Clergy sexual abuse is a grave violation that has left lasting scars on countless survivors. It often involves authorities trusted by the community, exacerbating the emotional and psychological trauma experienced.

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to providing unwavering support and legal assistance to survivors of such abuse in New York. Our commitment is to seek justice and ensure that survivors have access to the resources and representation they need to heal and move forward.

Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we pride ourselves on our track record and unwavering commitment to achieving justice for survivors of clergy sexual abuse. We have a proven track record of successfully handling clergy sexual abuse cases, providing survivors with the justice they deserve.

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Our legal team is committed to offering empathetic and dedicated support to each client, understanding the sensitive nature of these cases. Our New York clergy sex abuse attorneys uphold the highest standards of confidentiality, ensuring that your privacy and rights are always protected.

$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

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What Is Clergy Sexual Abuse?

Clergy sex abuse refers to any inappropriate, exploitative, or non-consensual sexual conduct perpetrated by individuals in religious positions of authority, such as abusive priests, pastors, deacons, or other clergy members.

This abuse often involves the misuse of power and trust to manipulate and harm vulnerable individuals, including minors and adults. Victims of clergy sex abuse may face profound and long-lasting physical, emotional, and psychological trauma, further compounded by the betrayal of trust they experienced within their religious community.

Prevalence of Clergy Abuse in New York

Clergy sexual abuse remains a deeply troubling issue with prevalence across various religious institutions:

In 2019, the Archdiocese of New York released a list of 120 names of Catholic clergy members accused of child abuse or possession of child pornography.

This list included 53 men who were deemed “credibly accused” by the archdiocese and 58 men with accusations that did not meet the “credibly accused” criteria, but whose victims were still considered eligible for compensation. [1]

In 2024, the Brooklyn Catholic Diocese reached a settlement with the New York Attorney General. An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General reportedly found that the diocese had failed to consistently comply with its own policies and procedures for responding to sexual abuse. [2]

These New York clergy abuse statistics likely represent only a fraction of the true extent of the problem, as many cases remain hidden and unaddressed.

Notable Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases and Accused Priests in New York

Theodore McCarrick, a former cardinal and archbishop of Washington, D.C., had previously served as a priest in the New York Archdiocese. He was later expelled from the priesthood by the Vatican after being found guilty of sexual abuse.

McCarrick’s case is particularly notable as he is one of the highest-ranking Catholic officials to be defrocked as a result of the abuse crisis. [3]

Michael Hands, a former Catholic priest in the Diocese of Rockville Centre, was convicted in 2003 for molesting a teenage boy. His case drew significant media attention, not only due to the severity of the accusations but also because Hands cooperated with prosecutors to expose a broader cover-up and additional cases of abuse within the Diocese.

He was arrested again years later and convicted of molesting another boy. In 2018, he died as a result of suicide while awaiting sentencing. [4]

Common Forms of Clergy Abuse

Clergy abuse can manifest in various forms, each causing profound harm to the victims. Common forms include:

Sexual abuse
Sexual assault/Inappropriate sexual contact
Emotional abuse
Psychological abuse
Financial exploitation
Grooming
Sexual harassment

Consult a New York clergy sex abuse lawyer

The Profile of Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims

While clergy sexual abuse victims come from diverse backgrounds, certain patterns emerge, particularly within the context of the Catholic Church. Victims are often children or adolescents, targeted due to their vulnerability and trust in religious authorities.

Many sexual abuse claims highlight that the abuse occurred during one-on-one interactions in private settings, such as confessionals or retreats, moments where the sexual predators could exert control without witnesses.

The consequences victims suffer are profound. They often experience severe psychological injuries, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The betrayal can undermine their spiritual faith and trust in religious organizations, leading to long-term emotional distress. The trauma from being sexually abused frequently impacts their future relationships and overall well-being.

By pursuing child sexual abuse lawsuits, survivors seek not only compensation but also systemic change. Holding religious institutions accountable is crucial in preventing future abuses and ensuring justice for those affected.

Common Signs of Clergy Abuse Among Child Victims

Recognizing the signs of clergy abuse among child victims is critical for preventing further harm and addressing ongoing issues. Child victims who have been sexually abused may exhibit various behavioral and emotional changes, including:

Anxiety and Depression: Child sexual abuse survivors may exhibit heightened anxiety and prolonged periods of depression, often triggered by thoughts of attending religious services or interactions with clergy.
Fearfulness: A noticeable fear of religious authority figures or places of worship, like the Catholic Church, indicating a response to trauma.
Withdrawal from Activities: New York child victims may lose interest in hobbies or activities they previously enjoyed due to emotional distress.
Decline in Academic Performance: Academic grades might drop as the abused child struggles with concentration and motivation in school settings.
Unexplained Anger or Aggression: Outbursts of anger or aggression without a clear cause can be a direct result of emotional pain and frustration.
Physical Signs: While less common, any physical injuries or unusual markings should be thoroughly investigated as potential signs of child sexual abuse.
If there’s any suspicion of a child being sexually abused by clergy, it is crucial to take immediate action by consulting with legal experts who specialize in these sensitive cases.

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Eligibility to File a Clergy Sexual Abuse Claim

In the context of child sexual abuse cases within religious institutions, several parties are eligible to file a clergy sexual abuse claim.

Child Victims and Their Parents: Parents or guardians may file a civil lawsuit on behalf of minor children who have experienced childhood sexual abuse by a member of the clergy.
Adult Victims of Abuse or Assault: Individuals who were sexually abused or assaulted by clergy members as adults are eligible to pursue civil claims.
Adult Survivors Who Were Sexually Abused as Minors: The New York Child Victims Act may enable adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse to seek justice and recover financial compensation, even if the abuse occurred years prior.

If you or a loved one has been impacted by clergy member sexual abuse within the Catholic Church or other religious institutions, it is essential to take legal action promptly.

Liability in Clergy Abuse Cases

Understanding liability in clergy abuse cases is crucial for determining who can be held accountable and ensuring justice for the victims.

Individual liability involves holding the perpetrator personally accountable for their actions. Clergy members who engage in sexual abuse can face both criminal charges and civil liability. Criminal charges may include sexual assault, abuse, and other related offenses, potentially leading to imprisonment and fines.

Civil liability enables victims to seek compensation for damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, medical expenses, and lost opportunities.

Religious institutions can also be held responsible for clergy abuse under various legal theories, including negligent hiring or supervision, failure to report abuse, and vicarious liability. Proving institutional liability necessitates establishing a clear connection between the institution’s actions or inactions and the abuse.

The Statute of Limitations for Filing a Lawsuit in New York

New York has specific statutes of limitations and other legislation, like the Child Victims Act, which significantly impact the timeframe for filing lawsuits related to child sexual abuse.

Under this Act, the civil statute of limitations for child sexual abuse claims extends until the victim reaches age 55, allowing individuals more time to seek justice against their abusers and the institutions that enabled the abuse, such as the Catholic Church.

The New York Child Victims Act extended the opportunity for survivors to file lawsuits that were previously time-barred, providing a critical look-back window for those who were sexually abused to achieve legal redress. However, this revival window for filing older child sex abuse claims, has closed.

It is crucial for survivors to act within the current statutory period and seek legal counsel to navigate these complex legal claims effectively.

Consult a New York clergy sexual abuse attorney

Types of Cases Handled by Our New York Clergy Abuse Lawyers

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are equipped to handle a wide range of cases involving abuse by priests, pastors, and other religious leaders across various religious institutions.

We specialize in representing survivors of abuse within the Catholic Church, Protestant churches, and other religious organizations. Notable cases we handle involve clergy abuse in dioceses such as the Archdiocese of New York and the Diocese of Brooklyn.

Steps to Take if You Are a Victim

If you are a victim of clergy sexual abuse, taking immediate steps to ensure your safety and well-being is paramount.

Ensure Safety: Remove yourself from any immediate danger and find a secure environment. Seek medical attention if necessary to address any physical injuries or health concerns.
Document the Abuse: Keep a detailed record of the abuse, including dates, times, locations, and any communications or interactions with the abuser.
Seek Legal Help: Contact a New York clergy abuse lawyer who can guide you through the legal process. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers offers professional and compassionate legal assistance.

Survivors in New York can access support through organizations like Safe Horizon [5] and the New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault. [6] Local support groups often provide counseling, peer support, and additional resources to aid in your recovery.

How Our New York Clergy Sex Abuse Lawyers Can Help

Our New York clergy sexual abuse lawyers specialize in navigating the complexities of these cases to provide you with the best possible legal representation. Here’s how we can help:

Thorough Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation: Our lawyers provide a free and confidential consultation to evaluate the details of your case, ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of your legal options.
Investigation and Gathering Evidence: A New York clergy abuse attorney will meticulously investigate your sex abuse claims, gathering critical evidence and documentation to build a strong case against the responsible parties.
Filing a Lawsuit and Potential Outcomes: Our experienced attorneys handle all aspects of filing your lawsuit, outlining potential outcomes and navigating the legal complexities on your behalf.
Settlement Negotiations and Trial Process: Your New York clergy sex abuse attorney will engage in rigorous settlement negotiations while always preparing for the possibility of taking your case to trial.

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The Cost of Hiring Our New York Clergy Sexual Abuse Attorneys

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we understand the financial strain that legal processes can impose, especially for survivors of clergy sexual abuse. To ensure everyone has access to justice, our law firm operates on a contingency fee basis.

This means that you do not pay any upfront costs or legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf. This approach allows you to focus on healing and recovery without the added stress of legal expenses.

Compensation for Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims

Victims of clergy sexual abuse may be entitled to various types of compensation. This compensation can cover medical expenses for treatments related to physical and psychological injuries, as well as emotional distress suffered as a result of the abuse. Additionally, courts may award punitive damages aimed at punishing the perpetrator and deterring future misconduct.

Factors influencing the amount of compensation include the severity of the abuse, the impact on the victim’s life, and the extent of coverup by the religious institution if you’re filing a claim against this entity as well.

Contact Our New York Clergy Abuse Attorneys Today!

Taking the first step to seeking justice can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers provides compassionate, professional, and dedicated legal support. Our team is committed to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait any longer to hold these entities accountable for their actions and begin your journey towards healing.

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Resources: [1] Lohud.com, [2] Claims Journal, [3] NPR, [4] Times Union, [5] Safe Horizon, [6] NYCASA

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.