Clergy sexual abuse remains a devastating issue, leaving lifelong impacts on survivors and their families. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are steadfast in our dedication to supporting survivors of clergy abuse in Rhode Island, providing compassionate and professional legal assistance.
Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
Choosing Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers means entrusting your case to a team of experienced, dedicated professionals committed to achieving justice for survivors of clergy sexual abuse. With years of practice and numerous successful outcomes, our law firm has a proven track record of securing significant settlements and delivering justice to survivors.
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 legal professionals are not only experts in the field but are also deeply committed to providing compassionate support to our clients. We recognize the highly sensitive nature of clergy sexual abuse cases and are committed to maintaining confidentiality throughout the legal process.
Understanding Clergy Abuse
Clergy sexual abuse refers to any inappropriate and harmful sexual behavior conducted by religious leaders or clergy members towards individuals under their spiritual guidance or authority. This abuse can take various forms, including inappropriate touching, sexual harassment, coercion into sexual acts, or rape.
Prevalence of Clergy Sex Abuse in Rhode Island
Clergy sexual abuse in Rhode Island has been a deeply troubling issue, with numerous cases coming to light in recent years.
In 2019, a Roman Catholic church diocese in Rhode Island publicly named 50 church leaders/credibly accused priests of sexually abusing children. [1]
In 2004, a report revealed 162 individual credible accusations presented against a total of 56 priests. [2]
Despite the alarming clergy abuse statistics, it is widely believed that the actual number of these cases is significantly higher.
Notable Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases and Accused Priests in Rhode Island
Rhode Island has seen a lot of abuse by church officials, with numerous cases being brought to light and several priests being accused of misconduct. Some credibly accused priests in Rhode Island include:
- Monseigneur Kenneth Anthony Angell: Angell faced criticism for his handling of abuse allegations during his time in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence. Despite promising to address misconduct, he did not take allegations seriously, allowing multiple priests to continue to commit abuse, leading to further crimes and convictions. [3]
- Rev. Brendan Smyth: A notorious case involving Rev. Brendan Smyth, an Irish priest, linked to the sexual abuse of dozens of children in Rhode Island and Ireland. Smyth later returned to Ireland and pleaded guilty there to 141 counts of sexual abuse. He died in prison. [4]
- Rev. Barry Meehan: In November 2014, Meehan was arrested and charged with five counts of first-degree sexual assault; he pleaded not guilty. Meehan was laicized in 2015. He died of a heart attack at age 67 in December 2016, while awaiting trial. [5]
Common Forms of Clergy Abuse
Clergy abuse can manifest in various forms, each profoundly affecting the victims involved, such as:
- Sexual abuse of minors
- Inappropriate relationships with parishioners
- Financial exploitation
- Emotional and psychological abuse
- Grooming
The Profile of Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims
Victims of clergy sexual abuse come from all walks of life and ages, though certain patterns are often observed. The typical victim is a minor, often vulnerable and seeking guidance, making them susceptible to manipulation by clergy members. However, adult victims are not uncommon, particularly in cases involving emotional or psychological abuse.
Victims of clergy sexual abuse often suffer profound and long-lasting effects, including severe emotional trauma, depression, anxiety, and trust issues. These psychological injuries can disrupt their lives, impacting their relationships, education, and careers significantly.
Common Signs of Clergy Abuse Among Child Victims
Recognizing the common signs of child sexual abuse is crucial for early intervention and support. Common ones to be on the lookout for to protect children include:
- Behavioral changes
- Academic decline
- Fear of specific individuals
- Regression behaviors
- Physical symptoms
- Sexualized behavior
Eligibility to File a Clergy Sexual Abuse Claim
Victims of clergy sexual abuse have the right to seek justice through civil sexual abuse lawsuits. Child victims can file a legal claim through their parents or guardians.
Adult victims of abuse or assault also have the ability to pursue legal action for the harm they have endured. Additionally, adult clergy sexual abuse survivors who were sexually abused as minors may be able to file claims, even if the abuse happened many years ago.
Liability in Clergy Abuse Cases
Understanding liability in clergy member sexual abuse claims is fundamental for holding perpetrators accountable and seeking justice for victims.
Clergy members who commit abuse can face both criminal charges and civil liability. Criminal cases may include sexual assault, endangerment of minors, and other related offenses, which can result in imprisonment, fines, and mandatory reporting to sex offender registries.
Beyond criminal charges, victims can pursue civil actions against abusers to seek financial compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, and other damages.
Religious organizations can also be held liable for sexual misconduct under various legal theories. A religious institution may be deemed responsible if it failed to properly screen, supervise, or address allegations against accused clergy members.
Additionally, claims of negligence or cover-up may arise if the institution did not take appropriate actions to prevent or stop the abuse. Vicarious liability can also apply, holding institutions accountable for the sexual misconduct of their employees.
Rhode Island Diocese
The Statute of Limitations for Filing a Lawsuit in Rhode Island
Under Rhode Island law, the civil statute of limitations allows victims to file child sex abuse claims against all defendants until they reach the age of 53, reflecting the understanding that it often takes many years for survivors to come forward.
Rhode Island implements a 7-year discovery rule, which means that victims have seven years from the time they discover, or should have reasonably discovered, the abuse or its negative effects to file a child sexual abuse lawsuit.
Types of Cases We Handle
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to seeking justice for survivors of child sexual abuse by priests, pastors, and other religious leaders. Our clergy sex abuse lawyers handle cases across various religious institutions, including but not limited to:
- Catholic Church: We represent survivors of childhood sexual abuse in dioceses such as the Diocese of Providence. Our team has extensive experience dealing with cases involving local parishes and church-operated schools.
- Protestant Churches: Our legal services extend to those affected by childhood sexual abuse cases within Protestant denominations, ensuring that survivors from all religious backgrounds receive the support and representation they deserve.
- Other Religious Institutions: Beyond the Catholic and Protestant churches, we also handle cases involving abuse in other religious settings, including but not limited to synagogues and mosques.
Steps to Take if You Are a Victim
Understanding the appropriate steps to take after experiencing clergy sexual abuse is crucial in safeguarding your legal rights and beginning the path to justice.
- Immediate Steps to Ensure Safety and Well-being: The first and most crucial step is to ensure your immediate safety. If you are in danger, contact local authorities or emergency services without delay.
- Importance of Documenting Abuse: It is essential to document the abuse as thoroughly as possible. This includes keeping records of any communications with the abuser, medical reports, photographs of injuries, and any other relevant evidence.
- Seek Legal Help: Contact an experienced legal professional who specializes in clergy sexual abuse cases.
- Local Resources and Support Groups: Survivors in Rhode Island can access support through organizations like Day One, which provides comprehensive services to victims of sexual abuse, including advocacy, counseling, and support groups. [6]
If you or someone you care about has been affected by clergy sexual abuse, taking these steps can help ensure your safety and well-being and provide a pathway to justice and healing.
How Our Rhode Island Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers Can Help
Our team of clergy sex abuse lawyers is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to survivors. Here’s how we can help:
- Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation: Our experienced lawyers offer a confidential and comprehensive consultation to discuss your case. During this meeting, we will listen to your story, answer any questions you may have, and evaluate the merits of your case.
- Investigation and Gathering Evidence: Our team will conduct a thorough investigation to gather all pertinent evidence, including medical treatment records, witness statements, and any available documentation of the abuse.
- Filing a Rhode Island Clergy Abuse Lawsuit: Once enough evidence has been collected, we will proceed to file sexual abuse lawsuits on your behalf. Our lawyers will explain the entire legal process, including the potential outcomes, such as settlements or court trials.
- Settlement Negotiations and Trial Process: We will do our best to secure a fair settlement that addresses your needs and concerns. If a settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial.
The Cost of Hiring a Rhode Island Clergy Abuse Attorney
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we understand that financial concerns can be a significant barrier for many survivors seeking legal representation. Therefore, our Rhode Island clergy sexual abuse attorneys work on a contingency fee basis.
This means that you do not pay any upfront fees or out-of-pocket expenses. We only collect a fee if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf. Our primary goal is to alleviate the financial burden on our clients, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities of your case.
Compensation for Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims
Adult and childhood victims of clergy sexual abuse may be entitled to various forms of compensation for the trauma and hardships they have endured.
Compensation can cover a range of damages, including medical expenses, therapy and counseling costs, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of quality of life, and, in some cases, punitive damages designed to punish the perpetrators and prevent future misconduct.
Each case is unique, and our attorneys are dedicated to ensuring that every client who has been sexually abused receives the maximum compensation they are entitled to under the law.
Contact a Rhode Island Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today!
If a clergy member has sexually abused you or a loved one, do not hesitate to reach out for the support and legal representation you deserve. We understand that coming forward is hard, but the experienced and compassionate attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are committed to standing by your side every step of the way.
Contact us today by calling (888) 424-5757 or reaching out online.
Resources: [1] NY Post, [2] BishopAccountability.org, [3] The Providence Journal, [4] The Providence Journal, [5] BishopAccountability.org, [6] Day One Rhode Island