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

Clergy Sex Abuse Attorneys in Philadelphia

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What Is Clergy Sex Abuse in Philadelphia?
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Clergy sexual abuse in Philadelphia is among the most heard about forms of child sexual abuse. Clergy members are in a position of trust and respect in the community, which makes clergy sex abuse especially traumatic for victims and other members of the community. For over 25 years, the experienced attorneys at the Derek Smith Law Group have helped clergy sex abuse, just like you, get the justice they deserve.

What Is Clergy Sex Abuse in Philadelphia?

Clergy sexual abuse in Philadelphia is an epidemic that is sweeping the religious community throughout the city and beyond. Clergy sexual abuse occurs when a member of the clergy sexually abuses or assaults an individual under the age of 18. The children are usually in positions within the religious community that are sought after and are in demand. Victims of clergy sexual abuse are children that are taken advantage of sexually by a community and the person they are taught to respect and taught are closet to God. Clergy members include, but are not limited to:

Priests
Deacons
Pastors
Rabbis
Ministers

Bishops
Imam
Nuns
Spiritual Leaders
Spiritual Advisors

What Are Examples of Clergy Sex Abuse in Philadelphia?

Clergy sexual abuse can be subtle and ongoing, or drastic and abrupt. Some examples of clergy sex abuse include, but are not limited to:

Sharing pornographic material with a child
Possession of child pornography
Forcing a child to have sex with another person
Videotaping or recording a child in sexual acts
Forcing a child to touch a clergy person’s genitals or intimate areas
Touching a child’s genitals or intimate areas
Vaginal, anal, or oral penetration with a finger, penis, or other objects
Sending sexually explicit emails
Sexting

What Are the Effects of Clergy Sex Abuse in Philadelphia?

Victims of clergy sex abuse experienced severe trauma. They are betrayed in a horrific manner by the person or people they are taught are closest to God. They are made to feel ashamed and that God brought this on them for their sins. Many experiences the following as a result of the abuse:

Severe nightmares
Night terrors
Low self-esteem
Substance abuse
Anxiety
Depression
Distrust of authority
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Schizophrenia

Who Are the Victims of Clergy Sex Abuse in Philadelphia?

Victims of clergy sex abuse in Philadelphia are often children who are in coveted positions within the religious community. These children feel it is an honor to be called by God to be in these positions. They can be males or females and come from any economic background.

The clergy people take advantage of their position within the community and the level of trust bestowed upon them by the parents and children. They use this trust through their advantage to groom and then sexually use and abuse these children. The children are often ashamed and feel that the actions are God’s will because the clergy has conditioned them to believe that.

What Rights Do Clergy Sex Abuse Victims Have in Philadelphia?

Reports of clergy sex abuse in Philadelphia sparked changes in the laws affecting the ability to report clergy sexual abuse and even bring a lawsuit. Ass of August 27, 2002, a victim of clergy sexual abuse can file a lawsuit for any clergy sexual abuse which occurred on or after that date until the victim reaches the age of 30. Any incident occurring before August 27, 2002, includes a statute of limitations of 5 years after the victim turns 18 (or until the victim reaches age 23).

As for criminal charges, any child under the age of 18 can, at any point until the age of 18, press charges against a clergy person for clergy sexual abuse. However, since 2002, once the victim reaches 18, the time limit to file a criminal complaint is 32 years, or once the victim reaches the age of 50.

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

In a religious community, there are many people responsible for a child. As a result, many people could and should be held responsible for clergy sexual abuse. Accomplices to the abuse may include, but are not limited to:

Other members of the clergy community
Individuals with a responsibility to report wrongdoing that chose not to report it
Religious teachers
Community elders

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

When a person is the victim of clergy sex abuse, they become witnesses in criminal court to help put the clergy person in prison so they cannot continue to hurt others. The sentencing for clergy sexual abuse are:

First-degree misdemeanor. The sentence is up to 5 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines
Third-degree felony. The sentence is up to 7 years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines.
Second-degree felony. The sentence is up to 10 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines.
First-degree felony. The sentence is up to 20 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines.

Testimonials

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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

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

In contrast, when you choose to file a lawsuit against the clergy who sexually abused you, you become a party in the lawsuit. The courts offer relief to plaintiffs who are victims of clergy sexual abuse in the form of:

Reimbursement of medical and other related expenses
Therapy and counseling expenses
Loss of income
Attorney’s fees
Emotional distress
Pain and suffering
Punitive damages

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

Lauren’s Kids. Lauren’s Kids helps children by offering guidance and education to begin the healing process.
RAINN. Rape, Assault, Incest, National Network is the largest national organization which provides a hotline to help victims of clergy 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 clergy sex abuse find therapists, and other helpful resources needed to move forward.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network. This organization helps children overcome the trauma of the abuse through the use of evaluation and therapies.
Stop It Now. Stop It Now is geared towards helping 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 Philadelphia Clergy Sex Abuse Attorneys for a Free Consultation

Clergy sexual abuse hits close to home, taking innocence away from children and using religion as the grooming tool.

If you or a loved one is the victim of clergy sexual abuse in Philadelphia, our team of former sex-crimes prosecutors and experienced attorneys can help you get the justice you deserve.

Our Attorneys

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