Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivors Need Justice
As the stories about clergy abuse within the Catholic Church continue to be made public, the call for justice on behalf of abuse survivors is getting louder. Individuals who experienced abuse at the hands of their priest or bishop often spend their lifetime dealing with its devastating effects. Obtaining justice for these survivors is a necessary part of the healing process.
Survivors’ rights organizations continue to advocate for changes in the Church’s current policies to address the clergy abuse crisis. Unsatisfied with the recent Vatican conference on the sexual abuse of minors, which many believe failed to result in tangible changes to Church policy, advocacy groups are highlighting the need for practical solutions to this continuing problem.
One significant proposed change would be the implementation of an extensive screening process for priest candidates. This could include psychological testing and rigorous background checks of all clergy applicants. Another recommended change is the adoption of a zero-tolerance policy by the Church to prevent abusive priests from being transferred from one parish to another. Protecting an abusive priest would result in an automatic dismissal from the priesthood for both the perpetuator and those clergy members who protected them.
Other advocates are calling for an end to closed-door handling of sexual abuse allegations, which frequently result to silence survivors by providing minimal compensation in exchange for signing a nondisclosure agreement.
Holding Parties Responsible
Clergy abuse survivors deserve to have the individuals perpetuating these reprehensible acts held accountable for their actions. This can include not only the abusive clergy members but the priests, bishops, archbishops, dioceses, and archdioceses that have protected and shielded them. By holding responsible parties liable for their actions through the filing of a civil lawsuit, survivors can begin to heal from their abuse. Individuals who have suffered clergy abuse may be entitled to compensation for their medical expenses, psychological treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Consulting with an experienced New Brunswick clergy abuse lawyer is the first step toward obtaining justice.
New Brunswick Clergy Abuse Lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr Protect the Rights of Clergy Abuse Survivors
At the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr, our experienced New Brunswick clergy abuse lawyers assist clergy abuse survivors in obtaining compensation for their suffering. To schedule a free confidential consultation today, call us at 732-537-8570 or submit an online inquiry form.
Our offices are conveniently located in Highland Park, New Jersey to serve clergy abuse survivors and their families throughout New Brunswick, Somerset, Piscataway, Edison, South River, Sayreville, Metuchen, East Brunswick, South Plainfield, Fords, Middlesex, Old Bridge, Iselin, Bound Brook, Perth Amboy, and Colonia.
