Sexual abuse is a serious crime that can happen to any gender at any time. In the past years, many cases of such abuse at the hands of the church have come to light. Luckily, a church abuse law firm is available for victims who are trying to seek justice, as dealing with the church can be a slippery slope. Read on for how one can balance legal rights with religious institutions in these cases.
How Church and State Complicate Matters
The separation of church and state is a legal component of the Constitution. That is why government aid is usually not given to religious activity involving obvious sacred components compared to secular ones. When the separation of church and state occurred, people assumed the church would be a safe place to nurture a community. However, recent years have shown a number of priests, pastors, and other religious leaders have been abusing members of all ages. Because religious institutions have protections under the law, it has become necessary to have legal specialists, such as a church abuse law firm, handle these cases within religious contexts due to the complexities involved.
How Victims Get Justice
According to the CDC, over 50% of women and about 33% of men have experienced sexual violence involving physical contact at some point. Anyone who has experienced this issue in a religious facility has the right to seek justice. Seek justice just as you would in any other abuse case by contacting an attorney. Look for a lawyer who has experience in church law, as they can navigate this complicated legal process.
Criminal and Civil Law With Church Abuse
These cases of abuse can be brought under criminal, or civil law. In a criminal case, the victim can file charges against the religious perpetrator, whether it was a pastor, priest, assistant, teacher, etc. The institution is also not exempt from civil lawsuits. You can seek compensation for the emotional, physical, or financial damage suffered because of such sexual abuse.
Being a victim of sexual abuse in any form can take its toll. It can be even more frustrating if you have watched the perpetrators get off because of their connection to religious institutions. Luckily, you have access to more specialized legal help than you may have had decades ago. If you or someone you love has been abused by a religious facility or stakeholder, contact a church abuse law firm.
