Victims and survivors of clergy sexual abuse by any clergy member or religious leader in churches report the cases to clergy sexual abuse lawyers. Several law firms now have nationwide clergy sexual abuse lawyer available to be contacted by anyone who needs help. The lawyers handle cases from any denomination or faith. Most sexual abuse victims typically undergo physical, emotional, and spiritual injuries, with some being traumatized even when they are adults. Furthermore, most victims do not know how to act and what to do in such cases.
What Churches’ Cases are Under the Clergy Sex Abuse?
Global attention has been focused on the catholic church due to the several reports of cases of sexual abuse by their clergy. Clergy sex abuse is, however, not limited to the catholic church and covers any denomination or faith that conducts sexual assaults, especially to minors in the congregation. With time more cases from other churches of sexual abuse have increased, meaning it is an issue in the catholic church. Legislations and legal actions have been placed to be used against such offenders in most countries. Through this
Effects Suffered by Survivors
Sexual abuse causes both short-term and long-term effects on the victim. The survivors usually go through real-time trauma and face more consequences later on, such as psychological impacts. However, the long-term effects of sexual abuse manifest in the survivor’s career, relationships, physical health, and life. Some of the impacts suffered by survivors include.
- Bruises
- Genitals damages
- Broken bones
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Eating disorders.
The indirect effects seen in some survivors include.
- Obesity
- Reproductive health issues
- Chronic pain
- Cardiopulmonary symptoms
Settlements on Clergy Sex Abuse Cases
In most cases where a victim seeks civil justice for clergy sex abuse, they usually receive money damages as compensation. They are also compensated by paying other costs included when healing and any difficulties resulting from the situation. The church is supposed to cover all the treatment expenses of the victim. Some of the money damages include.
- Mental health counselling expenses
- Injuries medical treatment expenses
- Impaired personal relationships
- Statutory and punitive damages where they apply.
- Resulting in pain and suffering
Conclusion
Because of the rampant rise in cases of clergy sex abuse in various denominations and faiths, concerns and awareness have increased. Lawyers handling clergy sex abuse cases are now working nationwide to ensure that the victims and survivors are compensated. The clergy responsible are marked to prevent attempts by other predators. Sexual abuse victims undergo many injuries, some of which are long-term and have consequences. Some do not know where to report such cases to get civil justice, while others fear the impact of coming out to the public about such situations. Clergy sex abuse lawyers help such victims and survivors to be able to move on from these traumas by seeking money damages compensations from the church.
