Have you or someone you know been a survivor of clergy abuse in Maryland? If so, you may be entitled to compensation. Maryland Sexual Abuse Lawyers fight for survivors of clergy abuse to hold those responsible accountable and get the justice they deserve.
Get the answers to these questions and more with help from our clergy sexual abuse lawyers serving Maryland.
Our clergy sexual abuse attorneys at Blank Kim Injury Law are dedicated to helping victims of clergy sexual abuse throughout Maryland. Our team of experienced attorneys understands the complex legal issues involved in such cases and are committed to providing victims with the best legal representation possible. We understand the challenges that victims of clergy sexual abuse face and strive to ensure that justice is served. Our Lawyers for Clergy Sexual Abuse in MD at Blank Kim Injury Law strive to allow victims to get justice and financial compensation for the pain and suffering they endured from the abuser. Call today for a free consultation.
According to the now-famous John Jay Report, approximately 4% of US priests serving in the second half of the 20th century were accused of sexual abuse. As the century came to a close, the number of cases declined sharply, particularly in the 80s, but the report offered no official explanation for it.
Although it can be deduced that the attention that the Catholic Church brought to the long history of sex abuse by priests influenced the behavior, it is still difficult to say how this effect was achieved. Additionally, it was believed that the filing of significant lawsuits against the church led the church to implement better procedures for cleaning up their ranks of sexual predators.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Baltimore has been facing criticism over allegations of decades of abuse in Maryland. Reports of abuse by more than 150 Catholic priests have been brought forward, with many claims that the diocese and other church officials were covering up abuse. The abuse took place over decades and many allegations of sexual abuse were made against the Baltimore clergy. Although the Catholic Church has had to pay settlements to victims of abuse in Maryland, no one knows the full extent of the abuse that took place. It is feared that hundreds of victims keep the abuse secret or fail to report many allegations of sexual abuse.
The threat of sexual assault and exploitation against young children is widely believed to exist within several communities or organizations. Yet in religious associations, there are certain structures that may increase the risk of abuse. For example, children are taught in many church groups to obey priests and other leaders without question. They can find it increasingly hard to speak out against their aggressors as a result of this hierarchy. Victims can also face difficulties due to fear of punishment and misbelief. They may even be too young to understand that they have been victimized.
The Archdiocese of Baltimore has a long history of clergy sexual abuse and allegations of abuse. Over the past several years, many victims and survivors of abuse by a clergy member within the Archdiocese of Baltimore have come forward to expose the history of abuse and attempts to cover up the crimes of priests. The Maryland Catholic Conference has been a vocal advocate for the rights of victims and survivors of abuse by a priest, and their work has helped to bring to light the history of abuse within the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
Our abuse lawyers also represent victims of religious camp sexual abuse in Maryland, including those survivors that were sexually abused by a summer camp group leader.
Learn more: Maryland Summer Camp Abuse Lawyer: Representing Victims of Sex Assault
Since there is no federal law defining what constitutes sexual assault or abuse, each state has its own law governing these crimes. There are, however, some similarities across the board when it comes to the law surrounding these kinds of crimes.
Many states treat the term "sexual assault" as a separate offense. Rape, sexual abuse, and molestation all fall under the category of sexual assault. Consequently, each of these crimes is subject to its own punishment. An individual who is forced, coerced, or threatened by another person into performing sexual acts can be considered a victim of assault. The victim does not have to be physically present for the act to occur. For example, if they are forced to watch a sexual act by the perpetrator, this is too may be considered assault.
The Maryland Attorney General’s Office works to protect children from sex abuse, support survivors of sexual abuse, and prosecute those who commit abuse allegations. Maryland laws are designed to provide protection for those affected by childhood sexual abuse, sexual abuse or assault. A Maryland attorney can explain the legal rights and remedies available to survivors of abuse, investigate and prosecute abuse cases, and work with the Attorney General’s Office to ensure that those accused of abuse and assault are held accountable.
Credible claims of sexual abuse of minors dating back to the 1980s began emerging, mostly in the case of boys. These allegations involved boys as young as three years old and as old as 14. Adults, many of whom have shared their traumatic experiences from their youth, have been coming forward and sharing their stories after many years.
In the 1990s, the public began to take notice of these claims of priest sexual abuse, which prompted numerous investigative reporting agencies to get involved. It wasn't long before examples of sexual abuse within the Catholic church began appearing across North America, some South American nations, and throughout Europe.
There was an alarming pattern of hesitancy to report allegations of sexual abuse within the church that was slowly revealed. There was extensive abuse around the world, and some claims even went as far back as half a century.
Many states have passed legislation that gives victims of priest sexual abuse a second chance to get justice. Through this new "window of opportunity," victims can now get the justice they deserve in the state of Maryland. A day in court has finally come for victims of abuse, even if it came later than anticipated.
Are you or a family member the victim of a Catholic priest or other religious leaders? We encourage you to join the brave victims who have taken legal action against those who have allowed the abuse to occur. The law has changed recently, making it possible to win even if the abuse occurred decades ago. The system of systematic sexual abuse can only be ended if we hold perpetrators and their protectors accountable.
Get in touch with our experienced clergy abuse lawyers today for a completely free and confidential legal consultation. They can help victims understand Maryland's statute of limitations for filing a clergy sexual assault case.
Victims of sexual abuse within the church are often left feeling helpless and alone. Thankfully, Blank Kim Injury Law is here to help. Our team of abuse lawyers specialize in sexual abuse of young children, clergy sexual assault cases, and sexual abuse in the Archdiocese. We understand that clergy sexual abuse in Maryland is a serious issue, and we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of clergy sexual abuse survivors. We provide free case evaluations to victims of sexual abuse, so contact us today and let us help you seek justice.
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