Our Attorneys Protect the Rights of Baptist Church Abuse Victims
While churches are revered as safe and sacred meeting places, this does not mean that a congregation is safe from harm within the walls of their church. A 2019 study found that 37% of Southern Baptist churchgoers reported experiencing some form of sexual misconduct within the church. And just this year, a 205-page database was made public sharing over 700 entries of Baptist sexual abuse that occurred between 2000 and 2019. These acts were committed by hundreds of Southern Baptist pastors and church officials nationwide.
If you, your child, or a loved one have been a victim of sexual abuse at the hands of a Baptist Church official, it is within your legal rights to seek justice. This includes pursuing legal charges and financial compensation for the abuse they have inflicted. However, fighting against the pushback of a religious institution can be difficult to face alone. Partnering with an experienced attorney can provide you with the support you need.
The Baptist Church abuse lawyers at Mansfield Melancon Cranmer & Dick (MMCD) can help you find medical care and emotional support following your assault. And, we can provide you with professional legal representation as you pursue a claim against the abusers.
Seeking Justice as a Baptist Church Abuse Survivor
Under Louisiana law, childhood sexual abuse victims 28 years of age or older can begin or reopen a closed child molestation case through 2024. This law was challenged recently, with the Louisiana Supreme Court set to rule on the matter soon. Whether your child has been abused by a minister or you are an abuse survivor taking action against past sexual misconduct, you are encouraged to contact a lawyer from MMCD as soon as possible to discuss your claim.
Our attorneys can help you determine the best steps to take when pursuing your Baptist Church abuse claim. Here are a few ways to prepare and protect yourself before and after filing a lawsuit:
- End contact with church members, ministers, and—most importantly—the abuser.
- Visit medical services for necessary emergency treatment and to have a professional record of the incident and your injuries.
- Hold onto text messages, articles of clothing worn during your assault, gifts and notes from the abuser, or any other items that could be used as important evidence.
- Write down details before you forget them, and bring these with you to your consultation with our lawyers.
Experiencing an event as traumatic as sexual abuse can completely upend a victim’s life. For many, this can lead to years-long physical and emotional struggles with a difficult path toward healing and recovery. Our lawyers are prepared to help you confidently face the deacons, pastors, or ministers who inflicted this pain on you or your child. Together, we can hold these parties responsible for their actions and recover the damages you are owed.
Contact Us for a Confidential, No-Obligation Consultation
Our attorneys understand the amount of bravery it takes to speak out against an abuser, especially when they are trusted church officials or elders. Whether your abuse occurred during your childhood or adulthood, you deserve to receive compensation for the physical and emotional pain you or your child were put through. Your actions can help hold abusers and predators within the church accountable and put a stop to future sexual abuse.
From compiling evidence and helping you file your claim to representing you in court, the attorneys of MMCD are ready to fight for your legal rights and take a stand against Baptist Church abuse. Start by speaking with us in a free consultation. To schedule, call us at 888-601-0127 or send us a message.