The Catholic Church has been a significant news topic for the last few decades, as hundreds of sexual abuse victims have come forward. The church’s reputation is affected, with numerous credible cases of sexual abuse, many of which involved children. Religious institutions are also being accused of covering up sexual abuse claims to protect clergy members.
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark, which oversees Jersey City, has its fair share of abusers named. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has a proven track record of offering compassionate dedication to Jersey City’s survivors.
Our law firm aims to serve justice and hold abusive perpetrators accountable, even if they are not from the Catholic church. This includes religious leaders and institutions such as Protestant churches and Jewish synagogues.
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Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has the expertise Jersey City sexual abuse victims need when pursuing compensation. We have successfully represented other clergy sexual abuse victims, helping them access the resources they need to begin the critical healing process.
| $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 |
Our team focuses on a supportive approach, offering victims unconditional guidance, legal expertise, and a helping hand throughout the legal process. Sexual abuse is never okay, especially at the hands of a church you and your family trusted. We’re here to help victims speak out against their abusers and obtain the financial compensation they deserve.
Prevalence of Catholic Church Sexual Abuse in Jersey City
Hundreds of abusive clergy members have been named in New Jersey. Here are a few clergy abuse statistics to know in Jersey City, New Jersey:
- In total, New Jersey Catholic dioceses named 188 priests and deacons who were credibly accused of sexual assault or abuse. However, more than half of the abusers on the list are no longer living [1].
- A secondary source published an updated list, which included 300 priests, nuns, monks, and other clergy members, many of whom were not listed in the original resource [2].
- The Newark Archdiocese released a list of clergy members accused of sexual abuse, which included more than 60 priests. 42 priests and deacons on the list had Hudson County connections [3].
- In a single year, over 230 lawsuits were filed against New Jersey clergy members, reporting claims of sexual abuse and sexual assault, with the Newark archdiocese being named in 94 of the lawsuits [4].
Notable Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases and Accused Priests in Jersey City
With a history of sexual abuse in New Jersey dating back to the 1940s, there have been many accused, convicted, and sued clergy members. Here are a few cases:
- Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick: One of the most noteworthy clergy abuse cases in New Jersey was former high-ranking Theodore McCarrick. He abused a 16-year-old altar server in the 1970s. Additional victims eventually came forward, and he was dismissed from the Vatican in 2019. However, he has since been ruled incompetent to stand trial [5]
- Keith F. Pecklers: Pecklers settled a claim involving sexual abuse of a teenager in the 1970s at St. Paul’s in Jersey City.
- Thomas A. Stanford: Stanford settled a sexual abuse case involving a teenager in the mid-1980s when he was a deacon at St. Paul’s in Jersey City.
- Donald Richard: Richard settled a case in court in 2021 after he sexually abused a teenage girl. Other victims then came forward against Richard.
Common Forms of Sexual Misconduct Perpetrated by Clergy Members
Sexual abuse in the church may take on many forms, including the following:
- Inappropriate words, communication, or text messages: Sending inappropriate text messages or discussing sexual themes with a child is considered a form of sexual misconduct.
- Pornography: Pornography images involving a child are subject to both civil and criminal charges.
- Harassment: Offensive, harassing behaviors involving threats, intimidation, or physical contact are sexual misconduct.
- Sexual Assault: Assault involves nonconsensual touch of another person or child. It may also include aggravated sexual assault, such as rape.
The Profile of Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims
The typical clergy abuse victim is usually someone who has placed their trust in the abuser, often making it even more challenging to speak out against them.
Clergy members are in a unique position of power that gives them influence over church members, students, or volunteers. In many cases, victims of clergy abuse are children or teenagers who may not come forward for many years.
The consequences of sexual abuse can be physical, psychological, and financial. A childhood sexual abuse victim may require medical care due to injury, pregnancy, or STDs. The psychological impacts of clergy abuse may include years of pain, suffering, and trauma.
Victims often experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, or PTSD. They may carry trauma with them into their adult lives, impacting future relationships, careers, and personal well-being.
Common Signs of Clergy Abuse Among Child Victims
Parents can help protect their children from sexual abuse by looking for common signs:
- Inappropriate jokes or play involving sexual themes
- Withdrawal from friendships or activities once enjoyed
- Unexplained injuries, especially to sexual parts
- Sudden fear of the priest, pastor, or other leader
- Sudden mood changes
- Sleep difficulties
- A general distrust in those around them
- Grooming behaviors, such as unexplained gifts or money
Eligibility to File a Clergy Sexual Abuse Claim
Filing a clergy sexual abuse claim allows victims to seek justice and recover the compensation they need to heal. New Jersey law allows sexual abuse survivors to seek civil compensation.
Parents may file a civil claim on behalf of their minor child. An adult victim also has a right to file a lawsuit in court against the perpetrator. In some cases, adult survivors who were sexually abused as a child may qualify for a civil case.
Liability in Clergy Abuse Cases
It’s important to hold individuals liable when sexual abuse or assault occurs in the church. The priest, pastor, or other clergy members may be responsible for perpetrating sexual abuse or failing to report it. Individuals may face criminal charges or civil lawsuits.
Institutional liability covers the wrongdoing of the church or diocese. The religious organization may be liable under vicarious liability if they were negligent in hiring, supervising, or failing to report the sexual assault or abuse promptly.
Proving negligence in a sexual assault or abuse case requires clear evidence and proof of negligent behaviors. Working with clergy abuse attorneys familiar with the state’s laws relating to this specific matter is always a good idea.
The Statute of Limitations for Filing a Civil Lawsuit in Jersey City
New Jersey has time limits on how long victims can file a civil lawsuit against the abuser, which has recently changed.
Before 2019, victims who had been sexually abused had just two years to file a civil lawsuit. A child victim of sexual assault or abuse had until just their 20th birthday.
Under the new law, the statute of limitations is extended to the victim’s 55th birthday or within seven years of the discovery of harm.
The success of your civil claim depends on the state’s statute of limitations. Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers if you have questions about the new law and what it means for your legal eligibility.
Types of Cases Handled by Our Clergy Sex Abuse Lawyers
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has decades of experience helping victims seek justice from abusive New Jersey clergy members.
Our law firm also has experience representing survivors of sexual assault or abuse in other religious institutions, including Protestant, Methodist, or Baptist churches.
Sexual assault and abuse is widespread in New Jersey. Our legal team handles cases involving other New Jersey dioceses, including Camden, Metuchen, Trenton, and Paterson, New Jersey. Contact our law firm today for a free and confidential consultation.
Steps to Take if You Are a Victim of Clergy Sex Abuse
The steps you take following sexual assault or abuse are crucial for your well-being and civil legal eligibility. Here are a few key steps to take if you are the victim of sexual abuse:
- Seek medical care
- File an official police report with the Jersey City Police Department
- Discuss your legal rights with free legal consultation at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
- Seek support through local resources, such as the NJ Coalition Against Sexual Assault or the YWCA Northern New Jersey.
How Our Jersey City Clergy Abuse Attorneys Can Help
The Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers team is dedicated to helping New Jersey victims of clergy sexual abuse seek justice. Start the healing process by contacting our law firm for a free consultation and case evaluation.
Our team will investigate your case and collect the necessary evidence. We’ll review available civil actions and file your claim with the local courts.
Some New Jersey clergy abuse cases are settled outside of court. However, our law understands the importance of ensuring your abuser is held accountable. We’ll prepare for a trial if you don’t receive a fair compensation offer.
The Cost of Hiring a Jersey City Clergy Abuse Lawyer
The cost of hiring a Jersey City clergy abuse lawyer shouldn’t prevent victims from taking action against their abusers. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay for our services unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Compensation for Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims
Financial compensation can help facilitate the healing process that’s required for clergy sexual abuse survivors. Abusers should be held financially responsible, which means covering medical expenses, emotional distress, and services for healing psychological scars.
Monetary compensation may also be available in the form of punitive damages designed to punish the clergy member or organization for wrongdoing. How much a victim may receive through a clergy sexual abuse claim varies, depending on factors like the extent of the abuse, the injuries suffered, and the specific circumstances of the incident.
Contact Our Jersey City Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers Today!
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is here to help those who have survived sexual abuse recover and heal through civil liability. Our lawyers have the expertise necessary to hold an abusive clergy member accountable under NJ law.
Contact us at (888) 424-5757 or complete our online form.
Related Practice Areas
- New Jersey Catholic Diocese Priest Abuse List
- New Jersey Clergy Abuse Lawyer
- Clifton Clergy Abuse Lawyer
- Elizabeth Clergy Abuse Lawyer
- Newark Clergy Abuse Lawyer
- Patterson Clergy Abuse Lawyer
Resources: [1] NJ.com, [2] NJ.com, [3] NJ.com, [4] Northjersey.com, [5] Catholic Spirit
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.
