Clergy Sex Abuse or Church Sex Abuse Claims

Clergy Sex Abuse Lawsuits

What is church sexual abuse?

Church sexual abuse, or clergy sexual abuse, is when a member of the clergy has sexual contact with a parishioner. Church sexual abuse can happen in any church of any denomination. Clergy sexual abuse is an abuse of the power inherent to members of the clergy as a professional group. Members of the clergy in positions of trust and power are given power through their education, their expertise and their status. Clergy sexual abuse is an abuse of this power.

A sexual relationship between a minister or priest, and a member of the congregation is unethical and may be grounds for a clergy sexual abuse lawsuit. When the church sexual abuse involves a child, it is a criminal offense punishable by law. Clergy sexual abuse may extend beyond children and involve an adult victim. Even though the victim may be an adult, clergy sexual abuse is still unethical and may constitute a church sexual abuse or authority abuse lawsuit.

The sexual contact defined in a church sexual abuse case may include sexual intercourse, any form of nudity, fondling, erotic talk, sexual touching, kissing or passionate embracing.

Victims of clergy sexual abuse, whether an adult or child, have the right to have their church sexual abuse claim investigated. The laws and statute of limitations regarding church sexual abuse or clergy sexual abuse legal claims may vary from state to state and case to case. It is recommended that people with church sexual abuse or clergy sexual abuse legal claims seek legal counsel as soon as possible.