Priest Sexual Abuse Lawyers Washington DC
Our Priest Sexual Abuse Lawyers Washington DC families trust at Cohen & Cohen understand that as a parent, realizing your child may be enduring abuse is a horrific thought. Tragically, incidents of sexual abuse happen and we want parents to know that we take our role very seriously in seeking justice for your son or daughter. If you suspect something just isn’t quite right, then you may want to listen to your gut and get a consultation so you know what your options are.
Abuse by the hands of a priest or church clergy is one of the most traumatizing and dehumanizing experiences a person can be subjected to. Not only does it violate the victim, but it can cause a lifetime of suffering that is difficult to recover from. We can do everything within our legal power to obtain a sense of justice for your children.
Consequences of Priest Sexual Abuse
Children and young aduts that are sexually abused can have lasting injuries that may never entirely heal from. Most abuse victims are ashamed and terrified to come forward out of fear of not being believed. Victims may attempt to hide their pain and don’t seek the help they need. The priests who abuse children are aware of what they are doing and know they may be too afraid to say anything about it. An abuser rarely hurts just one child. So as a victim comes forward, chances are others will too.
The most tragic consequence of priest sexual abuse is mental health struggles. Children tend to feel alone in their experience, have loss of self-esteem, no longer have fun with their hobbies, and may withdraw from loved ones. The justice system is here to punish those who take advantage of others, especially those who are naive and innocent. If your child is exhibiting the following behaviors, we encourage you to consider getting a consultation with our Washington, DC Priest Sexual Abuse Lawyers as soon as possible:
- Sudden changes in behavior, such as being clingy, aggressive, trouble sleeping, and wetting the bed
- Avoiding a certain person and seems afraid to be left alone with them
- Displaying inappropriate sexual behavior, as children who are abused are more likely to engage in ways that are sexually explicit at a young age
- Problems at school due to difficulty concentrating and learning
- Dropping hints and clues that sexual abuse may be happening without saying it verbally outright
Priest Sexual Assault Lawyers Washington DC
Our Priest Sexual Assault Lawyers Washington DC victims trust at Cohen & Cohen knows that most sexual assault incidents go unreported in the United States and beyond. Many people are abused sexually as a child or young adult and repress these membories until they resurface later on in life once in adulthood. Survivors may believe that the abuse happened too long ago to pursue legal action, which in many instances is just not true. We offer free initial consultation at no pressure or obligation, just so victims of sexual assault can understand their options moving forward.
Perhaps more than ever before, survivors of sexual assault at the hands of a priest are more empowered to come forward with their story and stand up to their attackers. The institutions that employ these people are also being held accountable in the lawsuits, since they allowed such crimes to happen.
How a Lawsuit Can Help Survivors Recover
We understand that bringing your story to light can be very emotionally challenging. Maybe you have memories about past abuse but they are fuzzy or seem dream-like as if they didn’t really happen. It can all feel overwhelming when first reflecting on the past, so please know that there are compassionate legal professionals such as ourselves who can guide you through the process. We can also look into getting you a therapist so you can address the incident with a trusted person and work towards healing.
We have won cases for clients in the past, and have seen how winning a case can jolt them forward in their recovery. There is probably no other feeling like obtaining justice from an offender for a traumatic event. Our team of dedicated Lawyers for Priest Sexual Assault in Washington DC can work relentlessly for your behalf during this difficult time.
Filing a Sexual Assault Claim Against the Church
Sexual assault can leave physical and emotional injuries that last for years, or a lifetime. Survivors may struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, despression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and many more. With all that has happened, the idea of talking about the abuse with a lawyer can feel impossible. We believe strongly that victims of priest assault and molestation are entitled to receiving financial restitution for the horrific treatment they went through as children or young adults. We know that no amount of money can completely erase what happened, but having the finances to live the best life possible from here on out can help.
Free Consultation at Cohen & Cohen
We are committed to helping victims of sexual abuse pursue justice and compensation for everything they have endured in the past. If you or a family member needs legal support, please call Cohen & Cohen to reserve your free consultation with our Washington, DC Priest Sexual Assault Lawyers as soon as possible.
Contact Cohen & Cohen Today
We are empathetic to the fact that you may be having a hard time accepting that your child was sexually abused by someone who you thought was a trusted member of the church. You can trust us with sensitive information, as we are on your side. If you are worried about your child and believe they have faced abuse at the hands of a church clergy member, call Cohen & Cohen to learn about your options from our Washington, DC Lawyers for Priest Sexual Abuse.
