You may still be asking yourself whether what happened was abuse, whether anyone will believe you, or whether it is even worth reopening that chapter. Your San Bernardino clergy sexual abuse attorney at The Senators Firm, LLP recognizes how challenging it can be to speak up, especially when the harm came from someone in a position of trust.
We have successfully recovered $500+ million in damages for survivors throughout California. Your California sexual abuse lawyer is here to offer support, answers, and explain which options are available. When you feel ready, reach out to ask questions or schedule a confidential consultation.
Can Churches Be Held Responsible for Sexual Abuse by Members of the Clergy?
In many clergy abuse cases, the person who caused harm was not acting alone. Institutions often play a part through silence, inaction, or a history of covering up abuse. Civil claims are not just about individual accountability. They can also help uncover patterns, protect others, and hold churches and dioceses accountable for their part in allowing abuse to continue.
Institutional Failures and Reassignment Patterns
When churches moved known offenders from parish to parish or ignored reports of child sexual abuse, those choices became part of the harm. Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 340.1, organizations that enabled or concealed abuse may be held liable for the harm that followed.
The Importance of Internal Records and Survivor Testimony
In many cases, the truth comes out through a combination of survivor accounts and internal files kept by schools, dioceses, or other church entities. These documents often reveal long histories of child exploitation that were kept quiet for years. California law allows survivors of childhood sexual assault to bring claims even decades after the abuse occurred.
What Types of Damages Are Available in Clergy Sexual Abuse Claims?
Financial compensation can provide support for what you have already been through and what you may need going forward. That might include therapy, relocation, or help rebuilding your life after everything was disrupted. Every claim looks a little different, but most include a mix of both economic and emotional losses.
Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Harm
Many survivors live with the effects of trauma for years. Compensation may cover emotional pain tied to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, sleep disruption, and the ongoing impact on your relationships or sense of trust. These are called non-economic damages and are often a central part of clergy abuse claims.
Support for Treatment, Relocation, and Future Care
You may also be entitled to recover the cost of medical treatment, therapy, relocation expenses, or other support that helps you feel safe again. Whether that means working with a therapist, leaving a triggering environment, or getting help with future care needs, California Civil Code § 52.1 allows you to seek meaningful support when your civil rights were violated through abuse, intimidation, or coercion.
Why Choose The Senators Firm to Represent Your Case
If you are thinking about coming forward, you may still be deciding who feels safe to trust with something this personal. You deserve to work with people who respect your pace, protect your privacy, and never push you to share more than you are ready for.
Your San Bernardino clergy sexual abuse lawyer from The Senators Firm, LLP will meet you with care and keep your voice at the center of every decision. Here is what you can expect when you work with our team:
- A strong track record in institutional abuse cases across California, including high-profile results
- Direct access to your attorney, with no confusing gatekeeping or layers of staff
- Honest updates, steady communication, and support that is built around you
Your San Bernardino Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer Is Here to Listen
What happened to you matters. Your clergy sexual abuse attorney in San Bernardino with The Senators Firm, LLP is here for you. If you feel ready to demand justice, contact us, and we will discuss your story in whatever way feels right for you.