The impacts of sexual abuse never truly end. Both adult and child sexual abuse survivors feel the adverse effects of the abuse they have suffered for decades. While nothing can erase the abuse, seeking justice can help survivors find closure and recover some of the financial costs associated with long-term abuse recovery.
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are committed to supporting victims who are seeking legal recourse for clergy abuse in Phoenix, Arizona.
Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to obtaining justice and fair compensation for those who have been sexually abused by priests or other religious leaders in Phoenix. Our experienced legal team has a strong record of handling sensitive Arizona clergy abuse cases and achieving substantial settlements and verdicts.
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
We thoroughly investigate each case to ensure all aspects of such abuse, including emotional trauma and other damages, are fully addressed. Our deep expertise in Arizona law allows us to navigate these complex cases effectively and fight for your rights.
Understanding Clergy Sexual Abuse
Clergy sexual abuse is any kind of sexual abuse committed by a member of the clergy acting in their role within a religious institution. This definition includes child sexual abuse by a clergy member as well as abuse of adults.
Prevalence of Clergy Sex Abuse in Phoenix
Cases of sexual abuse by clergy members in Phoenix are unfortunately common.
The Phoenix diocese has more than 38 accused priests, many of whom abused multiple victims over decades of service in the church [1]. The Diocese of Tucson has more than 50 credibly accused priests, many of whom served within Phoenix [2].
Due to restrictions on accessing records from religious institutions, many instances of abuse are not publicly reported, especially within the Catholic church and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) churches in Phoenix.
Some notable priests accused of abuse in Phoenix include:
- Joseph Briceno: Accused of sexual misconduct of 2 minors. Arrested and convicted in 2006, pleading guilty and having to register as a sex offender.
- Dale Fushek: Accused of sexual abuse of multiple minors. Charged criminally and sued in civil court, resulting in a settlement of $100,000.
- John Maurice Giandelone: Sexually molested multiple minors. Charged and convicted on two separate counts, serving jail time and probation for both, and sued in civil court twice, resulting in undisclosed settlements.
Common Forms of Clergy Abuse
- Touching: Clergy members touching victims inappropriately over or under clothing or forcing victims to touch themselves or the clergy member.
- Sexual conversations: Asking inappropriate questions, making suggestive remarks, telling raunchy jokes, steering conversations towards sex, making advances, etc.
- Undressing: Clergy members undressing victims or themselves in the presence of victims.
- Non-consensual sex acts: Sex acts performed without consent are sexual assault, no matter what act is performed. Minors are never able to consent.
- Inappropriate image or video capture: Taking sexual or inappropriate pictures or videos without consent.
- Accessing pornography: Clergy members watching pornography with minors or providing pornographic materials inappropriately.
Any sexual conduct with a minor is considered child sexual abuse because minors are not able to consent.
The Profile of Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims
Victims of clergy sexual abuse in the Catholic church tend to be young boys aged 11-17 when the abuse begins [3]. Adult women are the second most common victims of priest abuse [4].
The impacts of sexual abuse are devastating to survivors. They may exhibit signs like depression, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, and flashbacks of the abuse. Victims may feel a deep sense of shame or guilt over the abuse, and they may have difficulty trusting authority figures.
Common Signs of Clergy Abuse Among Child Sex Abuse Survivors
Because children are the most at risk of clergy abuse, it’s wise to look out for the signs of child abuse in your loved ones.
Physical signs of abuse can include bleeding, bruising, itching, swelling, or pain around the genital area, persistent yeast infections or UTIs, damaged or bloody undergarments, unwanted pregnancy, and pain when sitting or walking.
Behavioral signs often manifest as withdrawing from physical contact, depression, suicidal thoughts, nightmares, bedwetting, running away, self-harm, or struggles at school, such as poor performance and attendance.
Other indicators may include changes in hygiene habits—either refusing to bathe or excessive showering—along with new phobias, a return to childlike behaviors like thumb-sucking, and becoming overly protective of younger siblings.
Eligibility for Filing Clergy Sexual Abuse Claims
Civil cases for sexual abuse by a clergy member can be filed by those directly impacted by the abuse or those responsible for a minor victim. Child victims or their parents/legal guardians can file, as well as adult victims or adults who have suffered childhood sexual abuse.
Liability in Clergy Abuse Cases
Sexual abusers—such as religious leaders and priests—are often liable for criminal charges as well as civil lawsuits. Clergy members are individually liable for their actions, but the religious organization they work for may also be liable. A legal concept called vicarious liability can link the actions of clergy members to their religious organizations.
To prove vicarious liability, a connection must be shown between the actions of the institution and the abuse that occurred. In the case of the Catholic church, this link is often due to clergy abuse being covered up or ignored or when clergy members are hired despite a history of abuse.
Demonstrating this link is crucial to establishing an institution is liable for the actions of the abuser. These cases have been successful in Phoenix before, with many accused priests being linked to the Diocese of Phoenix in a civil lawsuit.
Types of Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases We Handle
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help you bring your case against the Catholic church, Protestant churches, LDS churches, or any other religious institutions involved in sexual abuse. Any clergy member, including priests and religious leaders, can be involved in abuse. We’re ready to assist you in bringing the responsible parties to justice in civil court.
We bring cases against the Diocese of Tucson and the Diocese of Phoenix when abuse takes place in a Catholic institution, as well as other institutions, anywhere in the Phoenix, Arizona area.
You Have Limited Time to Take Legal Action in Phoenix, AZ
The statute of limitations for filing a civil lawsuit in a clergy sexual abuse case is two years for adults who suffered abuse. Changes to the law in 2020 allow anyone who has experienced childhood sexual abuse to file a lawsuit until their 30th birthday.
Steps to Take if You Have Been Sexually Abused
Victims of abuse need first to prioritize health and safety. When in a safe place, contact a local support organization through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE. Through this organization, you can get connected to local support resources for abuse victims in Phoenix, Arizona.
One resource to ask for is a local health clinic near you that can provide an urgent medical evaluation to document any physical evidence of abuse. This evidence, as well as any communications with the abuser, witness testimonies, and details of the abuse, will all be instrumental in building your case.
Contact a firm with expert clergy sexual abuse attorneys who have experience guiding victims through the legal process. We can help you build the strongest case possible, taking each step with confidence and compassion.
How Our Phoenix Clergy Sexual Abuse Attorneys Can Help
When you contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we’ll conduct a free, confidential, and in-depth case evaluation. From here, we’ll advise you on the legal options to pursue justice and build a strong case so all liable parties are held accountable.
Our team will conduct a thorough investigation to find all the available evidence in your case. We’ll work with you to demonstrate you have a strong claim for compensation, bringing a lawsuit against the offending organization. Whether the case is settled outside of court or through a judgment after a trial, we keep your best interests in mind.
The Cost of Hiring Our Phoenix Clergy Sexual Abuse Attorneys
Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis in civil compensation cases. This means we don’t charge you anything throughout the case and only receive payment if we help you win it and recover compensation.
Compensation Awarded to Survivors of Sexual Abuse
In civil cases, clergy abuse victims can seek compensation for a variety of expenses and damages. Medical expenses and psychological care services can be compensated, as well as payment for emotional distress caused by the abuse. If the case goes to trial, punitive damages may also be awarded.
Compensation in sexual abuse cases often varies based on the age of the victim, the type of abuse, damage caused by the abuse, the length of time the abuse happened, and other specifics of the case.
Contact Our Phoenix Clergy Abuse Attorneys Today!
If you or a loved one has been a victim of clergy abuse in Phoenix, now is the time to seek justice and hold the abuser accountable. Our experienced Phoenix clergy abuse attorneys are here to provide the legal support you need, guiding you through every step forward toward healing and recovery. We are committed to helping you pursue the best course of action to ensure your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Call us at (888) 424-5757 or fill in our contact form.
Resources: [1] Bishop Accountability; [2] Diocese of Tucson; [3] Research Gate; [4] National Library of Medicine;