Catholic clergy sexual abuse and state investigations

Pervasive child sex abuse has taken place in many Catholic Archdioceses across the country, including here in Washington. Many U.S. dioceses and other religious orders have released lists of clergy known to be sexual abusers. The sudden increase in such lists of known abusers is in large part due to the State of Pennsylvania’s Grand Jury Report released in 2018. It is expected that other State Attorneys General will also begin conducting investigations. Emerald Law Group attorneys have represented sex abuse victims throughout the country.

New sexual abusers continue to be discovered

While many dioceses released lists prior to the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report, it has become increasingly common. The Seattle Archdiocese released a list of known abusers in January 2016. Our firm has represented many clients abused by priests on the Seattle Archdiocese’s list. We were recently involved in a sexual abuse claim that brought to light the identity of a priest previously unknown to be an abuser. We call on the Washington State Attorney General to conduct a similar investigation to the one conducted in Pennsylvania. It seems likely there are still unidentified abusers and sex abuse victims that deserve some justice here in Washington and across the country.

You may still have time to bring a sex abuse claim

Sex abuse claims often involve abuse that occurred decades ago. Fortunately, Washington law recognizes that it is well accepted that victims of childhood sexual abuse often repress the horrid memories. Years later certain events like seeing an article about child sexual abuse, an article about their abuser, or even things like watching a movie about sex abuse– such as Spotlight– can bring those memories flooding back.

We offer a free confidential consultation if you or a loved one has been the victim of sex abuse. If you or a loved one has suffered sexual abuse, it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible. While Washington law makes some allowance for the statute of limitations involving childhood sexual abuse, claims still need to be pursued as soon as possible. Our firm is dedicated to fighting for the rights of those tragically abused by trusted adults who take advantage of their position in the worst way imaginable.