Discussions about clergy abuse often center on the psychological and spiritual consequences for survivors. Specifically, researchers often look at anxiety, post-traumatic stress and withdrawal from religious observances when assessing the long-term impact that clergy sexual abuse has on children.
Those who take legal action against religious organizations such as the Catholic Church over prior child sexual abuse need to request a specific amount of compensation based on the harm that occurred. Can survivors connect their teenage or adult physical medical challenges to their prior abuse?
Trauma affects physical health
There is a strong connection between psychological stress and overall physical health. Especially when it occurs during developmental years, sexual abuse from an authority figure can cause lasting mental health damage that could ultimately manifest as physical illness.
Researchers have conclusively established that adverse childhood events (ACEs) have a strong correlation with increased risk of chronic medical conditions in adulthood. Issues ranging from obesity and hypertension to chronic pain could potentially have a connection to the ACEs that people experienced as miners.
Childhood sexual abuse by a clergy member can absolutely cause the psychological trauma necessary to constitute an ACE. It could impact the physical health and development of the survivor. If they can connect their condition to their abuse, they could add lost earning potential and medical expenses to the damages they seek in a lawsuit.
Taking medical challenges into account when estimating the economic impact of clergy abuse can make it easier for people to pursue appropriate compensation. Survivors and their parents may need help quantifying damages and developing a legal case to hold religious authorities responsible for allowing or covering up clergy sexual abuse. Getting experienced legal guidance is a good first step.