The Role of a Clergy Sexual Abuse Attorney

Sexual abuse by clergy members is a profound betrayal of trust, of faith, and of personal safety. For survivors, the journey toward healing can feel overwhelming, especially when powerful institutions seem more invested in protecting their reputation than protecting people. But survivors are not alone.

At Crew Janci LLP, we stand with survivors of clergy sexual abuse every step of the way. Our team of experienced attorneys has helped individuals and families seek justice, hold religious institutions accountable, and begin to heal. This post explores how a clergy sexual abuse attorney can play a critical role in that process, and why speaking up can make a difference for others too.

What Is Clergy Sexual Abuse?

Clergy sexual abuse happens when a religious leader, like a priest, bishop, pastor, youth minister, or other trusted spiritual advisor, uses their position of authority to sexually exploit someone in their care. Survivors of this abuse often experience a deep sense of betrayal, not only from the individual who harmed them but from the religious institution that allowed it to happen.

At Crew Janci LLP, we represent survivors of clergy sexual abuse from a wide range of faith traditions. Our legal team has handled high-profile cases involving:

• • The Catholic Church Survivors have come forward to report abuse by Catholic priests, bishops, and deacons, often dating back decades. Many cases involve dioceses that reassigned known abusers instead of removing them or alerting authorities.

• • The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) LDS Church abuse cases often involve bishops or youth leaders who misuse their spiritual authority during one-on-one interviews or church-sponsored activities. Survivors have also faced institutional barriers to reporting, including clergy-penitent privilege and pressure to resolve abuse internally.

• • Protestant Churches These include Baptist, Evangelical, Pentecostal, and non-denominational congregations. Many cases involve youth pastors, Bible study leaders, or church volunteers exploiting their roles and relationships in environments with little oversight.

• • Jehovah’s Witnesses This denomination has been scrutinized for failing to report abuse to civil authorities and for using internal judicial committees to handle allegations, often at the expense of survivors’ safety and justice.

• • Other Religious Institutions We also represent individuals abused in smaller, independent churches, faith-based schools, religious summer camps, and ministries where adults used spiritual mentorship as a tool for control and abuse.

No matter the denomination, a common theme persists: religious leaders abusing power and institutions failing to protect the vulnerable. At Crew Janci, we are committed to helping survivors expose these injustices and rebuild their lives through justice and accountability.

The Role of a Clergy Sexual Abuse Attorney

We Understand Religious Power Structures

Religious organizations often operate under complex internal rules and traditions that can obscure wrongdoing. At Crew Janci LLP, we know how to untangle those structures. We’ve represented survivors in cases involving the Catholic Church, the LDS (Mormon) Church, and various Protestant denominations. We understand how policies like clergy-penitent privilege, lack of oversight, and institutional secrecy can shield abusers, and how to challenge them in court.

We Know the Legal Landscape

Every state has different rules about when and how survivors can file a lawsuit. Statutes of limitations (deadlines for filing) vary widely, and in recent years, many states have extended or removed them altogether to give survivors more time. Our legal team is up-to-date on these changes and can help determine if your case is eligible, even if the abuse happened decades ago.

We also help survivors understand the difference between civil and criminal proceedings:

• • Criminal cases are handled by the government and can result in jail time for the abuser.

• • Civil cases are brought by survivors themselves (through experienced attorneys they hire) and can lead to financial compensation, public accountability, and institutional reform.

We help you understand your options and make empowered decisions about how to move forward.

We Prioritize Your Healing and Safety

We know that talking about sexual abuse, especially when it involves religion, can be incredibly painful. We treat every survivor with compassion, confidentiality, and respect. From the first phone call to the final outcome, we walk alongside you. We never rush you, pressure you, or share your story without your permission. Our goal is to support you.

Why Filing a Lawsuit Matters

• • It Stops the Cycle of Abuse By coming forward, you help prevent others from being harmed. Legal action can uncover hidden records, expose cover-ups, and force institutions to adopt safer practices, like mandatory reporting, background checks, and independent investigations.

• • It Validates Your Experience Many survivors were ignored or disbelieved when they first spoke out. A successful legal case sends a powerful message: what happened to you was real, it was wrong, and it was not your fault.

• • It Helps You Reclaim Control Abuse strips people of agency. Legal action can be a powerful way to take that agency back. You get to decide when to speak, how to proceed, and what justice looks like for you, whether that’s a public statement, a private settlement, or systemic reform.

• • It Pressures Institutions to Change In many clergy abuse cases, the abuser was protected by the institution. Some churches transferred priests with known abuse histories or kept reports buried. Lawsuits hold those institutions accountable, sending a clear signal: survivors matter more than reputation.

What to Expect When You Contact Crew Janci

• • A Judgment-Free Conversation Our first step is always a confidential, no-obligation consultation.  We’ll listen, answer your questions, and explain your legal options.

• • A Thorough Case Review If you choose to move forward, we’ll begin investigating. This may include gathering institutional documents, speaking with other survivors, and reviewing public records or prior complaints. We understand how to piece together evidence in cases that may be decades old.

• • Regular Updates and Clear Communication We never leave you in the dark. You’ll receive honest updates, explanations in plain language, and all the time you need to process. You’re in control.

• • No Upfront Cost You won’t owe us anything upfront. We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case or negotiate a settlement. Our goal is to make legal support accessible to everyone.

Legal Options for Survivors

• • Civil Lawsuits A civil lawsuit allows you to seek financial compensation from the abuser and the institution that enabled them. This can include damages for pain and suffering, therapy costs, lost income, and more.

• • Institutional Accountability If a religious institution failed to act on known allegations, ignored red flags, or tried to cover up abuse, they can be held legally responsible. In some cases, survivors win settlements from churches or dioceses, even if the abuser has died.

• • Settlement Funds Some organizations, like the Catholic Church, have set up independent compensation programs for survivors. These programs may offer faster resolutions, but they often require waiving your right to sue. We can help you decide whether this is the best route for your case.

• • Advocacy and Law Reform Many of our clients choose to use their experiences to push for change, whether by supporting new laws, speaking at public hearings, or working with advocacy groups. We connect survivors to these efforts when they’re ready.

Overcoming Barriers to Justice

“It Happened Too Long Ago”

This is one of the most common concerns we hear, and in many states, it’s no longer a barrier. Laws have changed in response to public outrage over institutional abuse. Even if the abuse happened decades ago, you may still have legal options.

“I Told the Church—Nothing Happened”

Sadly, many institutions have a history of burying abuse reports. Just because church officials ignored your disclosure doesn’t mean the legal system will. We can help you bring the truth to light and seek accountability through the courts.

“I’m Afraid of What People Will Think”

Speaking up is hard, especially when religious faith and community are involved. But you’re not alone. Thousands of survivors have taken this step and found support, not shame. We’re here to help you reclaim your story on your terms.

The Bigger Picture: How Widespread Is Clergy Abuse?

Clergy sexual abuse is not rare, it’s a systemic problem. According to BishopAccountability.org:

• • More than 17,000 survivors have reported abuse in Catholic institutions in the U.S. alone.

• • LDS Church lawsuits have revealed years of abuse hidden by church hierarchy.

• • Many Protestant denominations are now facing similar claims.

• • The Boy Scouts of America, often sponsored by churches, has seen over 92,000 abuse claims.

These numbers aren’t just statistics, they’re people. Survivors. Families. Communities. And they all deserve justice.

Support Resources for Survivors

You don’t have to navigate this alone. Whether or not you choose to take legal action, support is available:

• • RAINN: A national hotline offering 24/7 support, information, and referrals.

• • OurWave: A survivor-led platform for sharing stories anonymously and finding connection.

• • Bishop Accountability: Tracks known clergy abuse cases and helps survivors find patterns and allies.

• • Crew Janci Awareness Hub: Our collection of survivor-focused articles, FAQs, and case studies.

You are not alone. And you are not powerless.

If you or someone you love has experienced clergy sexual abuse, our team at Crew Janci LLP is here to help you find answers, accountability, and support. We believe survivors. We fight for survivors. And we are ready to stand with you.

Learn More and Take Action – Contact Us

9755 SW Barnes Road, Suite 430, Portland, Oregon 97225 (888) 407-0224 info@crewjanci.com For any questions, Submit Our Confidential Form.