Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers VA
At Cohen & Cohen, our Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers VA families trust knows that an outbreak of allegations
have been focused on the church. Sexual abusers can include ministers, priests, rabbies, reverends, and other clergy members. The individuals and institutions have been held liable. When survivors come forward and share their story they are not only helping heal themselves, but they are providing a path for others to join as well. Furthermore, by holding the abuser accountable publicly, it can help prevent further incidents of sexual abuse happening within the walls of the church.
What You Can Do Right Now
If you, your child, or a loved one was victimized by a religious leader, you must speak with a trusted doctor and lawyer as soon as possible. There are legal options available to you. Even if you haven’t yet officially reported the incident, you can begin the steps in filing a lawsuit against the offender. Whether the abuse occurred weeks or years ago, you can still bring your abuser to justice.
The dedicated legal professionals at Cohen & Cohen understand that it can be very difficult to report events of sexual abuse and molestation. These cases are sensitive and please know you are not alone in how you feel. You do not have to feel embarrassed or ashamed when speaking with our compassionate Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers in Virginia. We have years of experience handling cases just like yours, where abusers are held responsible for their actions. By doing so, this can provide the survivor with relief and another step forward in their recovery.
What you can do right now is stop taking your family to the church where the abuse occurred. Do not notify the church yet about your suspicions, as they may attempt to hide evidence and cover it up. Get yourself the help you need, whether that be a doctor, therapist, lawyer, and trusted loved ones. We encourage you to put the health of yourself or your loved ones first, and find out what your legal options are in pursuing justice.
The Devastating Impacts of Sexual Abuse
Sexual molestation of children or young adults by members of the clergy is one of the most harmful acts someone can inflict on another. Religious leaders are supposed to be trusted members of your community, and people that you look up to for guidance in your life. The impacts of sexual abuse are devastating, and victims may b entitled to substantial damages for how they were impacted physically, emotionally, and mentally. Here are just a few signs that your child may have been the victim of abuse at the hands of a priest or other religious individual:
- They are spending more time with this person alone without parents
- They are exhibiting behaviors that are unlike them, such as personality changes, anger, irritability, depression, or mood swings
- They are withdrawing from friends and family and don’t participate in social activities
Call Cohen & Cohen to reserve your zero-obligation consultation at no cost to you with our VA Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers today.
