The Archdiocese of New York has been accused of shielding clergy members from consequences for child sexual abuse, a practice spanning decades. Sexual violence can cause deep emotional wounds, and victims deserve justice.
If you have been a victim of clergy abuse, you can seek legal assistance. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers empowers survivors to take legal action and seek compensation in civil court.
Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
Our legal team combines years of experience with a compassionate approach, helping children and adults achieve closure for civil lawsuits. We have a powerful track record of successful legal action against institutions like the Catholic Church and other religious organizations.
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 recognize the painful and long-lasting repercussions of molestation or sexual assault, which is why our attorneys take a trauma-informed approach. When working with our team, you can expect professionalism, unwavering support, and a deep understanding of all relevant civil statutes.
Prevalence of Clergy Sex Abuse in Yonkers, New York
Clergy abuse statistics for Yonkers, part of the Archdiocese of New York, demonstrate the long-standing abuse that victims have suffered – and the way that the Catholic Church has attempted to protect members of the church.
- In 2018, a former Yonkers priest was one of eight clergy members accused of sexual abuse between 1950 and 1978. Rev. Thomas Valenti was moved frequently between churches before he stepped down from service in 2018 [1].
- 10 defendants from Saint Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers were named in a child sex abuse case, including Daniel Cabrese, who had previously faced a criminal trial for sex abuse [2].
- Over 3,000 claimants have sued the Archdiocese of New York, which includes Yonkers, under the Child Victims Act (CVA) [3].
- These civil lawsuits are estimated to cost over $859 million [4].
- The Catholic Church spent $2.9 million lobbying against the CVA, recognizing the risk that extended timelines for child sexual abuse lawsuits would pose to its operations [5].
Common Forms of Clergy Abuse
Clergy sexual abuse can manifest in various forms, such as:
- Child Sexual Abuse – Any form of sexual contact between a minor and an adult, which includes exposing them to pornography, is considered abuse or molestation.
- Grooming – A predator may spend weeks or months manipulating a minor into engaging in sexual activity.
- Rape – The state is currently updating its laws to define rape as nonconsensual anal, oral, or vaginal sexual contact [6]. It may be considered aggravated sexual abuse if there is force used, if there is physical injury, or if the person is in fear for their life and safety.
- Sexual Assault – State law defines this as engaging in sexual contact without the other person’s consent.
- Abuse of Authority – An individual who uses their position in the church to commit sexual assault is abusing their authority.
- Sexual Exploitation – This form is when a person uses fear, coercion, or manipulation to make another person engage in sex acts.
- Sexual Harassment – Unwanted sexual comments, touching, stalking, or sexually motivated abuse can warrant a sexual harassment claim.
The Profile of Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims
While anyone may be vulnerable to sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, studies suggest that males under the age of 18 are the most victims [7]. Previous research, specifically the John Jay Report, found that 81% of victims are male [8].
However, disclosure is often delayed by more than five years, and approximately 20% of victims never admit that they were abused [9]. Research into abuse by the clergy acknowledges that some children may never admit they have been abused, leading to skewed statistics [10].
Children victimized by a clergy member may experience post-traumatic stress disorder, a loss of faith in religion, and ostracization by their community for coming forward with their stories [11]. These can complicate the healing process for child sexual abuse victims.
Common Signs of Clergy Abuse Among Child Victims
The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network lists common signs of child sexual abuse in young children [12]:
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Night terrors and trouble sleeping
- Unexplained trauma, like blood on bedsheets
- Fearing being alone with specific individuals
- Regressive behaviors like thumb-sucking and bedwetting
- Age-inappropriate sexual behaviors or knowledge
- Unexplained health issues, like stomachaches
- Being afraid of separating from trusted adults
- Changes in eating habits
- Poor school performance
- Personality changes
- Mood swings
- Self-harm
Eligibility to File a Civil Lawsuit
An abuse lawyer from our firm can help the following individuals file civil lawsuits for compensation:
- Victims of child sex abuse and their parents
- Adult victims of sexual abuse or assault
- Adult survivors who were sexually abused as minors
Liability in Clergy Abuse Cases
An attorney from our team can file a civil claim against multiple parties for compensation, including the perpetrator and the Catholic Church. Potential parties to a lawsuit include the following.
- Priest or Other Religious Leader – The individual responsible for the sexual abuse can be sued for damages, like emotional trauma and financial losses due to the healing process.
- Other Individuals – Fellow clergy members who knew about the abuse but failed to report it may be liable for allowing continued harm to a vulnerable person.
- The Yonkers Catholic Church – The Archdiocese or the specific parish may be held liable under a variety of legal theories. One is vicarious liability, which means that they are responsible for the actions of their employees. Negligent hiring or supervision may be the basis for a claim if it can be proven that they knew the individual was potentially dangerous but hired them anyway or failed to supervise them.
Lastly, breach of fiduciary duty notes that the church has responsibilities to its congregations, including acting in their best interest and preventing harm. If they cover up potential abuse and choose to protect predatory priests, then they are negligent.
To hold a Yonkers Catholic church accountable, it must be proven that the church had a responsibility to victims, failed to discharge this duty appropriately, and caused the plaintiff to suffer damages.
The Statute of Limitations for Civil Claims in Yonkers
Unlike many states, the New York Child Victims Act of 2019 significantly extended the statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases. Now, survivors who were minors when the abuse occurred can seek legal recourse until they turn 55 years old, regardless of when the abuse took place.
Adult victims may also be able to take a case to court up to 20 years after abuse in specific instances. This rule only applies to cases after 2019.
Our clergy sexual assault lawyers can explore the circumstances and determine whether these updated laws apply to your case.
Types of Cases Handled by Our Yonkers Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers
A clergy sexual abuse attorney from our firm can assist in cases related to the Catholic Archdiocese in Yonkers, including abuse at Saint Joseph’s Seminary. These include sexual assault cases by priests, nuns, friars, and other church faculty, such as Catholic school teachers.
We have experience pursuing legal action against other religious denominations, such as Protestant, Jewish, Mormon, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and others.
Steps to Take if You Are a Victim
The primary focus is on getting the victim to a safe space and reporting the sexual assault as soon as possible. By reporting the crime and receiving a medical exam, you can preserve crucial evidence that can be used to bring criminal charges or to work with a sexual abuse attorney on a civil case.
After you or your loved one reports the assault, gather evidence, such as medical records, police reports, and communications. Then, contact us for a consultation, during which we will explain the legal process for a civil case.
Survivors can seek additional support through the Yonkers Police Victim Outreach Program and the New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault.
How Our Yonkers Clergy Abuse Attorneys Can Help
A sexual abuse attorney from our firm will assist you throughout the entire civil claim process, which includes the following steps.
- Consultation – We will determine whether legal action is possible and how much your case may be worth.
- Investigation – We will investigate all facets of the case and gather evidence, such as previous reports about the clergy member, communications from the Catholic Church, and medical exams. We’ll also talk to expert witnesses.
- Settlement Negotiations – First, we will attempt to settle with the Yonkers church. If this fails, we will file a lawsuit.
- Civil Court Representation – While we often negotiate settlements, we’re prepared to file a lawsuit and advocate for you through trial if necessary.
The Cost of Hiring a Yonkers Sexual Abuse Attorney
Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you owe us nothing unless we are able to win your case. Instead, we will deduct our legal fees from your settlement.
Compensation for Clergy Abuse Victims
Abuse survivors may be eligible for several types of compensation, which include:
- Medical bills
- Out-of-pocket medical expenses like therapy
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In some cases, punitive damages can be awarded, which are meant to prevent the defendant from perpetrating further assault.
The amount of compensation you may receive depends on the severity of the abuse, how long it went on, what age the individual was at the time of the assault, and what your financial losses were.
Contact Our Yonkers Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers Today!
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers pursues justice for victims of sexual assault, combining compassion with decades of experience. We have recovered millions in damages for individuals across the country who experienced sexual abuse at the hands of predatory priests, winning settlements against large dioceses and other religious orders.
To schedule your free consultation and learn how we can assist you, call us 24/7 at (888) 424-5757 or complete our contact form.
Related Practice Areas
- New York Catholic Diocese Priest Abuse List
- New York Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer
- Buffalo Clergy Abuse Lawyer
- New York City Clergy Abuse Lawyer
- Rochester Clergy Abuse Lawyer
- Syracuse Clergy Abuse Lawyer
Resources: [1] PressConnects, [2] Lohud, [3] New York Daily News, [4] New York Daily News, [5] CBS News, [6] PBS News, [7] National Library of Medicine, [8] The Linacre Quarterly, [9] Child USA, [10] The Linacre Quarterly, [11] Child Abuse & Neglect, [12] Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network,
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.
