Were you 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 abuse victims. Stand up against your abuser and help prevent this from happening to someone else. Please fill out our confidential online contact form or call Toll Free 1-866-777-2557 and a Pennsylvania Sex Abuse Lawyer will get back to you within 24 hours to discuss your possible case. This is a free consultation. There is no cost to investigate and there are no legal fees unless you receive financial compensation at the end of the case. Making the call is sometimes the hardest step, but it is often a necessary step on the road to healing. Clergy Abuse Lawyer Pennsylvania
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In August 2018, a grand jury in Pennsylvania produced a report that unveiled the cover up of the abuse of more than 1,000 victims perpetrated by more than 300 priests throughout 70 years in six of the eight dioceses in the state. The report speculated that there were in all probability thousands of additional victims who were either too scared to come forward or whose files had been lost.
Clergy Abuse Lawyer Pennsylvania
The grand jury met for two years and obtained the testimonial evidence of victims from the dioceses of Allentown, Erie, Greensburg, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, and Scranton. They additionally heard the testimony of the bishop of Erie, additionally, the grand jury evaluated half a million files belonging to the archives of the dioceses. The report detailed every accused priest and finely detailed the measures the diocese implemented to cover for their abuse.
The bishops inside the state were found to have persuaded law enforcement not to take a look at claims and persuaded victims not to document instances of abuse. Though many of the priests confronting allegations were removed from ministry, the bishops who vouched for and shielded them stayed in office or were promoted.
Clergy Abuse Lawyer Pennsylvania
Following the release of the analysis, some bishops promised to become more candid and pointed out current procedures that have made congregations more secure for young people. Bishop David A. Zubik of Pittsburgh was serious that there had been no cover up. He professed that there was transparency for the past three decades.
The grand jury found out that the church made use of euphemisms to minimize the abuse, assigned priests devoid of expertise in investigating sexual abuse claims to assess their fellow priests, and disguising the reasons behind moving or removing an accused priest. The report established that bishops would either inform the priest’s parishioners that he was on some sort of sick leave or say nothing at all.
Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers Pennsylvania
Victims expressed relief that their accounts were finally being revealed and that their abusers were being publicly named. Some questioned the possible lack of justice offending priests confronted along with what further steps would be taken. The state legislature in Pennsylvania has refused modify the statute of limitations which would enable victims to file civil cases. The current statute inhibits childhood victims over the age of 30 from filing a civil suit against the church. The grand jury encouraged an extension of the statute of limitations for both civil and criminal cases, and they also recommended a momentary removal of the statute of limitations to permit older victims to file their cases.
Clergy Abuse Lawyer PA
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