San Jose Clergy Sexual Abuse Attorney
Manly, Stewart & Finaldi is a team of dedicated attorneys that exclusively handles sexual abuse and assault cases in San Jose. We have over 25 years of experience in this practice area and have obtained record-breaking results for clergy sexual abuse cases. We are committed to obtaining justice for victims who have suffered this terrible crime. Speak to a lawyer in San Jose about your case today. We offer free and confidential case reviews.
Dedicated Attorneys Fighting Against Clergy Sexual Abuse in California
Recently, records that were released from hundreds of churches – primarily Catholic and Baptist churches – in California exposed a terrible secret: people high up in the clergy, such as bishops and cardinals, were covering up reports of sexual abuse for decades. Rather than protecting parishioners (including many vulnerable young children), religious institutions protected the perpetrators.
If you are a victim of clergy sexual abuse in San Jose, you have rights. Come forward with support and assistance from our knowledgeable attorneys. We will explain your legal options and help you fight for justice against the person who sexually assaulted you as well as the religious institution that allowed the abuse to take place or continue. Our lawyers have exceptional resources, dedicated personnel and experienced attorneys to build a strong case on your behalf.
Signs of Clergy Sexual Abuse
Religious institutions are meant to be places of peace, solace and spiritual healing. The last thing you might expect is for you or your child to be sexually abused by someone in the clergy, such as a priest, minister, rabbi or pastor. Unfortunately, there have been thousands of documented incidents of clergy sexual abuse in the State of California alone. As a parent, you may be able to detect the signs of child sexual abuse early if you know what to look for. Although each case is different, common signs of child sex abuse include:
- Fear of going to church or being around a certain clergy member.
- Reluctance to go to one-on-one meetings or trips with church leaders.
- General feelings of anxiety, depression, guilt or shame.
- Withdrawal from others, hobbies, activities or the community.
- Knowledge of sexual topics that is unusual for the child’s age.
- Behavioral changes, such as sudden outbursts or aggression.
- Physical changes, such as weight loss or gain or poor hygiene.
- Sexual promiscuity, sexually transmitted diseases or teen pregnancy.
- Suicidal thoughts, tendencies or actions.
If you suspect that your child has been sexually abused by someone in your religious institution, report your suspicions right away. Call (408) 983-0113 to reach the San Jose Diocese’s reporting line, or file your report online. Notify the police, as well. Get your child the physical and mental health care that he or she needs to cope with the trauma. Then, contact an attorney at Manly, Stewart & Finaldi to discuss your legal options.
Statute of Limitations for Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases in California
If you wish to file a claim for clergy sexual abuse that occurred within the San Jose diocese, you must act within California’s statute of limitations. Recent changes to California’s laws extended the time limit to the age of 40 for child sexual abuse victims or 10 years from the date of the last incident of assault for adult victims, with some exceptions. You should act quickly, however, to ensure the preservation of key evidence to support your lawsuit.
Consult With an Experienced Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer in San Jose Today
You don’t have to deal with the trauma or ramifications of clergy sexual abuse alone. Reach out to friends, family members, trained trauma professionals and therapists to cope with what you have experienced. When you’re ready to seek justice, closure and financial compensation with a civil lawsuit, contact us for a free and confidential case review. Manly, Stewart & Finaldi will help you and your family get through this difficult time. Call (800) 700-8450 today.