Lawyers When Sexual Abuse Happens at Churches in Las Vegas
Tough representation when sexual abuse and exploitation occur at religious institutions
Our religious leaders should inspire us, comfort us, and guide us. They should never use the trust we place in them to take advantage of us by committing acts of sexual abuse or molestation. At Claggett & Sykes, we have the experience and resources to hold religious leaders and organizations accountable when they fail to protect their members. Our Las Vegas religious sexual abuse lawyers protect congregants of all ages when leaders, administrators, employees, and others cause physical, emotional, and psychological harm. We understand the unique challenges involved in filing claims against any religious leader or organization. Contact us now to protect your rights and help other congregants who may be suffering, too.
Quick Questions
- How common is sexual abuse at churches?
- What are the signs of sexual abuse at churches in Las Vegas?
- Is there a duty to report sexual abuse by religious leaders in Nevada?
- Sexual abuse and various religious institutions
- How do you hold religious organizations accountable in Las Vegas?
- How do you advocate for children who are the victims of sexual abuse involving religious institutions in Las Vegas?
- How do criminal and civil sexual abuse cases compare?
- Do you have a Las Vegas lawyer who handles sexual abuse at churches?
There have been numerous reports and lawsuits over the past decade involving sexual abuse at religious institutions, including churches, synagogues, mosques, and non-denominational institutions. Sadly, many of the victims are children who place their trust in their religious leaders, who then violate them and then pressure them to stay silent. Some of the acts of sexual abuse at churches and other religious centers include educational, childcare, and youth activity settings.
Parents should be concerned that sexual abuse of their child could be taking place at a religious institution if their child:
- Doesn’t want to attend church services, classes, or activities any further
- Shies away from being near a religious leader
- Is experience physical pain or emotional discomfort
- Is anxious or depressed
- Has difficulty sleeping
- Has problems eating
Yes. Nevada requires that a “member of the clergy, practitioner of Christian Science or religious healer, unless the person has acquired the knowledge of the abuse or neglect from the offender during a confession,” report sexual abuse to a local child welfare or law enforcement agency.
At Claggett & Sykes, we represent sexual abuse victims no matter the religion of the church. Some of the religious institutions our Las Vegas sexual abuse lawyers file claims against include the following:
The Catholic Church
There have been numerous investigations and lawsuits involving sexual abuse at various Catholic archdioceses, including the following reports:
- The Reno Gazette Journal. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Reno in 2019 released a list of 12 former northern Nevada priests who have been "credibly accused" of sexually abusing minors.
- KTNV 13 Las Vegas. The Catholic Diocese of Las Vegas made public the names of “33 former clergy members and church associates with connections to Nevada who it says have been ‘credibly accused’ of sexual misconduct with children. Bishop George Leo Thomas and church officials said Friday that no one named on the list compiled by a diocese review board still serves in any parish or school in the diocese with some 750,000 Catholics.”
Nationwide, there have been many cases involving complaints against the Catholic Church. Many of the victims are 11 to 14-year-old boys. An investigation by The Boston Globe in 2002 led to nationwide coverage of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church. The investigation led to the movie Spotlight.
At Claggett & Sykes, we file claims against the responsible parties, who may include:
- A priest, brother, deacon, official, employee, teacher, or anyone else who sexually abuses a child or assaults an adult.
- The church
- The Archdiocese of Las Vegas
Other parties may also be liable, so we carefully review the facts to identify others who might share responsibility for the abuse.
Jehovah’s Witnesses
According to The Atlantic, since 1997:
The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society [a Pennsylvania nonprofit used to support the work of Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide] was building a “secret” database of “undocumented child molesters” that includes detailed accounts (in the tens of thousands) of alleged abuse.
“Rather than comply with multiple court orders to release the information contained in its database… has paid millions of dollars to keep it secret, even from the survivors whose stories are contained within.”
We can file personal injury claims against both churches and religious schools.
Generally, to file a claim against a religious institution, we work to show that the institution:
- Was negligent. Negligence includes failing to conduct background checks of employees, training staff to look for signs of sexual abuse, investigating complaints, creating confidential reporting systems, and caring for any victims.
- Breached any contract they may have had with you.
Sexual assault and abuse of any person is a traumatic experience. Sexual abuse of children (most of the victims of sexual abuse at churches are children) is even more difficult. Children who suffer sexual abuse often need a lifetime of psychological care. Many children have difficulty developing personal relationships and having their own children. In addition to the physical and emotional trauma of being violated, children also lose their trust in adults and their faith. We work with medical professionals, including child psychologists, who can help victims address these difficulties.
For children, a civil lawsuit helps to restore their trust, provide accountability, pay for their medical care, and compensate them for their suffering. A civil claim also helps other children (and their parents) file their sexual abuse claims.
There is no requirement that you or anyone else file a criminal case against a religious leader or institution in order to file a civil claim. Both types of cases, criminal and civil, hold the assailants accountable. Civil claims can also hold the religious leader, officials, and the religious institution accountable for their lack of oversight or negligence in allowing the abuse to occur or persist.
The main differences are procedural.
- The standard of proof. In a civil case, you just have to prove that the sexual molestation or abuse was more likely than not to have occurred. In a criminal case, you have to show the defendants were responsible beyond any reasonable doubt.
- Your lawyer. Claggett & Sykes represent the victims of religious sexual abuse in civil cases. Prosecutors handle criminal cases and represent the state’s interest in holding abusers accountable and preventing future abuse.
- The results. In a civil case, the aim is to provide the victims with just financial compensation. In criminal cases, the aim is to punish the defendant. One common aim of both civil and criminal cases is to deter members of religious organizations from future sexual abuse.
We can explain the time limits for filing a civil sexual abuse claim.
It’s not enough for religious institutions to police themselves. Most institutions don’t properly investigate or discipline the clergy or other religious leaders who commit these crimes. Civil and criminal lawsuits are the best way to protect your child and prevent further misconduct.
Do you have a Las Vegas lawyer who handles sexual abuse at churches?
Yes. At Claggett & Sykes, we meet clients at our Las Vegas office located at 4101 Meadows Lane, Suite 100. Our team can often make alternate arrangements, including speaking with you by phone or through an online video consultation.
We understand how traumatic sexual abuse at religious institutions is. We’re prepared to answer all your questions and fight for all the compensation you deserve.
Get help now from our experienced Las Vegas sexual abuse lawyers
At Claggett & Sykes, we’ve earned the respect of former clients, insurance companies, and defense lawyers for our dedication to our clients and our record of results. Our Las Vegas attorneys understand the unique challenges involved in filing sexual offense claims against religious leaders, schools, and institutions. Please call us or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.