Two Survivors Bring Legal Claims of Clergy Abuse



In wake of a 2019 Arizona state law that stretches the rights of people abused as children to bring legal action until they turn 30, two men have brought lawsuits against an Arizona parish and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix.

The accused priests were affiliated with the Society of the Divine Savior

In their claims, the men say the church failed to report the suspected abuse to the police, and that three priests were involved in covering up the abuse by transferring accused priests to other churches.

How Many Arizona Clergy Have Been Accused of Sexual Abuse?

 Here in Arizona, 133 priests have been credibly accused of abusing children in their care.
Arizona dioceses that have come forward with lists of credible allegations include:

Thus far, the Holy Protection of Mary Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Phoenix has not submitted a list.

It’s estimated that at the national level, the number of clergies accused of Sexual Abuse can be as few as 5,700 or as many as more than 10,000.

According to a recent and shocking New York Post report, more than 900 clergy who have been credible accused have been left off the Roman Catholic diocesan lists.

What Are the Consequences of Clergy Sexual Abuse?

You’d be hard pressed to find a more psychologically damaging form of abuse than that from clergy. The feeling of betrayal is often overwhelming and too much to bear.

Some victims have dealt with the abuse by clergy by turning to substance abuse and alcohol. Some of even taken their own lives.

The former Arizona priest mentioned above was named in a wrongful death lawsuit back in 2012. One of his victims – who was 13 at the time of the abuse – developed a form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and dove into a cycle of self-destructive lifestyles. He was killed after attacking his father while under the influence of methamphetamine.

How Can National Injury Help Lawyers Help Me?

 We understand it can be incredible difficult to come forward with such horrifying claims. That’s why we want to help lift that burden from your shoulders and guide you to finding closure.

You should know, though, that after decades and decades of hiding from the accusations, many in the church are now doing the right thing. Here in the U.S, the amount of settlements and monetary awards has topped $3 billion. The average settlement ranges from $120,000 to $250,000.

While money cannot remove the past, it can definitely help you.

To find out more about how the National Injury Help clergy abuse lawyers can assist you, call us at 800-214-1010. You can also reach us vial email at help@nationalinjuryhelp.com.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How to Talk to Kids About Sexual Assault

Image
Sadly, in this world, it’s important for parents to talk to their Children About Sexual Abuse . It’s scary to think that perpetrators of this heinous crime may be in your midst, but these difficult conversations are necessary. Equipping your child with the knowledge to stop or report Sexual Abuse can be an invaluable tool for their well-being. Empower Them to Say “No” Children can be scared to stand up to an adult and tell them “no.” Their entire lives, they’re taught to follow the instruction of grown-ups, and this advice goes completely against that lesson. But as a parent, it’s up to you to explain when it’s okay for a child to say “no” to an adult. If they feel uncomfortable doing something, or if an adult wants to engage in behavior that feels wrong, it’s perfectly okay to say no and walk away. Explain Private Body Parts Explain to your child which body parts are private and should not be shared with other adults. This way they understand that certain types of touch are i...
Read more

California Clergy Abuse Cases Are Far From Over

Image
When clergy abuse first came to the attention of the public in the 1980s, many were shocked and horrified.  Today, many of those same people make the false assumption that such cases are a thing of the past; that by shining a spotlight on these cases 40 years ago, the problem has long since been solved.  In reality, nothing could be further from the truth.  As late as January of 2020, clergy abuse settlements in CA cost the Archdiocese of Los Angeles $1.9 million.  How can Clergy Abuse Lawsuits In CA still be active when the problem has been clear for four decades?  The answer lies in the way clergy abuse cases are often handled by the victims, their families, and the churches as represented by their leadership. A Silent Problem Clergy abuse is largely a problem of shame for the victims.  Even though sexual abuse of a child is in no way that child’s fault, there is an inherent embarrassment that comes from being a victim of this particular type of ab...
Read more

5 Biggest Sex Abuse Settlements in California

Image
Nothing can make up  for the loss of innocence those victims of sexual abuse experience as a child. It’s impossible to put a monetary value on the suffering you’ve endured due to clergy abuse, but by pursuing a Sex Abuse Lawsuit , you can earn a settlement that can help you with medical bills, affording therapy, or even paying for lost wages. In California, clergy abuse lawyers have earned their clients millions in settlements. If you’re a citizen of California, seeing successful sex abuse settlements in your state may inspire you to also get the compensation you deserve. $660 million, Los Angeles, CA (2007) This settlement is not only the largest settlement in California, but the country. In 2007, a massive team of clergy abuse lawyers, victims, and advocates held 221 priests, brothers, and other church employees accountable for abuse. This landmark case earned sex abuse settlements for 508 victims. $198 million, San Diego, CA (2007) This 2007 Clergy Abuse Settlement in ...
Read more