Riverside Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been sexually abused, assaulted or taken advantage of by a clergyman or someone else in your place of worship in Riverside, California, get help from an exceptional team of attorneys. Manly, Stewart & Finaldi is America’s leading sexual abuse and assault law firm, with over $2 billion won for clients. We know what you’re going through and will help you fight for justice and fair financial compensation during this difficult time. Contact us to start with a free and private case consultation.

What Is Clergy Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse refers to unwanted or nonconsensual sexual activity with a victim. Sexual abuse can be committed through coercion, duress, intimidation, threats, misrepresentation or incapacitation. Clergy sex abuse cases often involve an imbalance of power between the perpetrator and victim, such as a priest or clergyman taking advantage of unsupervised access to children to commit crimes for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification.

Since children under the age of 18 cannot legally give their consent to sexual activity, any type of sexual contact with a child is against the law. In addition, it is unethical for a church leader to engage in any type of intimate or sexual relationship with a parishioner, due to the imbalance of power between the parties. Finally, it is illegal for anyone to force another person to engage in sexual acts, such as rape or sexual battery.

List of Abusive Clergymen in Riverside and the Diocese of San Bernardino

Clergy sexual abuse is a crime that has been hidden, concealed and covered up by dozens – if not hundreds – of churches in California over the years. This was proven when the Pope required all Catholic dioceses to release records containing sexual assault and abuse complaints against priests and other members of the clergy several years ago.

When these records were unsealed, they revealed the terrible reality that hundreds of clergymen were allowed to get away with sexual abuse and assault crimes with help from church leaders. Dozens of priests and clergy members with “credible accusations of child sexual abuse” were named in the Diocese of San Bernardino alone.

Sexual abuse is not only something that exists in Catholic churches. It is a prevalent crime in the Jewish community, Protestant and Baptist churches, Evangelical institutions, temples, mosques, and other religious institutions. This crime can be committed by priests, pastors, rabbis, bishops, ministers, reverends, youth group leaders, fellow parishioners and others involved in the church.

Compensation Available for Clergy Sexual Abuse in Riverside

If you or a loved one was sexually abused by a member of the clergy at your church in Riverside, you have legal rights. You have the option of bringing a lawsuit not only against your abuser but the religious institution that concealed the abuse, as well. If you complained to a senior member at the church, for example, but the church did not inform the police or take steps to protect others from the perpetrator, you may have grounds to bring a lawsuit against the institution.

A successful clergy sexual abuse claim could result in financial compensation awarded for your related medical bills, therapies and counseling, out-of-pocket costs, legal expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, mental anguish, psychological trauma, and other losses. It can also hold one or more parties accountable for the grave crime committed against you. Filing a civil lawsuit can help you and your family obtain closure, justice and the compensation that you need to move forward.

Are You a Victim of Clergy Sexual Abuse in Riverside? We Can Help

It is a tragic reality that religious institutions throughout the U.S. are common settings for child sexual abuse. Equally disturbing is the fact that many churches cover up clergy sexual abuse, often for many years. The Diocese of San Bernardino is no exception. If you or a loved one is a victim of clergy sexual abuse in Riverside, please contact Manly, Stewart & Finaldi for a free and confidential consultation with a compassionate attorney. We care about our clients and will work relentlessly to achieve justice on your behalf.