Priest Sexual Abuse includes a range of illegal and unacceptable actions frequently perpetrated against kids and teens by pedophilic clergy or other church members involving sexual abuse of varying amounts. The assault can be a one-time, non-consensual scroll barevent or it may involve many acts within a continuing interaction. For instance, a continuing “trusting” relationship with a child spawned by the predatory behavior of a clergy associate, cloaked by the trust and respect provided to a member of the clergy, leading to non-consensual sexual attack acts of molestation.
In nearly all claimed Priest or Clergy Sexual Abuse scenarios, the failure by the Clergy member’s employer to fully, adequately and promptly report the offense to law enforcement and other authorities, or the further failure to research, cope with and resolve entirely with the occurrence increases the harm on the abuse survivor, the community and possibly others. Current Church Sexual Assault cases covered in the media highlight these failures, that includes “pass-the-trash” scenarios when the predator oftentimes a clergy in the Catholic Church, is silently moved from one church to another only to continue his predatory, criminal action on an innocent parish community.
Priest and Clergy Sexual Abuse and Retribution Not a day passes without a news headline reporting regarding sexual assault and molestation of children by pedophile clergy, or the aftermath of the abuse on the victims and their families. If you are a victim of sexual assault from a priest or other clergy member, these reports are likely to serve as an echo chamber, replaying the horror, embarrassment, guilt and other unwanted thoughts hurting your well-being. Encouraged by the societal movement and other channels that encourage survivors to disclose the assault they suffered, survivors of assault are more frequently employing the legal system to compensate them for the lifetime harm and injury they have experienced.
If you are a victim of abuse perpetrated by a member of the clergy, the impact of the abuse on your life and core belief system may be incalculable. Nonetheless, holding the responsible priest and institutions to blame for their crimes and indifference might offer a measure of justice and recompense to abuse victims. Oftentimes, survivors can assert their legal rights in confidential mediation thereby avoiding the need for litigation. However, if litigation is required, a motion may be filed where the survivor can remain anonymous.
Predatory Behavior All predators, to varying degrees, employ predatory methods which are commonly known as grooming, aiming at a potential abuse victim. Following is a survey of grooming actions exhibited by predators who are in a position of authority relative to the subordinate child.
Grooming Grooming is a major piece of a predator’s strategy. In a church environment, the priest is revered as God’s representative. Within this setting, the predator often works closely with small amounts of children, understanding each child’s needs, vulnerabilities and situations. Once priest lawsuit Massachusetts is identified, these vulnerabilities – such as violent family setting, isolation, low self-esteem, emotional neediness, attention-seeking – can be systematically leveraged in the following ways:
Trust A predator will initially work to gain the child’s trust. This strategy is most difficult to discern as religious communities are often tight-knit and personal relation with clergy is commonplace. Here, the predator can pretend genuine concern in the child’s wellness and development – both emotional and religious.
Reliance As a predator establishes a trusting relationship with the potential victim and oftentimes their family, the child will begin to rely more and more on the predator for any need it is that the predator is exploiting and fulfilling. The child may spend increased time with the predator, feeling more and more comfortable with the relationship and relying on its stability and security. In addition to attention and affection, the potential victim may receive presents from the priest, including valuable, intangible presents such as blessings and special recognition. Isolation As the grooming continues, the predator may work to isolate the possible target. This may mean single counseling sessions, meals or other methods of one-on-one isolated moments. Sexualization The predator may begin to de-sensitize the target from reacting negatively to touching, caressing and other behaviors that lead to sexual interaction. This may begin with breaking the physical-touch barrier, or verbally, with inappropriate messages to determine the victim’s response to the progression. This will escalate until the relationship gets to one of a physical, sexual nature. Maintenance Once the sexual relationship is established, the predator will work to maintain control of the child and the continuing interaction. The predator will likely seek to manipulate the child by continuing to make the victim feel special and worthy. The predator will continue to exploit the target by whatever ways needed to maintain the inappropriate physical relationship.
Impact on Clergy Abuse Survivors
The impact of childhood abuse on the victim can be severe and life-altering. Many priest abuse survivors suffer from lifelong effects of the abuse including depression, disturbed sleeping, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, low self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse and eating patterns, and difficulty establishing and maintaining vibrant relationships. Individualized therapy and support groups can help victims overcome these effects.
Legally, a victim of Priest Sexual Abuse can gain financial compensation from the abuser and, more commonly, from the religious organization for its failure to protect the child from the abuse, as well as failures or deficiencies in its process of reviewing and resolving to reports of assault. If you are a victim of Priest or Clergy Sexual Assault and would like to confidentially discuss your experience and your legal options, we are ready to talk with you.
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