Catholic Abuse
Since as early as the 1950s, sexual abuse was occurring behind the closed doors of the Catholic Church. Yet it wasn’t until decades later in 2001 that the extent of abuse came to light. As of 2008, more than 13,000 victims of Catholic abuse have come forward and some 5,000 priests have been accused of acts such as:
- Molestation and fondling
- Exhibitionism and voyeurism
- Rape and genital penetration
- Pornography and other forms of sexual abuse
In fact, approximately four percent of all priests who served in the U.S. between 1950 and 2004 have faced allegations of sexual abuse. However, rather than report the abuses taking place within the Catholic Church, officials chose instead to take an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ approach to handling the issue. Accused priests were conveniently moved to other parishes, and victims were either ignored or paid off to keep quiet.
Effects of Catholic Abuse
In 2008, Pope Benedict XVI told reporters on a visit to the United States that the Catholic abuse scandal had been “badly handled” and had caused “great suffering.” Indeed, it had – Had church officials been more forthcoming about the abuses taking place in Catholic dioceses across the U.S., potentially thousands of young people could have been spared from suffering some of the following:
- Anxiety and panic
- Depression, guilt and shame
- Mistrust of others, particularly figures of authority
- Sexual dysfunction and sleep issues
Compensation for Victims of Catholic Abuse
Victims have to live with the fact that their innocence was stolen from them by a trusted religious figure, and no amount of compensation can restore that innocence. However, victims of Catholic abuse can seek compensation from the church as a way to have their pain and suffering acknowledged. Sometimes this acknowledgement can help victims find closure.
Two billion has already been paid out by the church to victims of Catholic abuse, with more than half a billion being paid out in 2007 alone. Compensation amounts vary, and are generally based on the extent of abuse a victim suffered.
If you would like to learn more about seeking compensation for Catholic abuse, contact the attorneys at Burke & Eisner today. We work with individuals across the country who have been victimized by priests within the Catholic Church, and we can evaluate your claim to determine your eligibility to seek damages. Claim evaluations are free and confidential.
Three ways to Contact Us:
-- Fill out the Contact Us form in the Upper Right part of this page.
-- Use the Contact Us form located on the Instant Answer Page
-- Call us: 1-800-838-0800
See Also:
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