Derek Smith Law Group / Child Sexual Abuse Attorney / Clergy Sex Abuse Attorneys / Clergy Sex Abuse Attorneys in New Jersey

Clergy Sex Abuse Attorneys in New Jersey

Based on 500+ Select Nationwide Reviews

Free Case Review

The Fee Is Free Unless You Win.
Top Rated Employment Law Firm
Protecting Families Since 1995
$400 Million Won

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What Is Clergy Sex Abuse in New Jersey?
Contact Our Experienced New Jersey Clergy Sex Abuse Attorneys for a Free Consultation

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.

What Is Clergy Sex Abuse in New Jersey?

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:

Priests
Rabbis
Deacons
Bishops
Imams

Nuns
Religious elders
Spiritual advisors
Spiritual leaders

What Are Examples of Clergy Sex Abuse in New Jersey?

Clergy sexual abuse can take many forms. Some examples of clergy sex abuse in New Jersey may include, but are not limited to:

Vaginal, anal, or oral penetration with a penis, finger, or other objects
Sharing pornography with children
Possession of child pornography
Taking nude photos or videos of children
Videotaping children during sexual acts
Watching children during sexual acts
Forcing a child to touch a clergy member’s penis of other intimate areas

What Are the Effects of Clergy Sex Abuse in New Jersey?

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:

Anxiety
Depression
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Shame
Distrust of authority
Substance abuse
Extreme anger
Nightmares
Night terrors
Schizophrenia

Who Are the Victims of Clergy Sex Abuse in New Jersey?

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.

What Rights Do Clergy Sex Abuse Victims Have in New Jersey?

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.

Who Are the Accomplices that Contribute to the Culture of Clergy Sex Abuse in New Jersey?

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:

Religious elders
Therapists, counselors, or others in a position to report the suspicions or incidents
Adults responsible for children within the religious community
Religious schoolteachers
Religious leaders

What Type of Justice in Criminal Court is Typically available to Victims of Clergy Sex Abuse in New Jersey?

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:

Aggravated assault when the victim is under the age of 13 or between 13 and 16 and the abuser has control over them. This can include a sentence of up to 20 years in prison
Sexual assault when a child is between the ages of 13 and 17 or between 16 and 18 and the abuser has control over them. This can include a sentence of up to 10 years in prison
Clergy convicted of sexual abuse must also register as a national sex offender.

Testimonials

Hear From Our Valued Clients

Discover how our expertise has helped clients overcome their legal challenges and achieve successful outcomes.

During 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

Sambiz Amini

Matt Finkleberg is by far the best attorney I’ve ever hired!

Tanya Scheer

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

Phyllis Parker

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.

Wally Peczon

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

Tali Loya

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

Corey Kientz

matt is an excellent attorney. he handled my case with the utmost care and highly exceeded all expectations. i could not recommend derek smith and esp. matt finkelberg enough

Seedie Whiser

Corey Kientz

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!

Marissa Shander

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

jessica gonzalez

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 Testimonialwon't be disappointed! 10/10

Rae Millstone

Stand Up Against Harassment Now

Empower your voice and take action against sexual harassment in every workplace, community, and home.

Free Consultation (973) 388-8625

What Remedies Are Available in Civil Court for Victims of Clergy Sex Abuse in New Jersey?

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:

Reimbursement of medical and other related expenses
Payment for therapists or counseling
Attorney’s fees
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Punitive damages

What Resources Are Available for Victims of Clergy Sex Abuse in New Jersey?

Lauren’s Kids. Lauren’s Kids offers guidance and education to victims of sexual abuse to begin the healing process.
RAINN. The Rape, Assault, Incest, National Network is the largest national organization that helps victims of sexual assault. The organization provides a hotline to help victims of sex abuse as well as other resources to help people more on and start a new life.
Darkness to Light. Darkness to Light helps victims of sex abuse by helping them find therapists and other helpful resources.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network. The organization helps sexually abused children by using evaluations and therapies to overcome the trauma of the abuse.
Stop It Now. Stop It Now is meant to help adult survivors of clergy sexual abuse find the organizations to help the healing process.

Verdicts & Settlements

Our results speak for themselves

$4.9 Million Settlement

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Catherine Lowry Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania The Derek Smith Law Group secured a $4.9 million settlement on behalf of multiple employees of Schuylkill County who came forward with allegations of sexual harassment,…

$1.5 Million Settlement

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Derek Smith Supreme Court of the State of New York, County…

$2.78 Million Jury Verdict

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Zachary Holzberg United States District Court, Eastern District of New York…

$4.050 Million Jury Verdict

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Derek Smith Supreme Court of the State of New York, County…

$1.6 Million Jury Verdict

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Derek Smith Supreme Court of the State of New York, Appellate…

Contact Our Experienced New Jersey Clergy Sex Abuse Attorneys for a Free Consultation

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.

Our Attorneys

Are You Sexually Harassed? Take Legal Action Right Now.

If you experience any form of sexual harassment, our expert legal team is here to help you fight back immediately with strength. Please call us at 8800.807.2209 or email derek@dereksmithlaw.com.

Serving Major Cities Across the United States

Our experienced legal team provides reliable services in key U.S. cities, ensuring expert assistance for workplace discrimination and employment law matters wherever you are located.