Many parents worry about “stranger danger” when they have young children. Unfortunately, many of the most serious threats come from those close to children and their families. In recent years, there has been an increased degree of awareness of how those in positions of religious authority might engage in child sexual abuse.
A variety of different churches have had scandals related to pastors, ministers and priests abusing young children. Depending on the circumstances, families can sometimes hold churches and religious organizations accountable for the inappropriate conduct of clergy members and other employees.
When are religious organizations potentially liable for child sexual abuse?
When clergy members abuse children
As mentioned above, many child sexual abuse lawsuits against churches relate to clergy members abusing children. They use a position of authority to convince children that their actions are not inappropriate or that they cannot tell anyone what happened.
Families and victims can potentially take legal action — particularly when there are indications that the hierarchy within the religious organization knew about the abuse or helped cover it up, families
When religious organizations ignore sexual abuse
There is a major lawsuit underway here in Oregon related to church employees failing to report child sexual abuse. A $25 million lawsuit against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormon Church, alleges that the organization contributed to sexual abuse by failing to report the misconduct of a church member.
Reviewing the circumstances surrounding sexual abuse of children can help families find the best path to justice. Civil litigation is an option even in scenarios where prosecution was not possible or was unsuccessful.