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Clergy sexual abuse in Miami is a serious epidemic that seems almost as common as going to church. You cannot turn on the news without hearing something about the most recent clergy sex abuse claim.
Whether the abuser is a priest, an elder of the religious community, a rabbi, or any other leader in religion, clergy sex abuse is illegal and should be punished to the fullest extent of the law.
For over 25 years, the experienced attorneys at the Derek Smith Law Group have been helping victims of clergy sex abuse, just like you, get the justice they deserve.
Clergy sexual abuse in Miami is a form of child sexual abuse. It occurs when a member of the clergy makes sexual advances or performs sexual acts on or with a child within the clergy’s religious community. The clergy grooms and takes advantage of the child by forming a trusted relationship and then convincing the child this is “God’s will” or that it is natural and OK because they love each other and love God. Members of the clergy may include, but are not limited to:
Clergy sexual abuse can be blatant sexual acts or more subtle actions of a sexual nature. Some examples of clergy sex abuse include, but are not limited to:
Victims of clergy sex abuse suffer severe trauma on many levels. Not only are they sexually abused by a person they know and trust, but the abuse is often associated with God and religion, which can cause additional confusion and pain for the victim. Some of the effects of clergy sex abuse include, but are not limited to:
Clergy members choose to groom children that are closest to them. As trusted members of the community in a position of high respect, they have access to families and children in private and close quarters, Families trust clergy members because they are supposed to be closest to God and therefore be pure.
The victims of clergy sex abuse are minor members of the religious community They are often children that volunteer to help the clergy around the community in different areas and positions. These children are often left alone with clergy for hours on end and are taught to trust the clergy without exception.
As of July 1, 2010, victims of clergy sex abuse have been protected by the Florida House Bill 525, which was passed in March 2010. As a result of this bill, any child abused under the age of 16 can file criminal and /or civil claims against the sexual abuser, including clergy members at any age. There is absolutely no statute of limitations or time limit for these victims to file a claim and obtain justice.
The environment in religious communities make it easier for clergy to have unmonitored access to children than other individuals in other communities. However, certain people are in positions to help children and can be considered accomplices to be included in litigation when filing a claim for clergy sexual abuse. Some of the accomplices may be:
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It was a pleasure to have Casey represent and help me for my employment case. It was my first time needing an attorney, so I was a bit apprehensive at first – Casey took the time to answer all of my questions and fully explain everything to me, which really put me at ease. He was very attentive, supportive, and knowledgeable throughout the whole process – Casey would ask questions to ensure... Read Full Testimonial
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The criminal justice system in Miami views victims of clergy sex abuse as witnesses to help convict clergy members of these crimes. Clergy sexual abuse convictions include the following sentences:
In Miami civil court, you would become a party to the lawsuit and the plaintiff bringing a lawsuit against the clergy member(s) that sexually abused you. As a plaintiff, you are likely looking for relief through the courts. Some of the remedies available to victims of clergy sexual abuse may include, but are not limited to:
Clergy sexual abuse traumatizes children in ways that other forms of child sexual abuse may not, especially because of the nature of the relationship between the clergy member, the child, and God.
If you or a family member has been the victim of clergy sexual abuse, the team of prior sex-crimes prosecutors at the Derek Smith Law Group will be able to help.
Contact us today at (305) 946-1884 for a free consultation. We do not collect any money until you win your case
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