If you or a loved one suffered sexual abuse by a clergy member, priest, or religious leader in New York, The Fitch Law Firm is here to help. Our compassionate legal team understands the deep trauma caused by these violations of trust and is committed to helping survivors find justice, healing, and closure.
We Stand With Survivors of Clergy Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse within religious institutions leaves lasting wounds on survivors. These cases are especially traumatic because they involve a profound breach of spiritual trust. For many survivors, coming forward requires extraordinary courage, often after years or even decades of silence.
“The path to healing often begins with being heard and having your experience validated.”
At The Fitch Law Firm, we provide a safe, confidential environment for survivors to share their experiences. Our attorneys bring extensive experience in handling sensitive clergy abuse cases across New York state, including those involving the Archdiocese of New York, Brooklyn Diocese, Diocese of Albany, Buffalo Diocese, Salvation Army, and other religious organizations.
Over the past two decades, more than 9,000 credible allegations of clergy sexual abuse have been reported nationwide, according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. However, experts believe the true number of victims is significantly higher, as many cases go unreported due to shame, fear, or institutional pressure to remain silent.
New York Laws Support Survivors of Clergy Abuse
New York has enacted some of the most progressive laws in the country to help survivors of childhood sexual abuse seek justice. The Child Victims Act (CVA), passed in 2019, and the Adult Survivors Act (ASA) have opened important pathways for survivors to pursue legal claims, even if the abuse occurred many years ago.
These landmark pieces of legislation provide:
- Extension of the statute of limitations for civil claims
- Look-back windows that temporarily removed time restrictions for filing lawsuits
- Options to pursue claims against both individual abusers and the institutions that enabled or concealed abuse
Our attorneys at The Fitch Law Firm stay current with all legal developments affecting clergy abuse cases and can explain how these laws might apply to your situation.
How We Help Survivors of Religious and Clergy Sexual Abuse
The Fitch Law Firm provides comprehensive legal representation for survivors of clergy sexual abuse, with services tailored to your specific circumstances:
| Phase | What We Do |
| Initial Support | Confidential case evaluation with an attorney specializing in clergy abuse cases |
| Investigation | Thorough gathering of evidence of abuse and institutional knowledge |
| Documentation | Detailed accounting of damages, including psychological trauma and therapy costs |
| Strategy | Building strong cases against perpetrators and religious institutions |
| Resolution | Skilled negotiation with institutions and litigation when necessary |
Throughout this process, we prioritize your well-being and respect your need for privacy and dignity.
Religious Institutions We’ve Held Accountable
Our firm has experience confronting religious organizations that have harbored abusers. In New York group we can hold accountable include:
Catholic Dioceses
- Archdiocese of New York – Manhattan, Bronx, Staten Island, and parts of Upstate NY
- Diocese of Brooklyn – Brooklyn and Queens
- Diocese of Albany – Capital Region and surrounding counties
- Diocese of Buffalo – Western New York counties
- Diocese of Rochester – Finger Lakes region
- Diocese of Rockville Centre – Long Island
- Diocese of Syracuse – Central New York counties
- Diocese of Ogdensburg – North Country region
Other Religious Organizations
- Salvation Army locations throughout New York
- Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, and other Protestant churches
- Jewish synagogues and religious schools
- Non-denominational religious organizations and youth groups
Understanding Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases in New York
Clergy sexual abuse cases often involve complex legal, institutional, and psychological factors. The Fitch Law Firm has the experience and resources to address these complexities while providing compassionate support to survivors.
Common Scenarios of Clergy Abuse
- Abuse by priests, pastors, rabbis, imams, or other religious leaders
- Misconduct by youth ministers, Sunday school teachers, or religious counselors
- Abuse at religious schools, camps, or youth programs
- Exploitation during religious counseling or confession
- Grooming behavior that gradually normalizes inappropriate contact
- Abuse facilitated by religious authority or spiritual manipulation
IMPORTANT FACT: According to a report from BishopAccountability.org, at least 10 percent of Catholic priests in the Albany Diocese have been accused of sexual abuse. This pattern of institutional failure extends to other dioceses and religious organizations throughout New York.
Institutional Responsibility
Religious organizations may be legally liable for abuse when they:
- Failed to conduct proper background checks on clergy
- Ignored prior complaints about a religious leader
- Transferred known abusers to new locations where abuse continued
- Concealed reports of misconduct from authorities or congregants
- Failed to implement adequate safeguards to protect children and vulnerable adults
- Created environments where reporting was discouraged or punished
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys experience child sexual abuse at some point in childhood, highlighting the critical importance of holding institutions accountable for protecting children.
Compensation Available for Survivors
Survivors of clergy sexual abuse may be eligible for various forms of compensation:
Medical & Health
- Medical expenses for physical injuries
- Psychological treatment costs for trauma, PTSD, depression, and anxiety
Financial Recovery
- Lost income due to psychological injuries affecting work capacity
- Pain and suffering compensation for emotional distress
Accountability Measures
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence by institutions
Every case is unique, and the potential compensation depends on many factors. Our attorneys can help you understand what may be possible in your specific situation.
The Fitch Law Firm Difference: Experience, Compassion, Results
Led by attorney John Fitch, our legal team brings decades of combined experience in advocating for survivors of sexual abuse. Attorney Fitch has successfully represented survivors of clergy abuse and other sexual abuse, securing significant settlements and verdicts that acknowledge the severe harm caused by these violations of trust.
Our approach combines:
- Legal expertise with trauma-informed practices
- Clear communication throughout the legal process
- Strategic case development that uncovers institutional failures
- Unwavering commitment to survivor privacy and dignity
According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 63% of sexual assaults are not reported to police, underscoring the importance of creating safe, supportive environments for survivors seeking justice through civil remedies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clergy Abuse Cases
How long do I have to file a clergy abuse lawsuit in New York?
The statute of limitations for clergy abuse cases in New York has been extended through recent legislation. Your specific deadline depends on when the abuse occurred, your age at the time, and other factors. We recommend consulting with our firm as soon as possible to understand your options.
Can I file a claim if the abuse happened decades ago?
Yes, in many cases. New York’s Child Victims Act and Adult Survivors Act have created opportunities for survivors to bring claims for abuse that occurred many years or even decades ago. Our firm can evaluate your case regardless of when the abuse took place.
Will my identity be protected if I file a lawsuit?
We understand the importance of privacy in these sensitive cases. In many instances, survivors can file as “John Doe” or “Jane Doe” to protect their identity throughout the legal process. Our firm takes extensive measures to safeguard your privacy at every stage.
What if my abuser has died?
Even if the individual abuser has passed away, you may still have a viable claim against the religious institution that employed them or facilitated the abuse. Institutional accountability remains an important aspect of many clergy abuse cases.
Do I need to have reported the abuse when it happened?
No. Many survivors of clergy abuse were unable to report their experiences at the time for various reasons. The law recognizes the barriers to immediate reporting, especially in cases involving children or power imbalances.
Contact The Fitch Law Firm for a Confidential Consultation
If you’re ready to explore your legal options regarding clergy sexual abuse, The Fitch Law Firm is here to help. We offer completely confidential consultations where you can share your story in a safe, supportive environment and learn about potential paths to justice.
Our commitment to survivors:
- Confidential, compassionate consultations
- Contingency fee representation (no fees unless we secure compensation)
- Trauma-informed approach throughout the legal process
- Ongoing support as you navigate your journey toward justice
Call us today or complete our secure online form to schedule a private consultation with an attorney at our firm.