Reports of sex crimes committed by clergy members continue to roll through the newsreels, and childhood victims of sexual exploitation are learning that they're not alone. Thousands of claimants have come forward with stories of horrific sexual abuse by Catholic priests, and many states have changed their laws in response to these claims. Survivors of Catholic Church sexual abuse in Bradenton may recover damages for the emotional, mental, and physical impact of these crimes through the assistance of a Bradenton catholic church sexual abuse lawyer.
Whether you have questions about a local diocese's sexual abuse settlement fund or are considering litigation against the Church itself, the Bradenton clergy abuse lawyers from Dolman Law Group want to help. Our compassionate Catholic Church sexual abuse lawyers provide free and confidential case evaluations to survivors in Bradenton. Contact our Bradenton Catholic Church sexual abuse lawyers today by calling or reaching out privately online.
Unlawful Sexual Conduct Underlying Catholic Church Abuse Claims
Sexual abuse is generally defined as any sexual behavior that occurs without the victim's consent or when the victim is coerced.
In Florida, the following crimes qualify as child sexual abuse, which is one of the primary claims made against priests:
- Violent rape (sexual battery)
- Any sexual penetration of the child's vaginal, anal, or oral openings with another person's sexual organs, other body part, or object
- Any sexual contact between one person's mouth and another person's sexual organs
- Intentional touching of the child's genitals, breasts, groin area, inner thighs, buttocks, or another intimate area above or below the clothing (molestation)
- Masturbation or intentional exposure of a clergy member's genitals in the presence of the child for the purpose of sexual gratification or arousal
- Soliciting a child for sexual activity or pornography
Forcing a child to do one or more of the above is also considered sexual abuse. Unlike sexual behavior between consenting adults, it does not matter whether the child (someone under the age of 16) consented to the conduct.
When Clergy Abuse Victims Can Bring a Claim
Florida criminalizes sexual abuse based on the specific act committed.
Adults and children may bring a civil claim for sexual battery or abuse against a priest in Bradenton if he committed a sex crime, including:
- Sexual battery (rape)
- Exposure of sexual organs (indecent exposure)
- Any sexual act committed by an authority figure in a Catholic school against a student
- Lewd or lascivious battery (statutory rape)
- Molestation
- Sexual exhibition (masturbation)
Restitution, which is often paid to victims after criminal proceedings, may cover certain direct medical expenses resulting from the abuse. However, sexual abuse often causes significant unseen injuries, such as depression, for which Catholic priests seldom have the direct resources to compensate victims. In that case, a larger institution, such as the diocese or another entity within the Church, may be liable for your damages.
Lack of Resistance and Objection Not a Defense to Bradenton Sex Crimes
Many survivors of childhood sexual abuse hesitate to discuss their claims because they didn't object or physically resist the clergy member. Even if you consented to the act, this is still considered a sex crime if you were under the age of 16. Survivors over the age of 16 may also have a claim against the Catholic Church if the abuser held any authority over the victim, the victim physically could not resist the sexual conduct, the victim was elderly, or the victim had a qualifying mental disability.
Most victims of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church were stunned by the conduct or did not resist out of fear and religious confusion. If the sexual contact was unwanted or you were a child at the time, this is sexual abuse in Bradenton.
The Statute of Limitations for Filing Sexual Battery & Abuse Cases Against Local Dioceses
Florida legislators made a major change in response to clergy member sexual abuse when it eliminated the statute of limitations for childhood sexual battery claims. Anyone who was sexually abused in the Catholic Church when they were under the age of 16 can bring a civil claim for damages at any time. There is no deadline.
The only exception is if the statute of limitations already expired when the legislation passed in 2010. However, many of the Catholic Church's compensation funds permit otherwise time-barred claimants to submit a request for settlement. Don't assume the statute of limitations expired until you talk to one of our Bradenton Catholic Church sex abuse lawyers. You may still have options to recover damages and hold the Church liable regardless of how long has passed.
Florida Takes Sexual Crimes Very Seriously
Sexual battery is the most serious sex crime in Florida. It criminalizes rape, as well as any type of sexual penetration, however slight, of a woman's genital area.Because not every case of sexual abuse qualifies as sexual battery in Bradenton, claimants might also bring a separate claim for sexual abuse within the following statute of limitations:
- Within seven years of turning the age of 18, if the abuse occurred when you were a minor
- Within four years of escaping the authority of the abuser
- Within four years of discovering that an injury you're suffering from is linked to the sexual abuse claim
- Whichever time frame grants you the longer period to file a claim controls the timeline in your case
Furthermore, if the Catholic Church led you to believe they were investigating your claim or otherwise covered up evidence of wrongdoing, you may have additional time to file a case. We have found this scenario to be common in these cases. The Church took extraordinary efforts to relocate clergy, bury reports, and avoid taking responsibility for the acts of their priests and others who committed unspeakable acts.
Even if the abuse occurred decades ago, consider contacting Bradenton police officers or a Catholic Church sexual abuse attorney. You may still be permitted to file a claim, and you may discover that your depression is linked to the sexual abuse.
It's also likely that you're not alone in your sexual abuse allegations against a particular parish or clergy member. Many survivors find it comforting to learn of others who endured similar abuse and work together to overcome the trauma they experienced. You may also inspire others to speak out against the same priest or another abuser.
Parties Potentially Liable for Sexual Abuse by a Bradenton Priest
The revelation that sexual abuse occurred in the Catholic Church for decades was shocking. Just as shocking was the Church's alleged systematic cover-up of many sexual assault cases. The Catholic Church took extreme actions in some cases to keep the general public, their parishioners, and the news media from learning about allegations against clergy members.
Survivors of childhood sexual exploitation by priests may be permitted to claim compensation from:
- The abuser (local parish priest, clergy member, or Church volunteer)
- An individual Church member who directly aided in the direct cover-up of sexual abuse claims
- The owner of the local Catholic Church building where the abuse occurred
- The abuser's direct employer, typically the local diocese or archdiocese
- The governing body of the Church itself
The Catholic Church May Take Financial Responsibility for Clergy Abuse
Because priests are supported directly by the Church and have limited personal assets, most claims for sexual abuse are brought against a clergyman's direct employer (the local arm of the Catholic Church). This theory of liability, called respondeat superior, holds employers liable for the negligent and illegal actions of their employees committed within the scope of their duties. Victims might also have claims against the owner of the church building for failing to protect them and against anyone who helped cover up the abuse.
Until early 2020, the Catholic Church had a rule permitting clergy members to refuse to provide authorities with information about sexual abuse claims. Not only is this illegal if a mandatory reporter had evidence of child sexual abuse, it likely aided offenders in escaping justice. This rule further supported the allegations that the Church helped cover up an epidemic of abuse against children and other parishioners.
Recently, the Vatican declared this rule inapplicable to civil and criminal proceedings involving sexual abuse by priests. This may open the door for additional testimony about systematic sexual abuse cover-ups by the Catholic Church and permit victims of sex crimes to hold the Church accountable for additional unlawful acts.
Emotional and Psychological Conditions Developed By Victims of Sex Crimes in Bradenton
The most common injury suffered by victims of illegal sexual behavior is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and many underlying conditions are signs of PTSD. Most survivors base their claims against the Catholic Church on the mental, emotional, and spiritual trauma that resulted from a sexual assault by a clergy member. While physical injuries are possible, they may be relatively minor when compared to the lasting psychological damage suffered by victims.
In addition to PTSD, victims of sexual abuse have reported suffering from the following conditions:
- Depression/anxiety – This is a separate disorder often caused by the low self-esteem and shame associated with sexual abuse and can also be a symptom of PTSD.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) – This disorder often develops after sexual abuse as the victim attempts to regain control of his or her environment.
- Substance abuse/drug dependency/alcoholism – As a means of coping with the psychological trauma and confusion caused by sexual abuse, many victims report struggling with drug and alcohol dependency.
- Sleep disturbances & chronic fatigue – Nightmares, inability to fall asleep, and bedwetting may all be caused by sexual trauma, and result in extreme fatigue.
- Social disorders – Many social disorders, such as fear of being touched, going to the doctor, attending church, leaving the house, or otherwise socializing, can develop as the result of sexual abuse.
- Pregnancy and STDs – You may recover damages for any STDs and unwanted pregnancies resulting from a sexual assault.
- Fertility difficulties – For women, sexual battery may cause difficulties in becoming pregnant. You may bring a claim against the Catholic Church if you only discovered this injury years after the abuse.
Many of these disorders manifest in unique ways, such that survivors might fail to link their conditions to childhood sexual abuse. Florida's statute of limitations permits claimants to bring tort claims for abuse within four years of first discovering the link between the injury and the unlawful sexual act. For example, a woman suffering from fertility issues 30 years after she was abused may learn for the first time her condition is linked to the sexual trauma. She may still be permitted to bring a claim for damages against the local diocese that employed the parish priest.
Financial Compensation Available to Victims of Priest Abuse in Bradenton
Damages for sexual abuse are traditionally available for past losses and future needs. Compensation awarded against the Catholic Church often includes reimbursement for direct economic losses, direct non-economic losses, and punitive damages.
Direct economic losses are out-of-pocket expenses linked to the abuse. These typically include medical bills, medications, lost wages, and counseling expenses. Non-economic damages are more common in sexual abuse cases because they cover claims for emotional trauma, mental anguish, and suffering. These are some of the most prevalent injures in sexual abuse cases. Psychological experts, friends, and family members may all testify about the impact of these life-changing disorders.
Lastly, sex crimes committed by priests and covered up by Church members or local dioceses may result in an award of punitive damages. These damages are meant to punish the offender for particularly willful and criminal conduct, such as childhood sexual abuse.
Options for Recovering Damages for Victims of the Catholic Priest Sexual Abuse
Survivors of sexual abuse may be permitted to claim compensation for emotional injuries, mental anguish, and psychological trauma, in addition to any other direct losses and punitive damages. Working with an attorney from Dolman Law Group can help you understand your options for justice and compensation, which could vary depending on the circumstances of your claim and the facts of your case.
Multiple recovery options may apply to cases of Church sexual abuse, including:
- Filing a claim with your local dioceses' victim compensation fund, if one is established
- Suing the priest, local diocese, and Church owner for damages in Bradenton civil courts
- Requesting restitution as part of a criminal proceeding against a priest
- Submitting a claim to any applicable property or liability insurers
- Engaging in private mediation or arbitration with the local diocese
How Much Compensation You Can Recover Depends on Your Situation
Victims have recovered millions of dollars in damages as a result of these crimes, and various dioceses have established substantial compensation funds for the abused. Litigation may result in a higher verdict or settlement, but it is also a time consuming, expensive, and emotionally draining process in sexual battery and abuse cases. Many victims simply do not want to relive the trauma again, especially in court. Others, however, want to be able to tell their story in person and testify against their abuser and those who allowed the abuse to occur.
Every case to recover compensation against the Catholic Church for sexual battery is unique. The statute of limitations, the nature of the abuse, and the availability of out-of-court compensation may dictate the remedies available to you.
Potential claimants should consider the extent of their damages and their desired outcomes. Some may wish to bring a public claim against a local parish and seek punitive damages, while others may prefer private mediation with the archdiocese. A compassionate Dolman Law Group Bradenton legal professional with experience handling sexual abuse claims against the Catholic Church may help you select the option that works best for your situation.
Bradenton Catholic Church Sexual Abuse FAQ
Below you will find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we get from clients and potential clients in a clergy abuse case. If you cannot find the answer you are looking for here, our initial consultations are always free and one of our lawyers will be happy to discuss your concerns with you.
How Is Sexual Abuse Defined in Florida?
Florida law does not define sexual abuse directly. Instead, sexual abuse is the term used to describe when a person becomes the victim of a sexual offense or sex crime. Sexual abuse may also be referred to as unlawful sexual activity, unlawful sexual contact, or unwanted sexual conduct. The state defines abuse against children as any intentional act or threat committed against a child, including sexual abuse, that causes the child mental, physical, or emotional harm.
Florida criminalizes a variety of sexual offenses contained in different parts of the state criminal code. If you were subject to unwanted contact of a lewd or sexual nature, which can include molestation, groping, rape, or being forced to touch someone else sexually, you likely have a claim for sexual abuse.
Sexual abuse may also include sex crimes that don't involve touching, such as being forced to watch someone masturbate, being subject to unwanted viewing of sexual organs, or being forced to watch or create pornographic videos or images. If this occurred in the Catholic Church, especially when you were a child or underage, you're not alone.
What Are The Different Sex Crimes That form the Basis For Bradenton Sexual Abuse Claims Against the Church?
Understanding the most common sex crimes reported by victims of Catholic Church sexual abuse might be helpful for Bradenton victims considering filing a claim. The following is a non-exhaustive list of sex crimes that form the basis of sexual abuse claims in Florida:
- Sexual battery (Fla. Stat. § 794.011) – The act is defined as vaginal, anal, or oral penetration with a sexual organ, body part, or object. This applies to adult victims, as well as child victims.
- Unnatural and lascivious act (Fla. Stat. § 800.02) – A catchall statute that criminalizes any unwanted, unnatural, and lascivious act that may be used to support a sexual abuse claim against the Catholic Church.
- Exposure of sexual organs (Fla. Stat. § 800.03) – This criminalizes indecent exposure, which includes exposing sexual organs to the victim in public or on someone else's property, which includes church buildings and school.
- Lewd or lascivious battery (Fla. Stat. § 800.04) – This covers the act of sexual intercourse with someone over the age of 12 but under the age of 16, regardless of consent or the offender's lack of knowledge of the victim's age. It also includes encouraging, enticing, or forcing someone under 16 to engage in any type of prostitution or sexual activity
- Lewd or lascivious molestation (Fla. Stat. § 800.04) – Molestation is defined as the intentional sexual touching of a person under the age of 16, which includes touching breasts, genitals, inner thighs, or buttocks directly or above the clothing. This also includes forcing a person under the age of 16 to touch someone else sexually or commit one of the above acts.
- Lewd or lascivious sexual exhibition (Fla. Stat. § 800.04) – This is the act of intentionally masturbating or exposing one's genitals in a victim's presence, forcing another to do so, or committing any unwanted sexual act in the victim's presence even if it doesn't involve physical or sexual contact.
- Sexual offenses against students by authority figures (Fla. Stat. § 800.101) – This criminalizes anyone in authority at a school, including an employee, volunteer, or someone under contract, who engaged in sexual or lewd conduct with a student. Private Catholic schools qualify as schools under this statute
These sexual acts are crimes in most states, although the names may differ. You may still bring an insurance claim or litigation against the Catholic Church in Florida courts if the abuse occurred in another state. Our attorneys can discuss this possibility with you during your free, confidential consultation with our team.
Does It Matter If I Didn't Resist Or Say No to a Priest Or Other Member Of the Catholic Church When I Was Sexually Abused?
No, especially if you were under the age of 16. Lack of physical resistance is not a defense to sexual abuse claims in Bradenton. Even if you were over the age of 16, if the contact was unwanted and you felt pressured, coerced, or manipulated into agreeing, it typically doesn't matter that you didn't object to the sexual abuse at the time.
Actual consent, i.e., the contact was truly wanted and not the product of manipulation or coercion, is a defense to certain types of sexual conduct between adults. However, even consent is not a defense to sex crimes committed against those under the age of 16, could not physically resist the conduct, or with a mental disability.
Many victims of Catholic Church abuse reported feeling manipulated or too afraid to object to the unwanted sexual act when it occurred. This is common in sexual abuse cases, and the law does not require physical resistance or a verbal “no” if the contact was unwanted. The burden is on the abuser, not the victim, to refrain from sexual conduct without clear consent.
Does Florida Have a Rape Statute?
Yes, but Florida uses the term sexual battery instead of rape. The laws defining and prohibiting sexual battery are contained in Chapter 794 of the Florida Criminal Code. This includes Bradenton, where sexual battery is defined as the penetration of a victim's vaginal, anal, or oral cavity with a sexual organ or object without the victim's legal and un-coerced consent. It is the most serious sex crime in the state and may form the basis of both rape and sexual abuse claims against the Catholic Church.
A civil case against the clergy member, Catholic Church, or another entity may be successful regardless of the outcome of the criminal case against the offender. The burden of proof is lower in civil cases, and they are often much easier to win when a significant number of years have passed.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse Claims Against the Catholic Church in Florida?
As of 2010, there is no statute of limitations for victims of child sexual battery wishing to file a civil claim for damages against the Catholic Church. You can bring a case against the Church at any time if you were the victim of sexual battery, you were under the age of 16 at the time of the abuse, and the statute of limitations had not expired by 2010.
Florida case law has defined sexual battery as including any inappropriate touching within a woman's vaginal area. If you were a male victim of abuse, we can help you understand your options during your free consultation.
If you were the victim of another sex crime, you may bring a claim for damages under the statute of limitations for abuse as follows:
- Within seven years after reaching the age of 18 if you were abused as a child, so by the age of 25
- Within four years after the victim is no longer dependent upon or subject to the abuser
- Within four years after it is discovered that there was a causal relationship between the abuse and your injuries, such as personality changes or other mental trauma
For example, a 2007 victim of child sexual abuse who only discovered her sexual abuse caused her PTSD in 2020 may bring a claim against the Church until 2024. Additional exceptions may apply if you were sexually abused as a child, so you shouldn't abandon a potential claim without speaking with an experienced Bradenton attorney.
Can I Bring a Claim If a Bradenton Catholic Priest Abused Me When I Was a Child?
Yes. With limited exceptions, you can bring a claim at any time if a member of the Catholic Church sexually battered you when you were under the age of 16. If you were the victim of another type of sexual abuse, you can bring a claim until you reach the age of 25. There may be some other exceptions to these limitations if you were sexually abused in church, and it's recommended you speak with a qualified Florida lawyer for more information. Some branches of the Catholic Church permit victims to obtain compensation for a recovery fund even if the statute of limitations expired.
Can I Bring a Claim Against the Church If a Parishioner Or Catholic Church Employee Sexually Abused Me, Rather Than a Priest?
Yes. If you were sexually abused in church by anyone granted authority by the Church, including a Church volunteer, you may be permitted to bring a claim for damages against the Catholic Church. Those abused on Church property, including in a school, may also bring a claim against the Church for breaching its duty to protect guests. Claims are also cognizable if the Church did not report suspected abuse to the police, permitted employees to work for the Church who had a history of sexual misconduct, or otherwise tried to cover up the abuse.
Priests have little to no liquid assets. As such, most claims for sexual abuse are brought directly against the Catholic Church, often the parish or diocese, itself.
What Should I Do If I Believe My Child Was Sexually Abused in a Catholic Church In Bradenton?
Calling the police and filing a police report is the first step in protecting your child. Further, it may be your legal duty as a parent to report these suspicions. Bradenton police officers may connect you with medical and psychological resources designed to aid your family, and they can often work with the Church to identify and suspend the alleged sexual offender during an investigation.
Special investigators train to handle child sexual abuse claims with care, and we do not recommend that you report these claims to the Church without our aid and that of law enforcement officials. Unfortunately, certain members of the Catholic Church covered up sexual abuse claims for years, and you want to avoid the destruction of potential evidence.
If you believe your child was subject to sexual abuse in the past, you should still file a police report and contact a Catholic Church sexual abuse lawyer to discuss potential claims against the Church. Dolman Law Group is here for you and your family.
What Are the Most Common Physical and Emotional Injuries Suffered By Victims of Catholic Church Sexual Abuse in Bradenton?
Many victims of sexual abuse are afraid to come forward because there is no physical evidence of the abuse itself. Unless sexual battery is reported within a few hours, it's difficult to obtain DNA evidence of the act. Most survivors of sexual abuse by the Catholic Church suffer from emotional and psychological injuries, and they can recover damages for these injuries in addition to any physical injuries suffered from the sexual abuse.
Survivors of sexual abuse often report the following common injuries:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Pregnancy and STDs
- Depression/anxiety
- Social disorders
- Substance abuse/drug dependency
- Fertility difficulties
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Sleep disturbances & chronic fatigue
If you're suffering from a disorder that's potentially linked to childhood sexual abuse by a Catholic Church volunteer or employee, you may recover compensation.
Is There a Fund for Victims of Sexual Abuse in the Catholic Church?
Yes. The Catholic Church created numerous funds to compensate victims of child sexual abuse. Survivors must agree not to sue, however, and instead attend mediation to discuss and present their claims. Mediation may be a good choice for many victims of child sexual abuse, as it is often a more private and quicker means of recovering compensation.
However, some survivors of Catholic Church abuse may not qualify to recover from the fund or would otherwise benefit from making a stronger claim for compensatory and punitive damages in Bradenton courts. Local sexual abuse litigation and mediation attorneys from Dolman Law Group can confidentially discuss the pros and cons of each avenue of recovery with survivors.
What Free Resources Are Available to Discuss Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Claims In Bradenton?
In addition to our lawyers, the following free and often confidential resources are available for Bradenton victims of sexual abuse by the Catholic Church:
- RAINN – A comprehensive non-profit for sexual abuse claims that runs the national sexual abuse hotline, (800) 656-4673
- SNAP – Survivor Network of those Abused by Priests
- Florida Council Against Sexual Violence – Statewide hotline and resources serving victims of sexual abuse in Bradenton
You're not alone. Don't be afraid to get help and explore your options if a Bradenton Church employee sexually abused you.
How Can I Protect My Privacy Or My Child's Privacy If I Want to File a Sexual Abuse Claim Against The Catholic Church In Bradenton?
Numerous laws, including the way claims are filed and attorney-client privilege, protect a child's privacy during civil and criminal sexual abuse proceedings. Consider working with our attorneys or using one of the above non-profit resources to ensure your privacy and comfort while making these difficult claims.
Confidential and Empathetic Bradenton Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawyers at the
It's difficult to contact a stranger to discuss your sexual abuse case. Claimants may fear painting their religion in a negative light or struggle to discuss the details of their abuse. At the Dolman Law Group, our professional and experienced sexual abuse claims attorneys meet you wherever you are in the process. Contact us today for a confidential Bradenton Catholic Church sexual abuse case evaluation.
With offices across both Florida coasts, you can easily reach Dolman Law Group , or you can contact us by using our online contact page. Contact a Bradenton personal injury lawyer today. Since our firm works on a contingency-fee basis, we will not ask for any fees by the hour, up front, or out of pocket. Our payment comes from the financial recovery we secure for you at the end of your case.
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