As more stories of sexual abuse in religious institutions come to light, more survivors of abuse are considering coming forward. However, before they take this path, many of them will wonder if it’s even worth it, so if you find yourself asking, ‘Can a clergy abuse lawyer help if my abuse happened years ago’? A Michigan clergy sex abuse lawyer can likely help **regardless of how long ago a clergy member abused you. **
The circumstances of each case of clergy abuse are different, providing different means to meet the criteria for negligence in a personal injury lawsuit. While these factors may affect how a clergy abuse lawyer can help you, recent legislation has provided more flexibility in many cases of sexual abuse. Specifically for child sexual abuse.
Clergy Abuse Unpacked
The term ‘clergy abuse’ has become more common in recent years. However, some may still be unclear on precisely what constitutes clergy abuse. The term broadly refers to any action of misconduct or exploitation by religious leaders or officials, which can include but is certainly not limited to:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional or psychological abuse
- Spiritual abuse
- Sexual abuse
It is not uncommon for many forms of abuse to occur at once. For example, an abusive clergy member may use emotional abuse to control a child or individual they are sexually abusing. Additionally, the understanding of clergy abuse has become much more broadly defined than it used to be.
Unique Opportunity
Clergy members have a unique opportunity to victimize children beyond simply having access. The title held by clergy members has significance in the church congregation and often the community, allowing an almost implicit trust. Because the congregation often considers these titles to be in the name of God, clergy members may be viewed as beyond reproach.
Abusers often use the authority granted by this position to make kids worry they will not be believed if they report the abuse. They may also use it to manipulate the children into believing the abuse is an act that God wanted or that they otherwise deserved what happened.
This manipulation, combined with the importance of sexual purity, can be easily exploited to keep survivors from reporting.
If you or someone you know endured clergy sex abuse, contact White Law PLLC today.
Sexually Abusive Behaviors
One of the behavior patterns that can make sexual abuse so difficult to spot is grooming behavior from the perpetrator. This is meant to build trust with the child and family and instill doubt in any suspicious behavior.
Regarding suspicious behavior and sexual abuse, some of what we may consider are:
- Touching with the goal of sexual gratification
- Exposure to explicit material or self-stimulation
- Forced touching of the abuser’s genitals
Consent
Any time we discuss sexual abuse, consent is the primary factor. For a minor, this is almost always a situation in which they cannot legally consent and is, therefore, a crime simply due to age. However, clergy members may still commit sex crimes against those over the age of 18.
Additional considerations to consent surround power dynamics, fear, or coercion. According to MCL 750.520c, sexual contact that is coerced by the use of a position of authority over the individual qualifies the act as a felony in the criminal justice system. This supports the value that consent is not genuine unless it is given freely, enthusiastically, and without external pressures.
You can contact our clergy sex abuse lawyers today and rest easier with experienced attorneys tackling your case.
How the Statute of Limitations Influences Whether a Clergy Abuse Lawyer Can Help If My Abuse Happened Years Ago
When we speak with potential clients to determine how we can help them, one consideration is how long ago the incident happened. The statute of limitations for criminal and civil cases for the same incident may differ. This varies state by state and may mean you are unable to pursue criminal charges but are eligible for a civil lawsuit or vice versa.
The uprise in reports of clergy sexual abuse in the news has led to some significant national and state-level legislation changes. Amid these changes, it can lead people to wonder if there even is a statute of limitations on clergy abuse anymore. Like any other short answer to a legal question, the answer is yes and no.
Lookback Windows
Some states have created lookback windows to increase the time people have to come forward about the abuser. These have been challenged in some cases, stating it is unconstitutional or otherwise unfair to the individuals and organizations facing lawsuits.
Discussing your case with an attorney will be the best way to determine how these lookback windows may or may not affect how they can help you.
How to Determine if a Clergy Abuse Lawyer Can Help Me
Several nuances can affect when the statute of limitations in a civil case begins, including when you became aware of the event or injuries, and it is often unclear where you are in the statute of limitations for your case without the help of an attorney.
When you speak with a lawyer, we can generally quickly determine whether your case is eligible to continue based on the timeframe alone. Some additional information we may request regarding your case include:
- dates and locations of your abuse
- any others that you may have disclosed at the time
- Information regarding medical records following the event
- Other people the abuser may have victimized
Cases may be more difficult to make when the abuse happened long ago. However, when we consider how clergy abuse is so prevalent, it means this type of case has become more common, and our attorneys are more skilled at building them. If a clergy member has abused you, you deserve a chance to tell your story.
Even if Your Abuse was Years Ago, Call a Clergy Abuse Lawyer Today
The team at White Law PLLC is aware that it may take someone years to come forward and face their abuser. Our firm will not hold that against you and will diligently fight on your behalf.
We understand the importance of trauma-informed representation in sexual abuse cases and endeavor to approach every case through a trauma-informed lens to best serve our clients.
If a member of the clergy abused you, even if your abuse happened years ago, please don’t hesitate to call us and schedule a case consultation. We are honored by the opportunity to support your voice in your journey for healing and justice. Call our clergy abuse lawyer today.
You have the right to reach out to a clergy sex abuse attorney and discuss your right to legal action.
