Sexual Abuse Claims Continue to Impact Catholic Parishes

It has been quite a few years since the media was filled with daily stories of childhood sexual abuse allegations against priests within the Catholic Church. However, a recent article in USA Today demonstrates that this is an ongoing issue that continues to impact the church and the alleged victims.

USA Today reporters recently uncovered nearly 100 legal actions alleging childhood sexual abuse by 14 Catholic priests in Guam. Some of these accusations date back to the 1970s, while others involve more recent incidents.  One allegation involves a 15-year-old-boy who helped with yardwork and cleaning at his local church. What started as invitations to eat and watch TV allegedly ended with over 50 incidents of sexual abuse by the parish priest.

Additional allegations reportedly include a child who was fondled by his priest while riding to his grandmother’s funeral and a boy who was allegedly subjected to more than 100 incidents of sexual abuse, starting at the age of 7-years-old.

The Archdiocese of Guam is reportedly named in 94 child sexual abuse lawsuits against the church, many of which include allegations of widespread cover ups. Victims say that the reports and complaints about the abuse went ignored, and also allege that some admitted abusers remain on the church payroll decades later.

Childhood sexual abuse within churches is a widespread problem

While these accusations involve a small island in the Pacific Ocean, they demonstrate a much larger and widespread problem that does not end with the Catholic church. Across the nation, children are forced to endure sexual abuse by religious leaders. They are being harmed by the individuals their families trust the most.  Experienced Los Angeles sexual abuse attorneys have seen how abusive church leaders use their influence to gain access to vulnerable children, including such tactics as:

• Using youth groups to separate children from their parents
• Holding overnight events, like slumber parties or recreational trips out of town
• Sponsoring community youth organizations, like scouting
• Establishing mentoring programs for youth members
• Using daycare services to gain access to young children

These innocent children and their families trust these religious leaders to guide them in their spiritual lives. When that trust is broken in such a heinous and traumatic way, a child can be left with a lifetime of physical, psychological, and emotional pain.

At Taylor & Ring, our lawyers will provide you and your child with compassionate and comprehensive representation you can trust. If you believe your child is the victim of sexual molestation by a religious leader, do not hesitate to seek legal guidance. Call us today at 310-209-4100 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a skilled Los Angeles sexual abuse lawyer.