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Clergy sexual abuse in New Jersey occurs in all religions. Whether the abuse occurs within a church, synagogue, mosque, or any other religious community, clergy members taking advantage of children under the age of 18 is illegal and immoral. For over 25 years, our team of sex crime-prosecutors and attorneys at the Derek Smith Law Group have been helping victims of clergy sexual abuse, just like you, get the justice they deserve.
Clergy sex abuse in New Jersey occurs when a member of the clergy within a religious community has any sexual contact or sexual interaction with a child under the age of 18. The child can be male or female, affluent or poor, of any race, color, or national origin, and within any position within the church.
The clergy members often groom the children and the families to earn their trust and then sexually abuse them for a period of time, whether it is once or on-going. Many times, clergy sexual abuse goes on for many years within the religious community before victims are able and willing to come forward. Clergy members may include, but are not limited to:
Clergy sexual abuse can take many forms. Some examples of clergy sex abuse in New Jersey may include, but are not limited to:
Children sexually abused by their clergy suffer extreme trauma as a result. The trauma is a bit different than other forms of child sexual abuse because of the relationship between the clergy member and religion. Many times, these children are made to believe it is God’s will, making the child feel even more alone and without any type of protection. Some of the effects of clergy sexual abuse in New Jersey may include, but are not limited to:
Victims of clergy sexual abuse in New Jersey are children under the age of 18. They are often members of the religious community that holds positions within the community or volunteer within their religious organization. This leaves the children in the care of the clergy often, giving the clergy members constant access to the children. The victims are of all genders, races, colors, class statuses, national origins, and family situations.
As of December 2019, New Jersey’s new law will allow victims of clergy sex abuse can file a claim in civil court until they reach 55 or within 7 years of coming to the realization the abuse causes severe damage. The lawsuit also allows anyone who previously attempted to file a claim for clergy sexual abuse and was turned away because it was past the statute of limitations, to file the claim regardless of their age. This previous will expire in 2 years from the date of the law taking effect.
Clergy often do not act alone when sexually abusing children. Many other people often ignore signs or do not live up tot heir responsibility when in charge of the children because they believe the clergy members are to be trusted. Some members of the community that may be accomplices, willingly or unwillingly, to clergy sexual abuse may include, but are not limited to:
New Jersey clergy abuse victims are witnesses in criminal court when pressing charges against clergy members. The criminal court’s goal is to stop the clergy members from having access to continue the sexual abuse with any children. The sentences may include:
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View All TestimonialsDuring the time that I really needed a good counselor and I was approaching different attorneys unfortunately before they heard the problem they were demanding a retainer fee. A friend of mine introduced me to the Derek Smith Law Group and I was very fortunate to be answered by Matt Finkleberg who was very polite and understanding and gave me a lot of confidence without asking for any fees in f... Read Full Testimonial
Matt Finkleberg is by far the best attorney I’ve ever hired!
Matt Finkelberg is an outstanding attorney. It was a pleasure to have him represent me for my employment case. He was very easy to talk to. He was very supportive and knowledgeable throughout the whole process. He explained the entire process to me and kept me informed every step of the way. Matt fought diligently throughout my case to make sure my case was represented best. I am very gratef... Read Full Testimonial
Matt Finkelberg is a top notch lawyer. He is very easy to talk to and truly cared about me as his client. He definitely earned my trust and confidence in his capabilities to represent me in the most professional respects. I give Matt and his firm the Derek Smith Law Group my highest recommendation to anyone who is seeking legal help for employee/employer related matters.
Matt Finkelberg is a life saver. During this whole process not only did I have a great lawyer but I also made a great friend. Matt was very attentive to my case, and mental health. Matt helped me during probably the darkest time of my life and for that I am forever grateful to have came across the Derek Smith law group. As a past client, I 100% recommend Matt Finkleberg. Matt provides a safe sp... Read Full Testimonial
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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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
You will be in great hands at this firm! Alyssa the managing paralegal is an absolute professional who excels at what she does. You can tell she truly cares about providing the best service possible, and is passionate about helping her clients. With Alyssa at the helm, this firm is a top-notch choice for anyone seeking assistance. Highly recommend!
Matt Finkelberg is Amazing and Devotional! It was a pleasure to have Matt represent me for my employment case. He was very attentive, supportive, and knowledgable throughout the whole process. Whenever I reached out he responded promptly which I greatly appreciated. Matt fought diligently and hard throughout my case to make sure my case was represented best. Thank you again Matt for everything.... Read Full Testimonial
Olivia is absolutely outstanding! She understands the emotional side of your case while being able to find the legal aspects of holding the employer accountable for breaking the law! Made a really terrible situation a little easier by explaining everything and helping me get everything in order and in the right hands. I would not use anyone else! Call them for any sexual harassment case... You ... Read Full Testimonial
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In New Jersey civil court, victims of clergy sexual abuse are a party to the lawsuit. They are plaintiffs that are bringing suit against the clergy to obtain relief from the courts. Some of the remedies available to victims of clergy sex abuse may include, but are not limited to:
Clergy sexual abuse is among the most traumatic experience any child can go through. It is immoral and illegal.
If you or a loved one is the victim of clergy sex abuse in New Jersey, our team of former sex-crimes prosecutors at the Derek Smith Law Group can help.
Contact us today at (973) 388-8625 for a free consultation. We do not collect any money until you win your case.
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