The church sexual abuse lawyers in Chicago, Illinois at the Dinizulu Law Group may be able to help you if you or someone you love suffered sexual abuse at the hands of a priest, clergy member, or other church member, or official. According to the BBC, the Catholic church, in particular, has faced many sexual abuse allegations spanning many states in the U.S. and countries around the world. But the Catholic church is not the only church facing sexual abuse scandals. Southern Baptist church reverends have also been accused of sexual abuse. The Methodist church has also made a public apology, after reports of 2,000 alleged abusers were identified and abuse was uncovered, reports the BBC. The New York Times reported on sexual abuse cases that have impacted the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Experts note that clerical sexual abuse is likely to exist in every denomination, and the New York Times provides statistics that suggest as much as 15 percent of clergy in all religious denominations may have engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct.
Clergy work with vulnerable populations, and church organizations often have immense power over their members. Those who were sexually abused were often forced to remain silent. Today, many are choosing to come forward.
To make matters worse, church officials, in order to protect their reputation, may cover up cases of church sexual abuse. In cases where individuals have faith in clergy, it can be difficult to come forward with allegations of sexual abuse. In some cases, those who spoke up may even be shunned from their church and communities.
The Dinizulu Law Group is a church sexual abuse law firm in Chicago, Illinois that works with victims who have suffered sexual abuse by clergy and church officials. Our church sexual abuse attorneys understand how difficult it can be to come forward about sexual abuse, especially when the perpetrator is a respected member of your church or even a church leader. Yet, this is even more reason to come forward. By unearthing these actions, victims can hold perpetrators accountable, ensure that the church is safe for others going forward, and heal from their wounds. When courageous people call church officials to account, they can also help their communities heal from horrible actions committed in the shadows.
The wounds of sexual abuse can be visible or invisible. Victims may be more at risk of suffering from anxiety, depression, or PTSD. They may have trouble sleeping, or have flashbacks. They may suffer from alcohol abuse or drug abuse disorders. Others may even attempt suicide, or other forms of self-harm. The injuries from sexual abuse can also be physical. They can involve physical injuries from rape, sexually transmitted diseases, and even pregnancy.
If you or someone you love was a victim of church sexual abuse, the Dinizulu Law Group is a church sexual abuse law firm in Chicago, Illinois that may be able to help you. Our church sexual abuse lawyers can investigate your case, and fight to hold clergy or the church responsible. Some lawsuits may pursue the individual responsible for the abuse, while others may pursue a claim against the church as a whole, especially if the church as an organization covered up the abuse or failed to take action when allegations were made. The church sexual abuse lawyers in Chicago, Illinois at the Dinizulu Law Group may be able to assist you if you or someone you love suffered from sexual abuse in church.
Church Can Be Held Responsible for Child Abuse and Adult Sexual Abuse
While there have been many cases of child sexual abuse, the church can also be held responsible for cases of adult sexual abuse or harassment. In fact, there have been many cases where adults sued a church or diocese for sexual abuse when an adult suffered abuse at the hands of clergy or a priest. If a church or religious denomination fails to take sexual abuse allegations seriously or fails to have a plan in place for how to handle sexual abuse allegations, this can create a situation where children, adults, and vulnerable members of a religious community may be at risk. And when there is a pattern of church sexual abuse, sometimes all it takes is one person speaking up to effect change and bring perpetrators to justice. If you or someone you love suffered church sexual abuse, you are not alone. The Dinizulu Law Group is a church sexual abuse law firm in Chicago, Illinois that may be able to assist you. Our compassionate and caring lawyers can review your case, identify negligent parties, and fight to help you seek justice.
Catholic Church Sex Abuse Lawsuits in Chicago, Illinois
According to NPR, in France alone, approximately 330,000 children were abused by priests and others within the church over a 70-year period. Reports indicate that the church took steps to deliberately cover up these crimes. While this figure only represents the number of people abused in France, this figure doesn’t account for the many more who were sexually abused in the U.S. The church has been called upon to compensate victims and to change its practices of silencing and covering up the abuse. As more reports of sexual abuse within the Catholic church come to light, more people who were abused are coming forward. The Catholic church has already compensated many victims and families who were impacted by years of this abuse. If you were among the children or adults effected by church sexual abuse, you may have the right to also seek compensation for your losses.
Were you abused by a Catholic priest or other church member when you were a child? Were you recently abused by a priest or other church member? Do you suspect that your child might be a victim of a priest or church official’s sexual abuse? The Dinizulu Law Group is a church sexual abuse law firm in Chicago, Illinois that helps victims who have been sexually abused within the Catholic church and also within other churches. Our lawyers are here to listen to your story, help you understand your options, and hold the church or perpetrators accountable.
Effects of Church Sexual Abuse
Church sexual abuse can have many effects on victims and families. Victims of sexual abuse are more at risk of suffering from depression, anxiety, PTSD, sleep disorders, eating disorders, and other mental health issues. According to RAINN, individuals who are victims of church sexual abuse can be more likely to develop substance abuse disorders. They may also be more at risk of suicide or attempted suicide. Other risks include sexually transmitted infections, physical harm if a person was forcibly raped, and pregnancy. Church sexual abuse can also have spiritual effects, leading people to lose their faith or lose touch with their communities and even their families. Church sexual abuse can tear apart at the fabric of a community.
If you or someone you love suffered church sexual abuse, you and your family may be facing a long and emotional road to recovery. Victims and families may need years of counseling and therapy. They may need medical care for injuries or illness. They may miss time from work, or have relationship problems or other issues as a result. If you or someone you love suffered from church sexual abuse, the church sexual abuse lawyers at the Dinizulu Law Group in Chicago, Illinois are here to help you. We can review your case, evaluate your injuries and losses, and hold responsible parties accountable. You are not alone. The Dinizulu Law Group can help you and your family fight for justice.
Justice for Victims of Church Sexual Abuse
The Dinizulu Law Group is a Chicago, Illinois church sexual abuse lawyer that helps victims and families seek damages for losses after suffering from church sexual abuse. For years church sexual abuse was hidden in the shadows, leaving victims to suffer in silence. This silence left many boys and men to suffer alone from the emotional and psychological harms of sexual abuse. As more accounts of sexual abuse have come to light, more victims are coming forward. The Catholic church and other churches have had to compensate victims and families for their losses following sexual abuse.
If you are a parent suspecting that your child may have been sexually abused, trust your instincts. Changes in behavior, sudden withdrawal, and desire to not participate in church activities or fear of certain church members can be signs that your child may be suffering from church sexual abuse. If you suspect your child has been a victim, seek help. If you were among the children or adults who have been abused by a priest, clergy, or church member, the Dinizulu Law Group is a church sexual abuse law firm in Chicago, Illinois that may be able to help you. Reach out to our church sexual abuse attorney today to receive our compassionate and caring counsel and to seek justice for your losses.
