There is a bond of trust created between you and a religious figure. That person is there at times when you need spiritual guidance or just need a shoulder to lean on. You know that religious authority can give you the advice that you need to absolve your sins and put your mind at ease.
But when that trust is violated in the most horrific way, you will feel betrayed, confused, and embarrassed. These events can be with you for your entire life and affect your work, your relationships, and your family.
At the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone, our New Jersey clergy abuse lawyer is committed to those who were victimized by a religious authority. With a track record of fighting for sexual abuse victims, we make sure you or your loved one will receive justice from not only the predator that committed these terrible acts but from the religious institution that allowed it to happen in the first place.
Clergy Abuse is a Nationwide Problem
Clergy abuse allegations have been popping up throughout the world since the 1980s. Just recently, the Pennsylvania Attorney General had released a nearly 1,000-page grand jury report detailing:
- More than 70 years of sexual abuse occurred within six Catholic dioceses across the state.
- More than 300 priests found to have abused children after internal investigations.
- More than 1,000 children who suffered at the hands of these predators, a number that the grand jury believes is low.
Unfortunately, instead of bringing these priests to justice, the Catholic Church chose to conceal the abuse and protect the abuser instead of the children. This not only makes it difficult to know how many have survived sexual abuse but allows the cycle of abuse to continue.
Sexual Violence in NJ: What You Should Know
New Jersey law states that sexual violence is any form of unwanted or coercive sexual behavior against another individual. It can include anything from stalking to inappropriate touching to penetration without the consent of the victim or a victim who is unable to give consent. This includes anyone under the age of 13.
In New Jersey, if someone suspects that a child is being sexually abused, they are required by law to contact the authorities as soon as possible. Failure to do so is a crime and that person will be fined.
Institutionalized Abuse and the Law
If you are a clergy abuse survivor, know that there are legal remedies available, both criminal and civil. Not only do you have a case against the predator, but you can also bring a claim against the organization — especially if that organization had tried to cover up the abuse.
The hardest part of sexual abuse cases is proving liability. This is a shameful and embarrassing time, one that you have tried to get over. It can bring up an array of emotions that were long buried. But by bringing your allegations to light, you may prevent sexual abuse from happening in the future.
If you do bring a suit against the church, you may receive both economic damages — such as therapy bills and other medical expenses — and punitive damages like pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment.
Contact our New Jersey Clergy Abuse Lawyer Today
Sexual abuse is a heinous and difficult crime. And when it comes from an authority figure, it can scar a person for a lifetime.
At the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone, our work with domestic violence and sexual abuse victims gives us a particular understanding of how sensitive these matters can be. This is why we will aggressively go after the people and institutions who caused you harm. We will make sure that you get the justice that you and your family deserve.
Don’t wait another second. If you are a clergy abuse survivor in Jersey City, Newark, Elizabeth, or anywhere in New Jersey, we would like to speak with you. Contact New Jersey clergy abuse lawyer Anthony Carbone today for a free and confidential consultation. Hablamos Espanol.
