Lawyers When Sexual Abuse Happens at Churches
Strong advocacy when clergy and other church officials sexually abuse and molest their congregants
Officials at churches and synagogues and all religious leaders should provide moral guidance and emotional comfort. They should never use their position of trust and authority to sexually abuse, molest, or take advantage of any congregants – especially children. At Claggett & Sykes, we have 20 years of experience filing personal injury claims when individuals and organizations breach their duty of care – and cause injuries. Our Reno religious sexual abuse lawyers file lawsuits on behalf of congregants and their family members against religious officials and religious organizations when sexual abuse occurs. The Claggett & Sykes team is ready to handle the unique challenges involved in religious sexual abuse cases. We demand compensation for each victim’s personal and financial damages.
Call us now to protect your rights, the rights of your child, and other congregants who may be suffering harm.
How can we help?
- What churches are involved in sexual abuse claims?
- When should parents suspect abuse of their child is occurring at churches in Reno?
- Sexual abuse and various religious institutions
- How do your lawyers hold Reno religious institutions responsible for sexual abuse?
- How do you help children when churches tolerate sexual abuse in Reno?
- How does a civil complaint differ from a criminal charge of sexual abuse?
- Do you have a Reno attorney who handles sexual abuse claims at churches?
Many civil complaints have been filed in the last 10 years against various religious institutions, including Catholic, Evangelical, and Methodist churches. There have also been complaints involving synagogues, mosques, and non-denominational institutions.
Tragically, many of the acts of sexual abuse, molestation, and abuse involve minor children. These violations occur in churches, religious schools, youth activities, online, and other religious facilities and settings.
Some of the signs your child is suffering sexual abuse by a religious institution include:
- Withdrawing from attending church or church activities
- Not wanting to be near a religious leader
- Needing medical help for physical pain or psychological discomfort
- Being unable to sleep
- Not eating regularly
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 Reno child welfare or law enforcement agency within 24 hours from the time and date of the abuse.
At Claggett & Sykes, our lawyers file civil claims against any religious institution or official who permits or engages in sexual misconduct. Historically, some notable religions have been subject to claims (and also findings) of sexual abuse, including the following:
The Catholic Church
Two of the investigations of the Catholic church and sexual abuse claims involve Nevada:
- The Reno Gazette-Journal reported in 2019 that the Roman Catholic Diocese of Reno identified 12 former northern Nevada priests who have been "credibly accused" of sexual abuse of minors.
- KTNV 13 Las Vegas reported that the Catholic Diocese of Reno announced 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 that none of these 33 clergy members currently serve in any parish or school in the diocese with some 750,000 Catholics.”
One of the most notable sexual abuse investigations of the Catholic Church involved a 2002 investigation by The Boston Globe of numerous 11 to 14-year-old victims. The investigation led to the movie Spotlight.
Some of the Catholic religious officials who may be involved in sexual abuse include:
- A priest, deacon, brother, official, teacher, or employee who sexually abuses a child or an adult
- The church
- The Archdiocese of Reno
Our lawyers will explain if victims can file a claim against the Vatican/Vatican City.
Jehovah’s Witnesses
According to The Atlantic, since 1997, the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society [a Jehovah’s Witness nonprofit] has been building a “secret” database of “undocumented child molesters.” The database 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.”
At Claggett & Sykes, we file personal injury claims against religious institutions, schools, employees, and volunteers who could have prevented the sexual abuse of you or your child – and failed to do so. We work to show that a religious institution, entity, or person in a position of authority or trust failed to:
- Conduct background checks of their personnel, including religious leaders
- Educate staff about the signs of sexual misconduct
- Implement policies and procedures to protect congregants of all ages
- Create protocols for encouraging reports of sexual assault and abuse
- Investigate complaints of improper conduct
- Provide immediate medical and psychological help for any victims
- Comply with the terms of any contracts
- Prevent other acts of negligence and breaches
Nobody should ever suffer sexual abuse while participating in church activities. Children are often victims due to their age. Young children who are abused are often afraid to complain to their parents or other church officials.
Children who suffer sexual abuse or abuse by religious leaders may also lose their faith in religion and other adults. Victims may have difficulty developing stable relationships and often suffer mental health disorders, behavioral challenges, and psychological trauma – potentially for a lifetime. Our Reno religious sexual abuse lawyers work with child psychologists, psychiatrists, and other medical professionals to help children cope and move forward with their lives.
A civil lawsuit helps children in several ways, including providing compensation for their medical care, their pain and suffering, and the loss of enjoyment of life. Civil lawsuits can also help other children file their own complaints and protect other children from sexual abuse.
The difference between a civil complaint and a criminal charge can be confusing. At Claggett & Sykes, we help our clients understand these differences. Our lawyers coordinate your civil claim with any criminal charges. There is no requirement that victims file a criminal complaint.
The similarities and differences between civil and criminal sexual abuse complaints include the following:
- The definition of “sexual abuse” is generally broader in civil cases.
- The standard of proof is more demanding in criminal cases.
- The aims are different. In criminal cases, the goals include a criminal record and punishment, including incarceration. In civil cases, the goal is to provide compensation for the victim’s personal and emotional damages.
Claggett & Sykes represents victims of sexual abuse at religious institutions in civil cases. The local Reno and Washoe County prosecutors represent the victims in criminal cases.
Generally, victims can file their complaints at any time, but there are some restrictions, so it’s important to speak to an attorney right away.
Do you have a Reno attorney who handles sexual abuse claims at churches?
Yes. Clients can discuss their cases with us at our office located at 100 N Sierra St, Suite 220, Reno, Nevada. If the abuse is too traumatic, we speak with clients by phone and online video. We’re also prepared to discuss meeting congregants and their families at their homes if necessary.
Our lawyers understand how devastating sexual abuse at religious institutions is for victims and their families. We’re here to guide you calmly and clearly through the claims process.
Contact our respected Reno sexual abuse lawyers now
At Claggett & Sykes, our lawyers work to hold religious institutions accountable when they fail to protect their congregants. Religious institutions should be places of trust, not mistrust. If you or your child is suffering from sexual abuse by any religious leader, official, administrator, or employee, call us or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.