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 an Ohio 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 Ohio
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. Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawyer Ohio
Child sex abuse Cincinnati Diocese (OH)
In 2003, the Cincinnati Diocese became the first in the country to be criminally prosecuted for negligence relating to sexual abuse of a minor. An Ohio state judge found the Archdiocese of Cincinnati guilty of failing to report instances of sexual abuse that had occurred the 70s and 80s. the Archbishop entered a no contest plea and responded in the affirmative when the judge asked ''Do you understand you admitted facts that constituted guilt?'' The diocese received the maximum penalty possible, a fine of $10,000. That same year, the diocese reached an agreement with the prosecutor’s office to settle cases by setting up a $3 million victim’s compensation fund.
Ohio Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawyer
In the time since, sexual abuse accusations and scandals continue to emerge. A recent analysis found that in the years between 2003 and 2018, the diocese had spent $17 million on costs relating to the scandal. Ten new accusations were made in 2017 and 2018.
This reality is in line with what has taken place in the rest of the country. A 2018 report issued by a Pennsylvania grand jury revealed hundreds of child abuse incidents over the course of 70 years carefully covered up by church higher-ups. Officials everywhere, including Cincinnati, took notice.
Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawyer Ohio
In an open letter to the congregation, archbishop Dennis Schnur responded to the grand jury report. This report… shocks, saddens, and angers Catholics everywhere, including myself…The depth of depravity and evil described in these reports is stunning. No words can diminish the level of revulsion one feels at reading them. From the depths of my heart, I am sorry for the terrible pain and suffering experienced by the victims of abuse throughout their lives. I am sorry for the deep shame that Catholic lay people rightfully feel at the inexcusable behavior of certain cardinals, bishops, and priests.
Ohio Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Existing research suggests that predatory priests exist as a small minority everywhere in the country; A study by John Jay college of Criminal Justice found that “The consistency of the findings in dioceses across the United States is remarkable: whether region, number of Catholic communicants or number of parishes is used to array the dioceses, the results show allegations of sexual abuse have been made against 2.5% to 7% of diocesan priests.” What differs from region to region are the extent of the investigations that have been performed.
In Ohio, many who have gone to court have struggled to receive compensation; the state’s statute of limitations requires victims to file a suit before turning 20. Efforts are being made to change this unfair law.
Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawyer Ohio
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