Sexually Abused by a Clergy Member?

Clergy member abuse refers to any form of misconduct, including sexual abuse, emotional abuse, or exploitation, committed by a religious leader or clergy member. This can involve inappropriate behavior, harassment, or manipulation, and often takes advantage of the trust and authority inherent in their position.

Victims of clergy abuse can include anyone who has been subjected to misconduct by a clergy member, regardless of age, gender, or religious affiliation. This includes children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced any form of abuse or exploitation.

If you or someone you know is a victim of clergy abuse, the most important first step is to ensure you or your loved one’s safety. If there is an immediate danger, contact local authorities right away.

Next, be sure to document the abuse. Keep a detailed record of the incidents, including dates, locations, and any witnesses. Additionally, it can help to seek support. Contact a trusted friend, family member, or counselor for emotional support.

Finally, you should report the abuse to authorities and consult with an attorney. Contact law enforcement and a specialized abuse hotline and give a detailed explanation of the abuse, however difficult that may be. For legal assistance our attorneys who specialize in clergy abuse cases can help you to understand your legal rights and options.

The statute of limitations for clergy sex abuse in Michigan varies depending on whether the case is criminal or civil, and on the age of the victim at the time of the abuse. Here is an overview:

Criminal Statute of Limitations

For Sexual Offenses Against Minors:

• By Age 28: A criminal prosecution for first-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC) must be initiated before the victim turns 28 years old if the abuse occurred when the victim was under 18.
• 10 Years After the Offense: Alternatively, the prosecution can be initiated within 10 years after the offense, whichever period is later.
• No Statute of Limitations: For certain severe sexual offenses, including those involving penetration, there is no statute of limitations if there is DNA evidence identifying the perpetrator.

Civil Statute of Limitations

For Civil Lawsuits:

• By Age 28: Victims of childhood sexual abuse can file a civil lawsuit until they turn 28 years old.
• 3 Years After Discovery: Alternatively, victims can file a lawsuit within 3 years of discovering the abuse, regardless of their age at the time of discovery. This "discovery rule" allows victims to seek legal action if they were unaware or suppressed memories of the abuse for many years.

Yes, compensation is available for victims of clergy sex abuse in Michigan. Victims can pursue several types of compensation through civil lawsuits. Here’s a detailed overview of the potential compensation and the process involved:

Types of Compensation

Economic Damages:

• Medical Expenses: This includes the cost of therapy, counseling, psychiatric care, and any other medical treatments related to the abuse.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work or diminished earning capacity resulting from the abuse.

Non-Economic Damages:

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional distress caused by the abuse.
• Emotional Distress: This includes compensation for anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other psychological impacts.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages for the negative impact the abuse has had on the victim's quality of life.

Punitive Damages:

• Punitive Damages: These are awarded in cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious or malicious, intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.

Childhood sexual abuse is traumatic, often leaving survivors with long-lasting physical and psychological issues. Depression has been found to be the most common long-term psychological symptom among survivors, according to a study on the long term effects of childhood sexual abuse. Other symptoms may include:

• Anxiety disorders
• Eating disorders
• Personality disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Relationship and intimacy issues
• Somatic disorders

Childhood sexual abuse has also been found to cause lasting physical symptoms that may affect a survivor for the rest of their life. A meta-analysis of studies investigating the long-term physical health consequences of childhood sexual abuse found that survivors were more likely to have health problems in general, and more specifically with:

• Gastrointestinal health
• Gynecologic or reproductive health
• Pain
• Cardiopulmonary symptoms
• Obesity

If you are a survivor and have had to deal with one or more of these symptoms, you may be able to recover compensation for past and future treatment.

If you are a survivor of childhood sexual abuse committed by a member of clergy in Michigan, we may be able to help you recover compensation for the physical and psychological issues your abuse may have caused.

Contact us today for free, no-obligation, and confidential case evaluation to learn more about how we may be able to help. There are no upfront fees or costs to speak with a member of our team, and we can provide comprehensive support, from legal representation to investigative resources to help you through the legal process.

While a lawsuit can’t undo the damage caused by unthinkable abuse, it can provide the means necessary to receive treatment and move forward with your life while holding guilty parties accountable for their wrongdoing. 

We are here to listen. Contact us anytime or get started with your claim in minutes with a free case evaluation.