Consequences of Clergy Sexual Abuse

As traumatic as clergy sexual abuse is for children, the consequences of this crime do not end when the abuse ends. Adults who suffered abuse at the hands of clergy as children continue to be haunted by their predators. A 2005 study of adults in California who were sexual abuse victims that appeared in the “American Journal of Preventative Medicine” found that sexual abuse significantly increases the risk of developing health and social problems — such as drug and alcohol abuse, mental illness, and marital strife — in both men and women. A history of suicide attempt was more than twice as likely among both male and female victims as among nonvictims. Similarly, sexually abused adults of both genders faced a 40 percent greater risk of marrying an alcoholic.

The clergy sexual abuse lawyers at our firm have seen how this crime damages its victims, and we are committed to making sure the religious officials who allowed it to occur are held accountable. Many victims of clergy sexual abuse do not ever consider bringing legal claims or even obtaining counseling. They carry too much shame and guilt; they still believe that it was somehow their fault.

Our clergy sexual abuse lawyers know this crime is never the fault of the victim. Holding clergy sexual abusers and their enablers responsible for the damage they do is necessary to protect other children from becoming victims. Insisting on accountability also can help victims regain a sense of control over their lives, especially when those who allowed clergy sexual abuse to occur finally acknowledge victims’ suffering and their part in it.