Los Angeles Religious Youth Group Abuse Lawyer

Los Angeles Religious Youth Group Abuse Attorney

Religious youth groups should be places for children to build community and grow in spirituality. Youth and their parents should be able to trust these environments for safety. However, when abuse happens, this trust is quickly breached. Whenever abuse occurs in these environments, contacting a Los Angeles religious youth group abuse lawyer right away can help hold the responsible parties accountable and seek justice.

What Is Religious Youth Group Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse in religious youth groups encompasses any non-consensual or coerced sexual contact with a minor within the context of faith-based activities or organizations. This type of abuse might involve molestation or rape combined with inappropriate touching, as well as exposure to sexual content, while religious figures or leaders groom their victims.

Children face difficulties in both recognizing abuse and speaking out because religious communities serve as unquestionable sources of authority.

Youth may experience sexual abuse during overnight stays, retreats, camping trips, transportation to various activities, or in private mentoring sessions. The grooming process commonly starts with harmless acts of validation and spiritual authority before developing further. Victims experience humiliation, fear, and spiritual distress as a result of their abuse.

California law holds people and institutions responsible in civil court if they facilitate or hide sexual abuse.

Abuse in Religious Groups

Unfortunately, sexual abuse in a religious setting often goes unchecked. The issue is often swept under the rug, and instead of holding the perpetrator accountable, they are often just transferred to another position. One statistic reveals that 65% of clergy members who are accused of sexually inappropriate behavior are just moved to a different parish.

It also shows that 70% of individuals who suffer sexual abuse in a religious setting do not report the abuse right away, with 43% of victims feeling a sense of shame and guilt afterwards.

The Stanley Mosk Courthouse in Downtown Los Angeles commonly handles civil cases involving institutional abuse claims, including those filed against religious youth groups. For medical or psychological treatment, abuse survivors may seek care from the UCLA Rape Treatment Center at Santa Monica Medical Center, which is a reputable healthcare facility that provides trauma-informed medical and mental health services to both children and adults.

Both of these institutions can be an important part of a survivor’s healing process and journey toward justice. A Los Angeles religious youth group attorney can help connect you with the right resources and fight for justice.

Los Angeles Youth Group Abuse Laws

California has some of the strongest laws in the country to protect survivors of childhood sexual abuse, including abuse that happens in religious youth groups. Survivors have the legal right to file a claim against both the abuser and the enabling institution, such as a church or youth ministry.

California Code of Civil Procedure § 340.1 extended the deadline to the age of 40, or five years from the discovery of the abuse-related injury, for survivors to file a claim. California established a unique one-year period where survivors could file claims that had expired under the statute of limitations because many survivors require substantial time before they can come forward.

Third parties may also be held liable, such as the church itself or its youth ministry, for concealing or allowing the abuse to happen. The abuser could face criminal charges, including those under California Penal Code § 288, for lewd acts with a child, since civil and criminal proceedings are two separate processes.

If you are considering filing a claim, hire a child molestation lawyer who is experienced in religious youth group abuse cases.

Hire a Religious Youth Group Abuse Lawyer at DeMarco Law Firm Today

The DeMarco Law Firm exclusively represents survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Attorney Anthony DeMarco is an experienced legal professional who has successfully represented over 400 clients and fought for over 20 years for those victimized by individuals and organizations, including religious youth organizations.

We treat cases with the sensitivity and compassion they deserve while aggressively fighting for your rights. We fight to find the truth and hold those responsible for the abuse inflicted on you and your family.

FAQs

What Type of Abuse Should Be Reported?

All types of abuse should be reported, especially those against children who do not have the means to defend themselves to the extent that adults do. This includes sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and physical abuse. Neglect and exploitation should also be reported. If an individual is a mandated reporter, they are required by law to report signs of abuse to the proper authorities.

Are Church Volunteers Mandated Reporters in California?

Yes, in many cases, church volunteers are considered mandated reporters in California, particularly those who work directly with children, such as teachers and counselors. If they believe there is abuse or neglect going on, they must report it to law enforcement or to children’s services or face possible legal charges themselves for not reporting.

What Is Considered Sexual Assault Legally?

The definition of sexual assault in California encompasses various unwanted sexual actions from groping to rape, including forced oral sex. Legally, it is defined as any unwanted sexual contact without the other person’s consent. California law defines sexual acts resulting from force or coercive behavior as criminal offenses when minors or individuals below the age of consent are involved.

Can You File a Claim for Religious Abuse?

Yes, you can file a claim for religious abuse. You can file a claim against the abuser, and in some cases, you can do so against the religious organization, too. Churches and youth ministries are responsible for negligent hiring practices, inadequate supervision, and not reporting known misconduct. California legislation has implemented broader statutes of limitations and “lookback windows,” which allow survivors to pursue justice for historical abuse.

Contact DeMarco Law Firm Today

If you or a loved one has been sexually abused in a religious youth group, you are entitled to answers. Get in touch with the DeMarco Law Firm today. We can talk to you, explain your legal options, and pursue justice on your behalf. Justice begins with a conversation. Contact us today and start on the path to healing.