Washington DC Priest Sexual Abuse Lawyers

Serious injuries deserve experienced attorneys

At Cohen & Cohen, we represent individuals and families who have suffered because of priest sexual abuse. Our team has decades of experience handling sensitive cases with care and determination. We understand the emotional toll these cases take on survivors. Our firm stands with those who have been hurt, offering steady legal guidance and a path forward. If you’re searching for our Washington DC priest sexual abuse lawyer, we are here to help.

Priest Sexual Abuse Lawyer Washington DC

Sexual abuse by members of the clergy, especially priests, is one of the most deeply damaging violations of trust. Survivors often deal with trauma that affects every part of their lives—emotionally, spiritually, and psychologically. What makes these cases even more difficult is the authority and influence that religious institutions often hold. Survivors may feel isolated or afraid to speak out, particularly when their community defends the abuser or seeks to silence them.

While many of these events occurred years ago, changes in legislation have made it possible for survivors to seek justice even after significant time has passed. Civil lawsuits not only allow victims to pursue compensation for their suffering, but also help expose institutional negligence and prevent future abuse.

Victims of priest sexual abuse often face:

• Long-term emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD
• Feelings of guilt or shame, even though they are not at fault

Families may also struggle to support loved ones without the right resources or support. Legal representation offers an avenue to regain some control and closure.

Our goal is to protect our clients’ dignity while fighting for accountability. We’ve seen firsthand how legal action can empower survivors and lead to lasting change. When victims come forward, they often help others feel less alone—and hold institutions accountable for failing to protect the vulnerable.

Why Clients Choose Us For Clergy Abuse Cases

At Cohen & Cohen, we have built a reputation for handling clergy abuse claims with discretion, focus, and care. Clients come to us because they want strong, capable representation from people who truly listen. Our attorneys are highly experienced in working with survivors of abuse, and we approach every case with professionalism and respect.

We’ve recovered millions in settlements and verdicts for survivors of sexual abuse. In past cases involving clergy misconduct, we’ve held powerful organizations accountable by uncovering hidden records, confronting systemic failures, and helping clients secure meaningful compensation.

We are committed to handling these deeply personal cases the right way. We focus on confidentiality, building trust, and delivering results that reflect the seriousness of what our clients have been through.

Start Moving Forward With Help You Can Trust

If you or someone you care about has suffered abuse by a priest, legal help is available. You don’t need to face this situation alone. At Cohen & Cohen, we are ready to stand by you. Speak with our trusted Washington DC priest sexual abuse lawyer today to discuss your options in a confidential, no-obligation consultation. Let’s take the next step together—contact us now.

Types of Priest Sexual Abuse Cases We Handle

At Cohen & Cohen, we’ve worked with survivors from many different backgrounds and experiences. Each case is deeply personal, but many follow common patterns that involve abuse of power, broken trust, and long-term harm. These cases are never easy to talk about, but they deserve to be heard. We help clients take legal action so their voices are recognized, and justice can be pursued.

Abuse Involving Minors

The most well-known cases involve priests abusing children and teenagers under their care. This can happen during religious education classes, retreats, or in parish settings. Often, the abuse is hidden for years due to fear, manipulation, or pressure from the institution or community. Some survivors don’t come forward until adulthood, which is why laws around time limits for filing claims have been changing in many states.

These cases are particularly serious because the victims are often too young to fully understand what is happening or how to seek help. In some situations, church leaders were aware of abuse and failed to act, or worse—transferred the abuser to another parish where the pattern continued.

Abuse of Adults in Vulnerable Positions

While many people associate clergy abuse with minors, adults can also be victims. Priests sometimes target those who are emotionally vulnerable, seeking counseling, or in crisis. The power dynamic in these relationships makes it difficult for victims to resist or report what happened. In some cases, adults were pressured into inappropriate behavior under the guise of spiritual advice or private counseling.

This type of abuse is no less serious. It involves manipulation, betrayal of trust, and in some cases, long-term psychological harm. We treat these claims with the same level of seriousness as those involving children and minors.

Repeated Abuse and Institutional Cover-Ups

Some clients come to us with stories of repeated abuse over months or even years. Others have discovered that their abuser was accused before but allowed to continue in their role. These patterns suggest broader institutional failures. Legal action in these cases can expose those failures and lead to real change, both for the survivor and the wider community.

We often see signs of cover-ups, such as:

• Church leaders transferring accused priests instead of removing them
• Failing to report abuse to law enforcement
• Pressuring victims or families to stay silent

Uncovering these patterns can be painful but is often critical in building a strong case and preventing further harm to others.

Historical Abuse Brought to Light Later in Life

Many survivors don’t speak about what happened until years later. Feelings of shame, confusion, or fear of retaliation can delay reporting. Over time, people may begin to process their trauma and decide to come forward—especially as public awareness grows and support networks become more accessible.

We work with adult survivors of historical abuse to file claims even when the events occurred decades ago. Laws in some jurisdictions allow survivors to pursue civil claims outside the usual deadlines, especially when there is evidence of institutional wrongdoing.

We’re Here To Listen And Help You Move Forward

At Cohen & Cohen, we stand with those who’ve been hurt by those they once trusted. If you believe you have a claim involving priest sexual abuse—no matter how recent or long ago—we’re here to talk. Speaking with our Washington DC priest sexual abuse lawyer could be the first step toward closure, justice, and healing. Contact our team today for a confidential consultation.

7 Steps to Take After a Priest Sexual Abuse Incident

When someone experiences sexual abuse by a member of the clergy, it can be difficult to know what to do next. Shock, confusion, and fear are common—and taking action might feel overwhelming. At Cohen & Cohen, we understand how deeply painful these situations are, and we’re here to offer clear, grounded steps that can help you protect yourself and start the process toward justice and recovery.

Prioritize Your Immediate Safety

The first thing to do is get to a safe location. Whether the abuse happened recently or just came to light, physical and emotional safety must come first. If you feel threatened or are in immediate danger, contact law enforcement or someone you trust. Being in a stable environment is critical before taking any further action.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if there are no visible injuries, a medical exam can be important. Medical professionals can provide care, collect physical evidence if needed, and document your condition in case you decide to pursue legal action. Request that medical documentation be preserved, but do not feel pressured to make any decisions at the moment.

Write Down What Happened

If you’re able, document as much as you can remember. Include dates, locations, names, and any communication that followed the abuse. Even brief notes can be useful. Memories can fade, and having a written account helps support your case if you move forward later. Keep your notes in a secure place or with someone you trust.

Report the Abuse to Authorities

You have the right to report abuse to the police, regardless of when it happened. In some states, there is no time limit on filing a report for sexual abuse, especially when the victim was a minor at the time. Filing a report helps create a record and may prevent the abuser from harming others.

Reach Out to a Support System

Speaking with someone you trust—whether it’s a family member, friend, or counselor—can make a significant difference. Support can help you feel less isolated and more in control. There are also national and local organizations that provide counseling and survivor support specifically for abuse by clergy members.

Preserve All Evidence

Keep any physical evidence, clothing, communication records (texts, emails, letters), or medical reports. Do not delete or throw anything away, even if it seems small or unrelated. These pieces may later help build your case if you decide to pursue legal action.

Speak with a Clergy Abuse Attorney

An attorney with experience in sexual abuse cases involving priests can help you understand your legal options and take steps that protect your rights. You don’t need to make a decision immediately, but having legal guidance early on can help you move forward with clarity and confidence. If you’re looking for our Washington DC priest sexual abuse lawyer, we’re here to listen and help.

Talk to Someone Who Will Stand with You

You don’t have to carry the weight of this alone. At Cohen & Cohen, we handle these cases with care, privacy, and determination. If you or someone you care about has been harmed by a priest, our legal team is here to support you. Contact us today for a confidential consultation and take the first step toward justice.