Reports of abuse coming from within trusted communities, such as the church, are incredibly traumatic not only for the abuse victims themselves, but for other members of the community, as well. Sadly, because of the importance of maintaining a certain public image, many instances of abuse within the church are concealed and not reported.
The trauma that comes along with any form of abuse can be devastating. Many victims of clergy abuse develop emotional or social disorders because of this act and require counseling or therapy in order for them to recover from the experience.
A Partner in Your Fight for Justice
If you have been the victim of clergy abuse, you need to make sure that you are working with a legal team experienced in sexual assault cases so that you can make sure the person or institution responsible for your abuse is brought to justice for their actions.
The New York City clergy abuse attorneys of Orlow, Orlow & Orlow, P.C. have experience dealing with delicate abuse issues, including clergy abuse. We are here to support you through this difficult process. Our experienced legal team will fight against those who caused your accident on your behalf so that you can concentrate on your emotional and physical well-being.
Prevent Future Abuse
As mentioned before, instances of clergy abuse are often concealed by the church in order to avoid negative press. Because there is no public exposure of these atrocities, the cycle of abuse is able to continue unbroken, and clergy members guilty of committing abuse have the potential to commit further instances of abuse without interference.
If you have been abused by a member of the clergy, you need to bring this matter to light not only for your own benefit, but to protect other individuals from experiencing abuse. The New York City clergy abuse attorneys of Orlow, Orlow & Orlow, P.C. will provide you with caring and compassionate legal assistance and will work with you to bring an end to dangerous cycles of abuse within the church.
Important Information about the Statute of Limitations
In New York, sexual abuse must be reported within five years, or you may not be allowed to take legal action. Under our current law, this statute of limitations begins running when the victim either reports the abuse or turns 18.
However, proposed changes in our state’s law could postpone this by five years, when the victim turns 23. This would allow victims up to the age of 28 to report their attackers. After criminal charges have been filed, the victim has an additional year to file a civil claim against the defendant.
If you or someone you know has been physically or sexually abused by a church official, you should contact a New York City Clergy Abuse Lawyer.