For decades, leaders of the Catholic Church in the United States succeeded in keeping its history of sexual abuse out of the media. Church leaders chose not to tell the proper authorities about these allegations that were reported, instead they paid off the victims or they sent the priest away to another parish. When a sexual abuse case made against a Boston priest became public in the 1990s is when the extent of the abuse in the Catholic Church revealed.
It then became evident that sexual abuse was a problem within the Catholic Church – involving thousands of victims and over 1,000 priests in archdioceses all over the U.S. The perpetrators had to pay hundred of millions in compensation to the victims because they sought out justice.
The Effects of Catholic Church Abuse
Catholic Church abuse stole the innocence of thousands of children, many of whom have been haunted by the experience well into adulthood. In fact, this physical and mental pain that sexual abuse causes can be overwhelming and it can have life-long pain and suffering for victims. Its effects often include:
Fear, anxiety and mistrust of others
Depression
Self-destructive manners including but not limited to alcoholism or substance abuse
Guilt
Shame
Sexual dysfunction
Panic attacks
Sleep issues
Justice, Closure & Compensation
No amount of money can ever restore to a victim what he or she has lost, but as a form of restitution it can help victims find some closure. In the last decade or so, victims of Catholic Church abuse have received millions in restitution in addition to public apologies by church officials. If you were harmed from sexual abuse by a priest or a Catholic Church official, you deserve not only a sincere apology but you can recover some compensation.
Contact Our Law Firm about Catholic Church Abuse
At our law firm, we understand the sensitive nature of sexual abuse cases and confidentiality is our top priority. Contact our firm today for a complimentary private consultation with an experienced sexual abuse attorney. We are happy to listen about your situation and talk about your legal options.