Countless instances of rampant sexual abuse in various prominent religious institutions and churches have surfaced through the years, not only causing a national public outcry but aggressive actions by federal and state authorities to punish perpetrators. While criminal prosecutions of clergy members who inflict sex abuse can offer a form of justice for survivors, there are additional legal options to hold them accountable.
Any criminal case involving clergy sex abuse will be handled by the state attorney’s office or federal authorities. Separately, victims can file a civil claim against their abuser, the religious organization, and any other parties involved, seeking compensation for the harm they have suffered.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of clergy sex abuse, a personal injury attorney can protect your rights and explain what legal recourse may be pursued on your behalf. We understand the complexities of the legal procedures surrounding clergy sex abuse claims in Cocoa and can work tirelessly to ensure financial recovery for your trauma.
Clergy sex abuse claims in Cocoa can arise from abuse perpetrated against both adults and children. Any religious professional who sexually abuses another person may be liable in a clergy sex abuse claim.
Sex abuse can refer to a wide range of non-consensual or illegal sexual acts, like sexual battery, sexual cyber harassment, lewd or lascivious acts, and sexual assault. Child pornography offenses, indecent exposure, statutory rape, and soliciting a child for sex are other frequently reported types of abuse.
Abuse by a trusted member of the community such as a pastor, priest, deacon, elder, or any other member of the clergy can inflict significant, long-term injuries on survivors. The physical, psychological, and emotional outcomes perpetrated by these acts are frequently ignored by these large religious institutions.
Victims who try to speak up may face various stonewalling tactics and are often intimidated into silence. It is important to recognize the signs that something may be amiss. Potential signs that abuse may be occurring can be emotional in nature, such as the victim displaying the onset of depression, emotional withdrawal, anxiety, or insomnia.
Other signs of abuse may be more visually apparent, such as physical injuries, unexplained sexually transmitted infections, avoidance of particular religious figures, or fear about attending religious events. Any instance of suspected abuse by a clergy member should be reported to the relevant authorities immediately.
Sex abuse from religious figures can leave victims dealing not just with physical injuries, but long-term mental distress. The impact of the abuse can impact every area of a survivor’s life, including relationships, professional and educational endeavors, their faith, and even their financial health.
A Cocoa attorney who represents victims in clergy sex abuse claims could advise whether you have the right to take legal action and provide powerful representation every step of the way. We can investigate the facts of your case, determine potential defendants, and represent you in civil litigation if needed.
We can also negotiate with religious organizations and insurance companies on your behalf, while carefully reviewing any proposed settlement to ensure it reflects the gravity of your harm. Our legal team can help you secure compensation for your doctor visits, therapy, and other forms of medical treatment.
Other forms of compensation for emotional distress, pain, suffering, lost life enjoyment, and lost wages may also be available. While it can be helpful to a civil case if there is a concurrent criminal case against the wrongdoer or religious organization involved, this is not a prerequisite to pursue rightful compensation from the defendants.
If you have been affected by sexual abuse from the Church or clergy, know that you are not alone. Allegations are regularly investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Our attorneys have extensive experience litigating civil clergy sex abuse claims in Cocoa against perpetrators and the religious organizations who enabled them. We can serve as your legal voice and advocates at every stage of the case process.
Contact our office today to receive a confidential legal consultation with an attorney about your potential case.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
