In Louisiana and across the United States, people of faith put their trust in members of the clergy. They give them access to their children under the expectation that there will be spiritual guidance, care and mentorship. Unfortunately, there is a long history of...
Countless reports have documented the historic prevalence of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. Behind each report is a victim who suffered unspeakable traumas. While the dynamics involved in sexual abuse are complex and difficult to fully understand, experts...
Readers of this legal blog know that we frequently post about clergy abuse and how to fight back. And, recently, we discussed a sinister clergy loophole in over 30 states that allows clergy to not report child abuse. Of course, the immediate question is whether...
Thirty-three states exempt clergy from reporting information about allegations of child sexual abuse to law enforcement or child welfare professionals if the church considers the information to be privileged. That loophole represented a free pass to predators...
The Catholic Church has been embroiled in scandal for many years. That is true around the world as well as across the United States and in Louisiana as well. Not only are there U.S. laws that govern the behavior of the clergy toward other people but the Catholic...
The FBI appears to be intensifying its investigation of alleged sexual abuse of children by priests and other employees of the Roman Catholic Church. A retired priest in New Orleans has acknowledged to reporters that he was questioned by the FBI. The circumstances...
In recent years, thousands of victims have come forward all over the world to speak about their abuse at the hands of members of the clergy. Many of them have also taken action, filing lawsuits against the individuals and institutions that perpetrated and covered up...
Recent changes in Louisiana law have changed the time limits for filing a clergy abuse case. Previously, a sexual abuse case against a member of the clergy had to be filed before an individual turned age 28. Now, a clergy abuse case may be filed anytime. If you are...
For victims of clergy abuse, it can seem as if silence is the only thing that answered their pleas for justice. For too long, religious organizations ignored the abuse taking place at the hands of their clergy, leaving those who suffered alone and afraid. And every...
Sexual abuse perpetrated by a trusted member of the clergy against any child is one of the most horrific acts one can suffer. The abuse is not only traumatic in the moment, but can have lasting and harmful effects well into adulthood. If you were a victim of such...