Typically, individuals who file a civil lawsuit belong to one of the three categories:

Child sex abuse survivors and their parents
Adult victims of assault
Adult survivors who were sexually abused as minors

Consult our legal team

Liability in Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases

Both individuals and institutions can be liable in sexual abuse cases committed by clergy.

Regarding individual liability, perpetrators may face:

Criminal charges–These charges may result in criminal penalties, such as prison sentences, fines, and being placed on sexual offender registries. As civil court attorneys, we do not specialize in criminal law. If you want to pursue criminal charges, you must find a criminal attorney.
Civil liability – Victims of sexual abuse can file lawsuits against clergy members for personal injury, seeking compensation for emotional trauma, medical expenses, and other damages caused by the abuse. The victim must show that the clergy member’s actions directly caused their harm.

In case of institutional liability, religious organizations or dioceses can be held accountable for their role in child sex abuse, as long as the plaintiff proves the connection between the institution’s actions or inactions and the abuse.

Institutional liability is possible under various legal theories, including:

Negligent hiring – An institution can be liable if it didn’t vet clergy members properly. For example, the church didn’t conduct a background check.
Negligent supervision –If the institution knew or should have known about a clergy member’s potential for abuse and failed to monitor or control their actions, they may be held accountable for allowing the abuse to occur.
Failure to report abuse – Religious institutions that fail to report known or suspected abuse to authorities may be liable for covering up or ignoring the abuse.
Vicarious liability – Under the legal doctrine of vicarious liability, religious institutions can be held responsible for the actions of their employees if the abuse occurred in the course of their official duties or within the scope of their employment.

The Statute of Limitations for Filing a Civil Lawsuit in Fayetteville

Even if the abuse occurred many years ago, it may still be possible to file a claim against the abuser as the Arkansas legal system eliminated the statute of limitations (time limits) for child sexual abuse civil cases.

Furthermore, there’s an open revival window for expired claims until January 31, 2026, and a three-year discovery rule in effect.

Types of Cases Handled by Our Fayetteville Clergy Abuse Lawyers

Our Fayetteville clergy abuse lawyers can help you seek justice in cases of abuse by priests, pastors, and other religious leaders. We also work with survivors of abuse in different religious institutions:

Catholic Church – The Diocese of Little Rock, which also oversees Fayetteville, has had several clergy members accused of abuse, with Walter Rajmund being a well-known case.
Protestant churches – Abuse by pastors or leaders within Baptist, Methodist, or other Protestant churches is also prevalent. Timothy Lee Reddin is the best-known perpetrator in the Southern Baptist Church, with enticement of a minor and child pornography charges.
Other religious institutions – We also help survivors of abuse committed by members of non-Christian institutions in Fayetteville.

Steps to Take if You Are a Victim

If you have been a victim of clergy sexual abuse, there are steps you can take to ensure your safety, well-being, and legal rights.

Ensure safety and well-being – First, ensure you are safe and away from the abuser.Talk to people you trust, such as friends, family members, or counselors, and find emotional support. If necessary, seek medical treatment.
Document the abuse – Write down any details about locations, timelines, and any communications with the abuser. Save physical evidence like clothing. Do not share details about your case publicly during the process.
Seek legal help – Contact a sexual abuse lawyer to understand your case and seek justice in civil or criminal court.
Find local support groups – The Arkansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault provides crisis intervention services, counseling, and referrals to legal aid. You can also contact the NWA Center for Sexual Assault, which has a 24-hour hotline.

Let’s discuss the specifics of your case

How Our Fayetteville Clergy Sexual Assault Lawyers Can Help

We handle every aspect of the legal process so you can focus on yourself and your emotional recovery. The process looks like this:

Case evaluation – We will evaluate your case and explain your legal rights during a free, confidential consultation.
Investigation – We will work with you to gather evidence, including medical records, communications with the abuser, and witness statements. We also work with experts such as psychologists and investigators to build a strong case.
Claim filing – We file a claim against the clergy member or institution. This way, we seek compensation for the harm you or a loved one have suffered, including physical harm and emotional distress.
Help with legal procedures – We will help you with all legal matters, such as paperwork and deadlines.
Negotiating the settlement– The first step is negotiating the settlement with the opposing party to achieve a fair and just settlement without prolonged litigation. If the outcome is unsatisfactory, we can take your case to court.
Representing you in civil court– The other potential outcome of the legal action is taking the case to civil court. During the trial, we will present the evidence, call witnesses, and advocate fiercely on your behalf to ensure justice is served.

The Cost of Hiring a Fayetteville Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Sex crime survivors deserve justice and financial compensation to help them in their healing journey. As personal injury lawyers, we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case. When we do, you pay us a pre-agreed percentage of your compensation.

Compensation for Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims

A sexual abuse attorney can help survivors recover compensation for the following damages:

Economic – This includes medical expenses, therapy, and lost wages if the abuse affected your ability to work.
Non-economic – Emotional distress, including long-term mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD, and pain and suffering experienced as a result of the abuse.
Punitive – In cases where the abuse was particularly egregious, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the abuser and the institution for gross negligence or misconduct.

The amount depends on the severity of the abuse, its duration, the age of the victim, evidence of institutional negligence, and the strength of the case.

Contact a Fayetteville Clergy Sexual Abuse Attorney Today!

Jonathan Rosenfeld, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer

Taking the first step in pursuing legal action for clergy sexual abuse can feel overwhelming. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are here to guide you through the process with compassion and expertise. Our team is committed to providing the support you need, ensuring your voice is heard, and fighting for the justice you deserve.

Complete our online form or call us at (888) 424-5757 to book a free consultation with a clergy sexual abuse lawyer.

Related Practice Areas

References: [1] Arkansas News, [2] Clergy Disclosure List, [3] Justice.gov

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.