Both Maryland and Illinois Attorney Generals’ recently issued reports that reveal how the Catholic Church in their states enabled and covered up sexual abuse by church officials for decades.
(If you were abused as a minor by ANY priest or clergy member, whether or not they are in the reports below, contact us today as you may qualify for significant compensation.)
Maryland Attorney General’s Report
The Attorney General’s report in Maryland named 146 clergy members and church staff who abused victims over the course of the last 80 years. Following that recent report, The Archdiocese of Baltimore then released 42 additional names – deacons, nuns, and lay teachers – all credibly accused of sexually abusing children.
- Click here to see the names of the sexual abusers in the report.
- Click here to view the full 456-page report.
Illinois Attorney General’s Report
The Attorney General’s report in Illinois named more than 450 clergy members and church staff who abused victims in the last 70 years.
- Click here to see the names of the sexual abusers in the report.
- Click here to view the full 696-page report.
Unsure If You Were Sexually Abused?
“Sexual abuse” is a broad term that can include a wide range of nonconsensual acts, such as touching without consent. A perpetrator may touch a victim in a sexual way without permission, or a victim may be forced to touch the abuser. It is also common for victims to be forced to watch others engaging in sexual acts. It is also considered sexual abuse if an abuser takes photos and/or videos of an unclothed individual without their consent.
People of any age and gender can be victims. Clergy members who commit sexual abuse may belong to any faith and denomination.
If you are unsure if you were sexually abused but think you may have been, contact us today for a confidential and free case review.
Sexual Abuse Can Have Devastating Effects On Victims
Sometimes sexual abuse causes physical harm. If the perpetrator used force in an assault, the victim may need to receive treatment in a hospital. Survivors of sexual abuse may also have to deal with an unintended pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases.
Additionally, the emotional effects of sexual abuse can be crippling. Victims may experience depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health problems that may affect their ability to concentrate in school, hold a job, and create and maintain relationships with others. Survivors may turn to alcohol or drugs to try to cope and may become addicted. In some cases, victims are so distraught that they attempt suicide.
Religious Institutions Have Enabled and Protected Sexual Predators
Leaders of spiritual organizations who did not directly participate in the abuse may share the blame for the harm that victims have suffered. In many cases, people in positions of authority, such as officials in religious institutions and leaders at religious schools, refuse to take claims of abuse seriously. They may cover up allegations and may threaten victims to keep them silent. Religious leaders may do so to protect the image and reputation of the institution and to shield it from expensive lawsuits. All too often, survivors of sexual abuse are betrayed by the people they trusted the most.
If you are a survivor of sexual abuse that was committed by a religious leader, you may be able to seek compensation for all that you have suffered and for what you will continue to endure. Call our office today to discuss your case with a member of our team.
For a free legal consultation with a Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer serving nationwide, call (800) 219-9622
Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Today
Pintas and Mullins is one of the nation’s top law firm’s representing sexual abuse cases. Our experienced attorneys and paralegals are ready to help guide you through the confidential legal process. Call today to speak with one of our female attorneys or paralegals. Our case evaluation is confidential and completely free.
Statute of Limitations Information
Many state’s statute of limitations impose strict deadlines on civil lawsuits related to sexual abuse of adults. If you experienced abuse as a child, you may have more time, but it still may be in your best interest to take legal action as soon as possible. Evidence may be lost or destroyed, and witnesses may forget key facts, become mentally incapacitated, or pass away. The sooner you contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, the sooner we will be able to begin gathering evidence and working on your case. Call our office today to speak with a member of our staff.
Call or text (800) 219-9622 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form