Priest & Religious Abuse

Do you need help? Call LBK and let us guide you and inform you of your options.

Successful Results For Our Clients

Priest and Religious Sexual Abuse

WE ARE THE RIGHT TEAM FOR YOU:
Former Special Victims Prosecutors Who Now Exclusively Represent Survivors

As former prosecutors who handled cases against sexual predators, we are passionate about justice for all victims/survivors of sexual abuse.  Our team of attorneys have since transitioned to representing victims/survivors in civil cases against perpetrators of sexual abuse and the organizations that allowed the abuse to happen. This unique background sets us a part from other firms, as we have extensive trial and jury experience in both criminal and civil courts.  

We know the healing process after a sexual assault is difficult enough, let alone having to navigate the legal system on your own. Let us confidentially guide you. 

Our experience, results, and knowledge can help you understand all of your options so that you can make an informed decision about what to do next. 

WE HAVE REPRESENTED SURVIVORS AGAINST: 

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Justice For Victims/Survivors of Sexual Abuse in Religious Organizations

Going up against these powerful religious organizations can be intimidating. That’s where we come in. Let us use our knowledge and experience to hold these religious entities accountable. We have successfully represented thousands of victims/survivors against religious entities that have a history of covering up abuse.

We may be able to help you obtain justice even if the sexual abuse occurred decades in the past.

There is no amount of money that equates to the trauma you suffered. However, there are significant benefits that our clients have found through LBK’s representation: (1) we can get you answers; (2) we can force the religious organization to be accountable; and (3) provide you with the financial compensation you deserve.

Who can be held responsible?

 In many situations, organizations and people, other than the perpetrator, are legally responsible for the sexual abuse. Any person or religious organization acting through its employees, who failed to report, prevent or who concealed the sexual abuse is responsible. 

At Laffey, Bucci & Kent, we expose and hold religious organizations accountable for:

"I am forever humbled that I have the privilege of representing survivors of sexual violence. I am in constant awe of the strength our clients have to face their trauma and use their voices to stand up against powerful institutions. Their resilience has undoubtedly saved a countless number of people from the horror of abuse."

Frequently Asked Questions

Experiencing sexual assault and physical abuse at the hands of a religious leader or clergy member that you trusted can inflict long-lasting, irreparable damage on survivors. The feelings of shame and guilt may stay with survivors long after the abuse has ended.

Church communities all over the U.S. have been shaken by unprecedented sexual scandals in recent years, many of which involve subsequent cover-ups.

It does not matter what religion you practice or what your beliefs are. Sexual assault is wrong. If a priest, pastor, clergy member, or church employee/volunteer inappropriately touched or sexually assaulted you, you have legal rights.

You have the right to file a complaint with authorities, seek legal representation and file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator.

If you experienced sexual assault or physical abuse at the hands of any person from and/or at church, we understand the frustration and mental anguish you’ve endured.

Our lawyers represent victims of sexual assault by priests, pastors and members of the church community. The attorneys who advocate on behalf of survivors are all former prosecutors. 

We can help you seek compensation for the damages you incurred and help you access the kind of recovery and support services you need. While no amount of compensation will erase what happened to you, we’ve worked with many victims whose stories have helped bring awareness of unreported cases of sexual assault to light.

Sexual assault involves unwanted sexual activity, with perpetrators using force, making threats, or taking advantage of victims who are unable to give their consent.

If you were abused as a child, you may be struggling with anxiety, depression and unwanted memories.

You need a legal expert who can help you make sense of the options available in your state. There are statutes of limitations that may prevent you from pursuing criminal charges, but you may be able to file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator.

Attorneys at Laffey, Bucci and Kent believe victims of priest or clergy abuse, sexual assault, and sex abuse deserve justice in the civil justice system. Many crime victims don’t know of their right to seek compensation and oftentimes end their search for justice at the conclusion of the criminal case (if there was one).

If you or a loved one was a victim of molestation, priest/clergy sex abuse, or sexual assault in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey or New York, please contact our experienced, highly-rated crime victims’ rights lawyers for a free, confidential consultation.

The criminal justice system comprises law enforcement, the court system and correctional agencies. A criminal case is designed to determine the guilt or innocence of the accused parties. A successful prosecution in a criminal case can include hefty fines paid to the government, jail time, probation, a criminal record or other penalties. In a criminal case, the victim acts as a witness in court for the prosecution.

In a civil case, the victim sues the offender for harm where the outcome might be monetary resources that help the survivor to recover.

It can take a long time to come to terms with sexual assault and physical abuse at the hands of a religious leader or clergy member. Many people often don’t recall what happened to them as young children, and it’s only years later when they are adults that they remember and begin to understand what happened.

Any time you seek justice, it can be a difficult undertaking, but even more so if the person who abused you has since died. In some cases, there are still ways survivors can seek compensation for the trauma sexual abuse caused — if your state has expanded the statute of limitations on sexual abuse lawsuits.

If your state has not lifted the statute of limitations on priest and clergy abuse claims, it could be too late to initiate a civil lawsuit.

Lawyers at Laffey, Bucci & Kent can explain how there are often other defendants to hold responsible and how you may still be able to sue the organization that placed the trusted person in the position which provided the opportunityto violate and abuse you.

Please contact us at 215-399-9255 to speak with experienced professionals who understand sexual assault. Our attorneys are trauma-informed and compassionate.

If you were a victim of sexual assault and physical abuse at the hands of a religious leader or clergy member, you are entitled to justice and support. In many sexual assault cases involving children, the abuse is committed by someone in a position of trust within the organization or institution. This could be a priest or clergy in church, a teacher, a scout leader or camp counselor.

You can sue the perpetrator who assaulted you. In many cases, you may also be able to sue the organization and hold its leaders liable for their failure to adequately screen and supervise staff.

Some organizations can be held liable for abuses their clergy members or church volunteers committed because they placed them in trusted positions. For instance, a Sunday School teacher, camp counselor or church volunteer who commits acts of sexual abuse on church property or at a religious event could likely be held liable because the abuser was working for and/or serving them when the assault occurred.

You can contact Laffey, Bucci and Kent at 215-399-9255 to speak with experienced, compassionate professionals who understand sexual assault trauma and can help you. 

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