Instances of sexual abuse within religious organizations are a devastating violation of spiritual trust that can affect a victim for years after the trauma has taken place. While it is the role of any religious institution to offer guidance and support for their community, it is the unfortunate reality that members of spiritual organizations, such as the Salvation Army, may victimize the very people that their mission sets out to uplift.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual abuse while under the charge or protection of a Salvation Army institution, The Fitch Law Firm is here to help you. We understand the profound impact that sexual abuse has on survivors, and we recognize the immense courage it takes to speak out. We have a compassionate and qualified team that is committed to seeking the justice and compensation that victims deserve.
Understanding Salvation Army Sexual Abuse Cases in New York
The Salvation Army is an internationally renowned evangelical organization, and for more than a century, they have spread the word of the bible through a vast network of charitable efforts and organizations. Their mission has propelled them to build homeless shelters, offer foster care services, host musical programs, and provide other humanitarian efforts. But despite their intentions, more than 51% of New York child sexual abuse cases name religious institutions, like the Salvation Army, as the context in which their abuse occurred (ChildUSA).
Even though survivors of sexual abuse may have been victimized by a specific individual within the organization, the religious institution that hired them — and maybe even enabled them — may be legally held liable if they:
- Hired an individual who has a known history of misconduct
- Failed to conduct proper background checks on volunteers and officers
- Ignored or dismissed prior reports about a Salvation Army volunteer or officers
- Neglected to implement proper safeguards for the protection of children and vulnerable adults
- Fostered an environment where reporting was discouraged or punished
According to the Evangelical Council for Abuse Prevention, 12% of churchgoers know someone at their church who has experienced rape or attempted rape, and 32% of Protestant churchgoers believe that many more Protestant pastors have sexually abused children and teens than have been exposed. These numbers speak to a darker side of religious institutions, revealing the grim possibility of many vulnerable children whose pain and suffering have been ignored and even silenced.
Why Abuse Often Goes Unrecognized
Children and teens are a remarkably vulnerable population, and many of them are not properly protected from abuse. A significant number of women (42%) were younger than 17 at the time of their first rape victimization, and 28% of men were age 10 or younger (ECAP). Coming to terms with what happened to them can be a long and difficult journey for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, and many victims may remain quiet about their experiences. According to RAINN, 60-80% of victims wait until adulthood before disclosing their abuse, but according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 63% of all sexual assaults are not reported to the police at all.
There are various reasons why survivors may struggle with speaking out on their abuse:
The Victim’s Concerns
- Feelings of guilt, shame or humiliation regarding what happened to them
- Fear of retaliation through physical injury or other forms of harm
- Concern that the community that they and their perpetrator share won’t believe them and that they may ostracize them for speaking out
How Institutions May Enable Abusers
- Convincing the victim that their experience wasn’t a big deal, or that they should keep quiet on what happened
- Failing to report the matter to authorities or the community and inadequately disciplining perpetrators
- Allowing the predator to continue their abuse after considering them “redeemed” or rehabilitated outside of legal or formal avenues
Common Warning Signs of Child Sexual Abuse
Predators do not follow a profile. Abusers can be anyone, even those who are in positions of power and whom we are meant to implicitly trust. In fact, cases in which assailants are strangers to the victims make up only a small minority of total sexual abuse and assault cases. According to the New York chapter of the National Organization for Women, the victim knew the perpetrator in every 8 out of 10 rape cases.
While there is no strict profile for a sexual offender, there are warning signs that you can look out for.
Possible Signs of Grooming Behavior
- Engaging in or insisting on private one-to-one communication and meetings
- Inappropriate comments on a minor’s physical appearance or development
- Offering gifts or giving special attention to a minor
Behavioral Signs in Sexual Abuse Survivors
- Withdrawal or sudden changes in behavior
- Insomnia, nightmares, or other sleep disturbances
- Unexplained physical pains that have no medical explanation
Environments Where Abuse May Occur
As an organization that is nearly two centuries old, the Salvation Army has dispersed humanitarian aid in various ways, but unfortunately, several of those environments may create opportunities for predators to victimize the vulnerable.
| Place | How it might victimize those who are vulnerable |
| Homeless Shelters | People who are in positions of authority can choose to control or withhold resources to those in need, and they may use occupants’ vulnerability to take advantage of them. |
| Foster Care Services | Adults with authority may have free access to vulnerable children and teens who are under their care and who often depend on these adults for their survival and wellbeing. |
| Youth Programs | Inadequate safeguards for protection of youth means that any adult with access to children could possibly overstep their bounds and abuse their position of authority. |
New York Laws Help Survivors of Sexual Abuse Seek Justice
The past decade has seen multiple states enacting new laws that allow previously time-barred victims of sexual abuse to seek justice against their perpetrators. In 2019, New York joined the ranks, passing the Child Victims Act (CVA). Under this law, survivors of child sexual abuse now have until their 55th birthday to file civil lawsuits against their abusers.
According to Child USA, more than 10,000 cases have been filed under the Child Victims Act, a striking number that highlights the number of victims who were previously barred from seeking justice.
The Child Victims Act understands the severity of child sexual abuse and the numerous ways that it can impact someone way of life afterwards. Survivors need time to process the harm that has been inflicted upon them before they’re ready to come forward.
Types of Compensation Available to Survivors
No amount of money can erase the horrific experiences that victims of child sexual abuse have undergone, but compensation can equip them with the necessary fiscal safety and foundation to seek recovery and justice. Childhood sexual abuse is devastating, and the economic cost is substantial. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, the estimated costs for each victim can be up to $282,734 throughout their lifetime.
If you or someone you know was the victim of sexual abuse in any Salvation Army institution, you can seek both monetary and nonmonetary damages such as:
| Type of Damage | What it compensates |
| Medical expenses | Past and future therapy, mental health treatment, and other medical care |
| Pain and suffering | Physical and emotional distress resulting from the abuse |
| Loss of educational opportunities | Tuition reimbursement, additional educational costs |
| Diminished earning capacity | Impact on future career and income potential |
| Punitive damages | In cases of extreme negligence, additional damages to punish wrongdoers |
The Long-term impact of child sexual abuse
Child sexual abuse such a profound violation that the impact continues for decades after the abuse has occurred, and the trauma can affect survivors on levels both mental and physical.
It may increase the risk of mental health issues such as:
- Depression and Anxiety
- PTSD symptoms
- Increase in risky behaviors
- Substance abuse
- Violence against oneself and authors
It may increase the risk of physical health issues such as:
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- Severe Obesity
- Diabetes
- Heart Disease
- Stroke
Contact The Fitch Law Firm for Compassionate Legal Support
If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual abuse while under the care of the Salvation Army, The Fitch Law Firm is here to help. We understand the courage it takes to speak out, and we are dedicated to helping you heal and find justice.
We understand how vital privacy is for victims, and we can assure you that The Fitch Law Firm maintains strict confidentiality throughout the entire legal process. There are several things we can do to ensure your privacy, such as:
- File your care under a pseudonym (Jane or John Doe)
- Seek protective orders that shield your identity
- Limit the disclosure of sensitive personal information
We have a compassionate and knowledgeable legal team that can help you understand your legal options and help you on your path to justice. Call us at (914) 444-2387 or visit our website to learn more.