Sexual Abuse FAQs

• Q: How Does A Person Report Child Abuse?
  A: Every state has statutes regarding the steps that a mandatory reporter needs to take when reporting child abuse or neglect. Generally, a report would include the name … More
• Q: Can victims of child sexual abuse sue the perpetrator and get damages?
  A: Child sexual abuse has a significant impact on the victim.  In addition to physical damage involved in sexual abuse, resarch generally refers to four general … More
• Q: How long do I have to sue for sexual abuse by my former priest that occurred in the past?
  A: The time period during which you can file a civil lawsuit for sexual abuse by a priest, or the statute of limitations, varies considerably based on your state’s … More
• Q: What is the legal definition of sexual abuse?
  A: Many activities can be considered sexual abuse.  Sexual abuse includes activities by a parent, caregiver, or other individual such as fondling a child's … More
• Q: Can I sue my former priest for sexual abuse that occurred in the past?
  A: Whether you are eligible to bring a civil lawsuit against a priest for past sexual abuse depends primarily on your state’s laws regarding such lawsuits, as well … More
• Q: Can I sue my former priest's Catholic diocese and/or the Catholic Church for sexual abuse by a priest that occurred in the past?
  A: It is common for not only priests who committed sexual abuse to be held civilly liable for their actions, but also for their churches and/or Catholic dioceses to be … More
• Q: What kinds of damages are available through civil lawsuits against priests who have committed sexual abuse?
  A: The types of damages available in sexual abuse civil lawsuits against priests and/or Catholic churches vary from one state to the next.  Such damages may include … More
• Q: On what grounds can a priest and/or Catholic diocese be liable for sexual abuse that occurred in the past?
  A: A priest can be personally liable under state laws pertaining to sexual abuse of children for committing such abuse, as well as liable in his capacity as a priest … More
• Q: Are damages for emotional distress available in lawsuits against priests for past sexual abuse?
  A: The recovery of damages for emotional distress in sexual abuse lawsuits against priests is dependent upon state law.  While some state laws specifically permit … More
• Q: Are punitive damages available in lawsuits against priests for past sexual abuse?
  A: Whether you can recover punitive damages in a sexual abuse lawsuit involving a priest differs from one state to the next.  In very general terms, punitive … More