No matter where you go in California, you’ll hear the horrific details of sexual abuse of children by priests. Tragically, a history of the Roman Catholic Church has revealed a long and sordid history of child sex abuse by those in positions of power, and trust, especially priests. For many victims who lived through such abuse, confusion, fear and embarrassment continue to impair their ability to make sound decisions on whether to take legal action for the injuries and damages that they’ve suffered. To date, more than 20 priests have been credibly accused of San Jose priest abuse.
What is Priest Abuse?
Abuse by a priest might take any number of forms. Usually, it’s sexual. Here are a few examples:
- Fondling of a boy or girl.
- A priest exposing himself to a child or teen.
- Masturbating when a child is present.
- Sex of any kind with a child, whether vaginal, anal or oral.
- Digital sexual interaction.
The Window Remains Open
Survivors of San Jose priest sex abuse have a window of opportunity available to bring a priest sex abuse case in the California courts, even if the statute of limitations in their particular case has expired. That window only remains open until December 31, 2022, though. No bill is pending in the California legislature to extend the deadline, so after that date, the window will likely be permanently closed.
Unreported Cases
The overwhelming majority of priest abuse cases in and around San Jose have not been reported. Many victims have repressed memories. Others just don’t make a connection with the damage to their mental health until many years later. It has to be terribly distressing for a sex abuse victim to confront a priest and relate the details of how that victim was abused, but that’s the only way to hold that priest accountable. Many courageous victims have already come forward with successful cases against their priest abusers, and many others are stepping up every day.
Why San Jose Victims Should Step Up
Some victims want to try to reduce or eliminate the psychological and emotional scarring that being the victim of sexual abuse caused. Being compensated for the damages that they’ve suffered over the years can help with the cost of obtaining professional help to do so. Some victims have developed a strong motivation to prevent such abuse cases from happening again in the future. Whatever your reasons might be to inquire about bringing a San Jose priest sexual abuse case, our law firm remains available for a free and confidential consultation and case review regarding your concerns.
If you or somebody closer to you suffered childhood or teen sexual abuse by a Roman Catholic Priest in or around San Jose, contact our compassionate and aggressive attorneys encourage you to take action before December 31, 2022. To get started, you need only call us for that free consultation and case review as soon as you possibly can.