Santa Clara Attorneys Hold Religious Child Sexual Abusers Responsible

Bay Area religious leaders can misuse their power to tragic results

If a person in a religious position of authority or power – like a priest, nun, rabbi, imam, member of the clergy or other religious figure – sexually exploits a child as part of their work, they’re committing sexual abuse or molestation. This can include any kind of unwanted and non-consensual sexual contact, including inappropriate touching, groping, fondling, pornography and sexually suggestive activities.

The power differential between a religious authority and a churchgoer or follower is not unlike that of a doctor and patient. With religion, that relationship can be even more sacred. And, because a religious leader holds a position of power and respect over their congregation, a child or adolescent typically feels compelled to comply with any inappropriate advances.

In cases like these, the concept of consent becomes meaningless. First, a minor is unable to consent. Second, even a sexual relationship with a leader and an adult congregant can negate mutual consent, as the religious leader holds power over the congregant. This could fall under sexual harassment or assault, depending on the circumstances. Our attorneys can talk to you about your specific situation.

Common tactics religious sexual predators use

Victims of sexual abuse and assault in places of worship are often left confused and frightened, as they were harmed by someone they likely respected and looked to. In fact, the organization Darkness To Light reports that about 60% of children who suffer sexual abuse are abused by someone the family trusts. Sometimes the victim may be unclear as to what even happened, as abusers will purposely leave boundaries blurry.

If this sounds familiar to you or someone you love, we understand and we’re ready to help. Our experience taking action against churches, the clergy and other religious institutions has helped us identify some common ways abusers attempt to take advantage of their victims. It’s important to be able to recognize the following behaviors:

Grooming

When a religious figure like a minister, rabbi or priest gives a child special attention, the child or teen may feel honored or pleased. Sometimes this kind of attention can mean extra “one-on-one” time for special projects or to talk about personal issues. At first, this behavior can seem caring and kind, but later move on to inappropriate comments and touching. This is usually the beginning stage of “grooming.”

Grooming helps an abuser gain access to their victim, setting up a relationship surrounded in secrecy, so the crime is less likely to be discovered. Typically the abuser works to set up not just the victim’s trust, but also that of their family – which is why sexual abusers are so often known to the victim and their loved ones. Grooming may look harmless at first, but once sexual contact is made, children may begin to withdraw. If you have any doubts or misgivings about your child or loved one’s relationship with a religious leader, don’t ignore your instincts.

Shaming

Sexual abusers might also shame their victims into submitting to abuse and assault. They may even take advantage of their victim’s religious beliefs to convince them to do so. Abusers within the church or other religious institutions may also threaten their victims with things like excommunication, tarnishing the reputation of their family, ostracizing them from the church or temple, or threatening them with punishment by their god.

This type of emotional and psychological manipulation is extremely powerful in the eyes of anyone, much less a child. Shame is one of the most powerful tools an abuser can use against their victim. If now, even decades later, you are still feeling shame from your sexual abuse, we can help you step forward. We are on your side.