Don't Stay Silent about Clergy Abuse
Get the Justice You Deserve
DISCLAIMER: The Database of Publicly Accused Clergy Members does not state or imply that individuals facing allegations are guilty of a crime or liable for civil claims. The reports contained in the database are merely allegations. The U.S. legal system presumes that a person accused of or charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty. Similarly, individuals who may be defendants in civil actions are presumed not to be liable for such claims unless a plaintiff proves otherwise. Admissions of guilt or liability are not typically a part of civil or private settlements.
You may be able to file a claim against the Church for childhood sexual abuse if:
You were abused by a priest or other member of the Clergy
Church leaders were told about the abuse and failed to notify the police or civil authorities.
Church leaders knew your perpetrator abused other children and they shielded the perpetrator from the law.
Statutes of limitations (SOLs) set the deadline for pressing criminal charges or filing a civil lawsuit for child sex abuse.
Most victims miss the SOLs for obtaining justice because trauma affects them in a way that causes them to delay disclosure of their abuse until they are older.
Studies show the average age child sex abuse victims disclose they were abused is 52.
A window is a law that revives previously time-barred civil claims for child sex abuse and allows survivors of all ages to file suits while the window is open.
Windows are recognized as the best way to give survivors access to justice and expose hidden predators. Already, 22 states, Washington D.C. and Guam have opened windows for claims and new window legislation is proposed each year.
Window permanently open for claims against all types of defendants:
- Maine, Vermont & Guam
Window open for 2 or more years for claims against al types of defendants:
- Arkansas, California, Delaware, Hawaii, Louisiana, New Jersey & New York
Window open for more than 1 year, but not explicitly applicable to claims against all types of defendants:
- Arizona, Minnesota & North Carolina
Window open for 1 year only:
- Montana
Window open for only for claims by survivors under a certain age, with exceptions:
- Kentucky & Washington DC
Window open for claims against perpetrators only:
- Georgia, Nevada & Utah
Window open for claims against perpetrators doctors only:
- Michigan
New legislation passed:
- Colorado, Louisiana, Maine & Pennsylvania
