VA Priest Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
The legal professionals at Cohen & Cohen are experienced in handling VA Priest Sexual Abuse Lawsuits families can depend on. We understand that places of worship feel like safe havens for parishioners, and it is supposed to be a community where you can rest, reflect, and seek comfort. But all too often we hear about cases of priests or other religious leaders taking advantage of parishioners. Children, in particular, are vulnerable to sexual abuse and may be too afraid to come forward about their stories until later on in life.
Whether you or your child have been the victim of sexual abuse in the church, please know that you have options. You may be entitled to substantial financial compensation for the horrific events you went through. For many survivors, winning a lawsuit in court against the offender and/or church entity that allowed the abuse to occur can provide them with a sense of justice. Call Cohen & Cohen today to learn more about how we can help you during this difficult time.
Religious Leaders and Churchgoers
The relationship between a leader of a religious practice and a churchgoer is similar to a doctor and patient, where there is supposed to be an added element of trust. The church leader has a certain power over the congregation and a parishioner may feel as though they do not have authority over sexual advances. Sexual abuse between a church leader and churchgoers negates consent and is a crime where the abuser should be held accountable.
If you or a loved one is a survivor of sexual abuse at the hands of a church leader, a lawyer for Virginia Priest Sexual Abuse Lawsuits can provide the clarity you need.
What To Do About the Abuse
Anyone who has received attention of a sexual nature that was unwanted is considered a sexual abuse victim. Secondary victims are people who were indirectly affected by sexual misconduct, such as children, spouses, and other churchgoers. If you or a family member was a victim, our legal team can help you obtain the justice you deserve. Here are the steps to take next:
- Do not return yourself or your family to the church. The church workers may try to protect their institution by meeting with you and dissuading from calling the police or filing a lawsuit. The church may offer you compensation through a church insurance program, but this is commonly just an attempt to keep you quiet and not share your story publicly.
- Find a trusted therapist and get a health exam. Processing feelings about the abuse can feel scary, and many people seek help from a counselor. If the abuse was recent, it can help your case to get a medical exam right away. Your doctor can also test for sexually transmitted infections.
- Talk with a qualified sexual abuse lawyer. Due to the sensitive nature of these cases, you should only get legal guidance from a lawyer who has experience representing victims of church sexual abuse.
If you want to learn more about how our law firm can help, please call Cohen & Cohen regarding filing Priest Sexual Abuse Lawsuits in Virginia.
