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Were You Abused?
If you were sexually abused as a child by a priest, deacon or any other member of the Catholic Church, you are not alone. We are here to help you. Please fill out our confidential online contact form or call Toll Free 1-866-777-2557 and a Florida Sexual Abuse Lawyer will get back to you within 24 hours to discuss your possible case. Help is available nationwide. There is no cost to investigate and there are no legal fees unless you receive financial compensation. Making the call is sometimes the hardest step, but it is often a necessary step on the road to healing. Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawyer Florida
Reasons to call
Please call Toll Free 1-866-777-2557 or fill out our confidential contact form and a lawyer will get back to you within 24 hours to discuss your case. Florida Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Florida Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Florida AG Gets Serious About Catholic Church Sex Abuse
In August 2018, the Pennsylvania grand jury released a scathing two year report on the rampant sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. They named over 300 clergymen who had sexually abused 1,000 verified victims, although it’s believed the numbers are probably in the thousands and much higher than previously believed. Many states have responded to the report by starting investigations of their own, increasing the statute of limitations for how long a victim can file charges, or doing what they can to uncover the many cases of abuse within their own state’s dioceses. Florida is one of those states taking proactive measures.
Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawyer Florida
Pam Bondi, Attorney General for the state of Florida, has launched a tip site for anyone in her state who wants to report past sex crimes they experienced at the hands of Catholic clergy. The tip site is an accompaniment to the investigation she has already started into her state’s Catholic dioceses, of which there are seven.
Florida Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Aiding Attorney General Bondi in the investigation is the Florida Department of Law Enforcement(FDLE). The FDLE is also working with State Attorneys and the Office of Statewide Prosecution to review numerous records kept by the Catholic Churches in Florida, ensuring all allegations of sexual abuse have been reported to the authorities and have been investigated.
Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawyer Florida
Attorney General Bondi has stated that anyone in the type of power a priest is should be able to be trusted. When they can’t be they are a disgrace to their church as well as a threat to our society. She hopes all victims or anyone with knowledge about the abuse or potential abuse will report what they know to her office and she says all information will remain confidential to the limits of the law.
Florida Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawyer
The Tip Line
Victims or anyone with knowledge of sexual or other abuse at the hands of the Church can go to the website to report it. Victim information, in accordance with Chapter 119.071(2)(h)(1) of the Florida State Statutes, will be kept confidential. This tip line is strictly to report past abuse by priests in the Catholic Church in Florida that should be investigated. Anyone with knowledge of current or ongoing abuse in the state should contact the Florida Department of Children and Families Abuse Hotline by calling 1-800-96-ABUSE or by dialing 911.
Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawyer Florida
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