Laws have been passed in the states to make the clergy more accountable and give abuse survivors a chance for justice. It's important to note that the abusive act is not the victim's fault. Most survivors find it challenging to acknowledge the abuse that occurred and to report it, as some presume nobody will trust them.

The truth is that following the right channel, such as looking for a reputable and experienced clergy abuse lawyer, can help you get an average settlement for clergy abuse and even more for the damage caused. This article aims to explore more about clergy abuse and encourage the survivors that they are not alone.

Why Clergy Abuse is Different

Historically, clergy abuse survivors were mostly children who grew up to tell their stories and seek justice. The legal system allows the survivors to seek justice for the emotional distress, trauma, and pain from the abuse.

One of the things that makes the clergy abuse different is that they are granted a unique esteemed position, and people believe they are closer to God. Further, they occupy positions of authority, are expected to be good role models and present ethical behavior in society. People will often confess their darkest secrets to them, and some use this to exploit the less advantaged.

The Impact of Clergy Abuse

Depending on every person and how it happened, most survivors suffer a lot from the abuse that traumatizes them. Below are some of the impacts of clergy abuse.

• Power and Manipulation

The abuser, who might be a clergy member, knows how to elicit responses from people. Since they are obligated to counsel and soothe people in emotional distress, they can use the same power to manipulate the survivor and their family from reporting the incident. Further, they will often feel in control and continue running their errands unscathed. They often presume that they will be backed up by their religious institution if accused.

• Emotional Suffering

One of the greatest impacts of clergy abuse is getting emotional suffering. Most survivors will agree that the impact of the abuse doesn't end suddenly, and to some, it will stick in their minds affecting everything they do. It's crucial to note that physical contact comes with emotions, and most survivors will often feel guilt and shame surrounding the abuser they suffered.

End Note!

Suppose you are a survivor of clergy suffering; it's important to know that you can be compensated for the loss. However, this will not wash away what happened, but it can help you live a better life. Don't forget to seek help and share your story with someone else. When filing a lawsuit, ensure you look for a specialized lawyer in such matters to get justice.