Q: I was abused 30 years ago when I was thirteen. I didn’t tell anyone about it, not even my parents. It’s been bothering me and affecting my life and my relationships.
A: In our experience, the healing process begins when a victim of sexual abuse has the courage to talk to someone about it. It’s a process where you go from being a victim of a horrible crime to a survivor. Secondly, it’s very important to seek the help of a professional counselor who has worked with others who’ve been sexually abused by priests or religious figures. Third, if you are able, report the abuse to law enforcement officials where the abuse took place. In some instances, the criminal statute of limitations may not have expired. Also, the priest or religious figure who abused you may still be abusing other children.
Q: The sexual abuse happened decades ago, may I file a lawsuit against the priest and the Catholic Church?
A: This depends upon the nature of the abuse and the statute of limitations in the particular state where the abuse occurred. Consult a priest abuse lawyer who is familiar with the different statutes across the country. In some instances, dioceses and/or religious orders will consider offering assistance to survivors even if the statute of limitations has expired. This is true especially if the priest or religious who abused you has been found to have abused other children in the past. Again, consult a priest abuse lawyer.
Q: If I decide to pursue a claim against the priest and the Catholic Church, do I have to reveal my name? I don’t want my name in court documents or the public.
A: In nearly all cases, we can keep your name confidential. In some lawsuits, the Church has pushed the court to make the survivor reveal his/her identity. However, in most cases we can keep your identity confidential.
Q: Should I contact the Catholic Church first?
A: Generally, no. SNAP (Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests) advises against this after long, painful experience with the Catholic Church. Too often, the Church’s response has been defensive and not helpful. It is best to speak with the Church when you have a lawyer to assist you.
