Sexual Assault by Religious Leaders

Anchorage Religious Sexual Assault Attorney

We join and frequent religious institutions as a place of sanctuary and trust. As congregants, we
trust leadership to take care of us, and our children, in safe spaces where we can grow and pray.
However, sometimes religious leaders take advantage of our trust, and their authority, and
sexually abuse and assault their vulnerable followers. When you’ve been a victim of sexual
assault by a religious leader, you may feel powerless and unsure of how to move forward.
Anchorage sexual assault lawyer Sean Brown is dedicated to making sure victims understand
their legal rights and have the resources to regain their power after such trauma.

The Brown Law Firm, LLC represents victims who have been abused by their religious leaders in legal claims to obtain justice as well as prevent the same harm of happening to others. Survivors of sexual abuse face ongoing emotional and psychological injuries that require extensive therapy and treatment. Those who have caused such injuries should be the ones held legally and financially responsible. If you, or a loved one, has been sexually assaulted by a religious leader or within your religious institution, please contact our office today at 907-222-9900 or online to find out more about how we can help.

Sexual Assault in Religious Institutions
Although most notably in recent years occurring in the Catholic Church, sexual assault by
religious leaders can occur in all types of religious institutions. Rabbis in Jewish synagogues,
Islamic leaders, as well as priests in Mormon temples, and the Church of Scientology can all take
advantage of their authority and commit heinous acts against their members. Often, victims who
have been sexually abused by a religious leader are children or those who otherwise do not have
the ability to stand up for themselves. Abusers will take advantage of vulnerabilities they see in
their victims, who then are left wondering if their abuse was somehow their fault. This false
sense of blame often means victims hesitate to come forward for many years, if ever. If you have
questions about your legal rights in the aftermath of a sexual assault in a religious setting, a
seasoned Anchorage attorney can help provide important answers.

Sexual assault in a religious institution can take may forms. Often committed against children, a
religious figure could not only abuse their victims by engaging in inappropriate touching and
physical contact, but also by exposing themselves, taking or showing them pornographic images,
and other forms of sexual harassment or threats. If you have been abused by a priest, pastor,
rabbi, imam, or another religious leader, you may pursue a personal injury claim against them.
You may also have a claim against the institution or other leaders therein who also acted
negligently and contributed to your injuries. For instance, if the religious institution covered up
incidents of sexual abuse or failed to report it to authorities, it could be held accountable.
Victims of sexual assault by their religious leader could recover damages for medical expenses,
loss of income, therapy costs, loss of enjoyment, and pain and suffering.

As noted, it often takes victims of sexual assault in a religious setting a long time to process and
recognize what has happened, especially children. Alaska allows for the statute of limitations to
be tolled in these cases. This means that a victim may have more time to pursue their civil
claims. Generally, those who have been sexually assaulted as a minor have three years to file a

Sexual Assault by Religious Leaders
lawsuit once they reach the age of majority. But in these cases, the three-year timeline can be
delayed until the victim has recognized the act that has caused their injury. Repressed memories
or victims who are too young to adequately remember their trauma are unfortunately common in
these cases. This delayed discovery rule allows those who need more time to still obtain justice.
Injury Lawyer Assisting Anchorage Religious Sexual Assault Victims

If you’ve been sexually assaulted as a member of a religious institution, your faith and trust can
be lost. Anchorage sexual abuse attorney Sean Brown takes the time to listen and understand his
clients to ensure they feel as safe as possible in their legal representation. If you’ve been abused
by a priest, pastor, rabbi, imam, or other religious leader, The Alaska Accident and Injury Law
Center of The Brown Law Firm, LLC can help you pursue proper legal action against those at
fault. Our team offers committed and experienced legal representation to clients throughout
Western Alaska, including Anchorage, Aniak, Bethel, Hooper Bay, and Saint Mary’s. Please call
our office at 907-222-9900 today or contact us online to learn more about our services.