Clergy sexual abuse has left deep scars on countless survivors, impacting their lives profoundly. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are committed to supporting abuse survivors and providing compassionate and professional legal assistance. If you are in New Jersey and seeking justice, our dedicated team is here to stand by your side.
Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers brings a wealth of experience and proven success in handling clergy sexual abuse cases. Our compassionate and dedicated legal team ensures that clients receive the highest level of care and representation.
Priest grooming and handling
Deacon assault and rape
Clergy child abuse filed in adulthood
Volunteer-perpetrated Catholic church abuse
Religious school priest teen sexual abuse
Clergy abuse case filed against a deceased priest
Our commitment to confidentiality and sensitivity guarantees that your case will be handled with discretion and respect. Our clergy abuse lawyers provide the compassionate, professional, and effective legal representation you need on your journey to justice.
New Jersey Dioceses
Understanding Clergy Sexual Abuse
Clergy sex abuse refers to incidents where religious leaders or clergy members exploit their position of authority to engage in sexual misconduct with minors or other vulnerable individuals. This abuse encompasses a variety of actions, including inappropriate touching, sexual assault, and manipulation for sexual purposes.
Prevalence of Clergy Abuse in New Jersey
The prevalence of Catholic church sexual abuse in New Jersey has been a significant concern, drawing attention from advocacy groups, legal professionals, and the media.
More than 820 legal claims were lodged against Catholic dioceses and orders in New Jersey since December 1, 2019. This surge occurred following the state’s temporary suspension of the civil statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases. [1]
Notable Cases and Accused Priests in New Jersey Catholic Dioceses
- Former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, once a leading figure in the Catholic Church and former head of the Archdiocese of Newark, has been named in at least ten lawsuits accusing him of sexual abuse. His case has drawn national attention due to his high rank and the severity of the allegations. [1]
- Rev. Michael “Mitch” Walters, formerly of the Archdiocese of Newark, has been accused of abuse by multiple victims who claim the incidents occurred during his tenure in various parishes. At least one case was settled for $400,000. [2]
- Rev. Gerard Sudol, who served in both the Archdiocese of Newark and the Diocese of Paterson, has been accused by several individuals of engaging in inappropriate sexual behavior during his pastoral assignments. He continued serving as a priest even after several sexual abuse allegations. [3]
The Profile of Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims
Clergy member abuse victims come from all walks of life, but they often share common vulnerabilities. They are typically children or adolescents, targeted because of their innocence and trust in authority figures. However, adults can also become victims, especially those seeking spiritual guidance.
The consequences for these individuals are severe and multifaceted, ranging from emotional and psychological trauma to difficulty in trusting others and maintaining relationships. Physical injuries may also occur in some cases.
Common Signs of Childhood Sexual Abuse
Recognizing the signs among child sexual abuse victims is essential for early intervention and support. Common signs a child has been sexually abused include:
- Behavioral changes
- Academic changes
- Physical symptoms
- Sleep disturbances
- Changes in eating habits
- Age-inappropriate knowledge of sexual behaviors
Eligibility to File a Clergy Sexual Abuse Claim in New Jersey
Both victims of child sex abuse and their parents can file a civil lawsuit against clergy members for sexual misconduct. Additionally, adults who were sexually abused by clergy members as minors, as well as adults who experienced abuse or assault in their adult years, are eligible to seek legal recourse under New Jersey law.
The civil court system allows those who survived sexual abuse to pursue justice and financial compensation for the trauma they have endured. Whether the perpetrator was a Catholic priest or another clergy member, it is crucial that sexually abused individuals take action to protect their legal rights.
Liability in New Jersey Clergy Abuse Lawsuits
In clergy abuse cases, individual liability focuses on the perpetrating clergy member’s actions. Clergy members guilty of perpetrating sexual abuse can face criminal cases that lead to imprisonment and fines. A civil lawsuit can also be filed, which allows victims to seek compensatory damages for the trauma endured.
Institutional liability examines the accountability of religious organizations under various legal theories. Religious institutions, such as New Jersey Catholic dioceses, can be held responsible for negligent hiring or supervision if they fail to properly vet or monitor clergy members. Failure to report abuse and vicarious liability are additional grounds for institutional liability.
The Statute of Limitations for Filing a Lawsuit in New Jersey
The civil statute of limitations for child sexual abuse claims against all defendants is age 55 or seven years after discovering an injury caused by the abuse, even for claims that have already expired.
This new law is crucial for older victims and sexual abuse victims in seeking justice and helping survivors of such traumatic experiences.
Types of Cases Handled by Our Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are dedicated to representing victims of abuse by priests, pastors, and other clergy members in New Jersey. These cases include various forms of misconduct within different religious institutions, such as the Catholic Church, Protestant churches, and other faith-based organizations.
Specifically, we handle cases involving clergy abuse in dioceses such as the Archdiocese of Newark. Each case is addressed with a tailored approach to ensure a thorough investigation and strong legal representation, empowering survivors to obtain the justice and compensation they rightfully deserve.
Steps to Take if You Are a Victim
If you are a victim of sexual abuse, seek a safe environment away from the abuser and contact local authorities or trusted individuals for assistance. Documenting the abuse is also vital; record details like dates, times, and any related correspondence or physical evidence.
Seeking legal help is one of the most crucial steps you can take after the abuse. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can guide you in investigating allegations and securing compensation.
It may also be helpful to know that In New Jersey, survivors can access support from organizations like the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault. [4]
How Our New Jersey Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers Can Help
Our dedicated team offers unparalleled expertise and compassionate support for survivors of clergy member sexual abuse. Here’s how we can help:
- We offer a free and confidential consultation to help you understand the details of your situation.
- Our team will conduct a thorough investigation, gather crucial evidence, and interview witnesses to build a strong case.
- We will file a lawsuit on your behalf, outlining the specifics of the abuse and seeking compensation.
- Our lawyers will negotiate a fair settlement and, if necessary, proceed to trial to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
The Cost of Hiring a New Jersey Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. Our fees are only collected if and when we secure a favorable settlement or verdict on your behalf.
Compensatory Damages Awarded to Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims
Victims of clergy member sexual abuse are entitled to receive financial compensation of various types, including costs for medical expenses, psychological counseling, and damages for emotional distress. Additionally, victims can seek punitive damages aimed at punishing the responsible parties, including individual clergy members and larger church institutions like the Catholic Church.
The amount of compensation is influenced by factors such as the severity of the abuse, the impact on the victim’s life, and the duration of the suffering. Allegations against other clergy members or the church as an institution can also affect the claim’s value and outcome.
Contact a New Jersey Clergy Abuse Lawyer Today!
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is committed to providing compassionate and relentless advocacy for victims of clergy member sexual abuse. If you or a loved one has suffered from clerical abuse, don’t hesitate to seek justice and compensation. We are here to help you navigate this challenging time and ensure your voice is heard.
Call us at (888) 424-5757 or complete our online contact form.
Resources: [1] Northjersey.com, [2] NBC News, [3] New Jersey Herald, [4] NJ Coalition Against Sexual Assault