Many victims of clergy abuse suffered in silence for years or even decades. The history of clergy abuse in the State of New York has a long history, and survivors previously did not have the legal right to file a claim for any kind of abuse due to short deadlines, known as the statute of limitations. However, the laws have recently changed in New York, giving survivors of clergy abuse the legal right to pursue both justice and compensation for their suffering.
As a victim of clergy abuse, you may have spent years attempting to forget the horrors you endured. Coming forward can prove scary and unsettling. However, your testimony can help others from suffering the same fate. You can help change your future and the future of other potential victims by contacting our legal team for a confidential consultation. Learn how a Smithtown clergy abuse lawyer at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you. Call (800) 219-9622 today.
Clergy Abuse in New York
Much of New York’s history of clergy abuse is now coming to light. Clergy abuse often occurs against minor children. However, adult congregants can also be the subject of abuse from the clergy. As a trusted member of a faith community, a clergy member has a unique role to play in the private and personal lives of the members of that community.
Unfortunately, many clergy members have abused their position of trust, and they abuse victims within faith-based communities. In some cases, the abuse can prove completely systemic, occurring in multiple locations by multiple clergy persons. In other cases, it is simply one clergy member abusing their role and authority in a faith community.
Many victims of clergy abuse fail to alert anyone due to shame or guilt. No survivor of clergy abuse should ever have to go through their suffering alone. Remember that you always have the legal right to immediately go to the police to report your abuse.
Clergy Abuse in Different Religious Institutions and Organizations
Many people hear “clergy abuse” and immediately think of the Catholic church, simply because of the amount of news coverage regarding clergy abuse by priests. Unfortunately, the crime of clergy abuse extends to many other different types of faiths and religions. Some of the types of religious institutions and organizations that have experienced clergy abuse include the following:
- Several different denominations of Christian churches and organizations
- Mormon churches
- Jewish synagogues
- Islamic mosques and centers
- Greek Orthodox churches
It is possible that you experienced abuse within a religious institution or organization that was not directly from a clergy member. If the abuse were from another member of the religious institution, you may also have the legal right to bring a claim for justice.
This can include any kind of abuse from a nun, bishop, church volunteer, bus driver for the church, Sunday school teacher, supervisors of field trips, a staff member of the religious organization, or an administrator. A religious institution or organization has a responsibility under the law for the actions of their employees, under a legal doctrine known as respondeat superior.
Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today for more information on our legal services.
New Laws For Victims of Clergy Abuse in the State of New York
Legislators heard the victims’ testimonies and made the decision to extend the statute of limitations for those abused by clergy members in the state of New York. According to New York State, the Child Victims Act passed in 2019, and it specifically gives victims of sexual abuse by a clergy member the ability to file a claim in court against their abuser up to the age of 55.
Many victims suffer for years or decades as a result of their abuse, and this new law allows survivors of clergy abuse in the State of New York to make the difficult decision to file a claim. However, in some cases, clergy abusers have died, or some of the evidence no longer exists, so it may be more difficult to build a case. Still, a lawyer can help you fight for justice.
Legal Avenues Available for Victims of Clergy Abuse in the State of New York
There are several programs that exist for victims of clergy abuse in the State of New York. For Catholic clergy abuse, consider looking into the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program (IRCP) created through the Archdiocese of New York. Additionally, consider contacting the New York Attorney General, as they provide the abuse hotline and a sexual abuse complaint form. Finally, a lawyer can provide you a comprehensive detail of all of your legal rights in a completely confidential meeting.
Learn How a Smithtown Clergy Abuse Lawyer Can Help You
If you are considering learning more about your legal rights with respect to the abuse you experienced from a clergy member in the past, you may feel anxious and overwhelmed. We understand that this is a difficult decision and can bring back painful memories.
Our consultations are completely confidential and give you the opportunity to learn about all of your legal rights in order to make the best decision for your unique situation. We look forward to the opportunity to discuss your legal rights with you. Consider getting in touch with our legal team at (800) 219-9622 today. Learn how a Smithtown clergy abuse lawyer at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you pursue justice for your experiences related to clergy abuse in the State of New York.