Clergy Abuse Lawyers

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Sexual Abuse in Religious Institutions

Religious institutions are built on trust, guidance, and community. When that trust is violated through sexual abuse by clergy or religious workers, survivors may have the right to pursue civil claims against both the abuser and the institution that allowed the abuse to occur.

Abuse by trusted religious leaders

Clergy members often hold positions of authority and influence, making abuse especially damaging and difficult for victims to report.

Abuse occurring during supervision or counseling

Sexual abuse frequently occurs while clergy members are acting in supervisory, counseling, or mentoring roles.

Grooming and manipulation of minors

Many survivors were targeted through grooming behaviors designed to gain trust, isolate victims, and normalize abuse.

Institutional knowledge or failure to act

In some cases, religious institutions knew—or should have known—about abuse and failed to take action to protect children or congregants.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for Clergy Sexual Abuse?

Civil lawsuits may extend beyond the individual abuser. Institutions and supervising organizations may also be legally responsible.

Clergy Members

Religious leaders may be directly liable for abuse.

Church Staff and Volunteers

Staff or volunteers may also bear responsibility.

Religious Institutions

Institutions may be liable for negligence or failure to act.

Supervising Organizations

Oversight entities may share legal responsibility..

Success

Advocating for Survivors With Compassion and Strength

Frantz Law Group understands that coming forward after clergy sexual abuse takes extraordinary courage. Our attorneys approach every case with care, discretion, and respect for each survivor’s experience.
With more than 120 years of combined legal experience, we investigate not only the abuse itself, but also who knew—or should have known—about the misconduct and failed to act. Our goal is to hold all responsible parties accountable and help protect others from future harm.

Survivor-focused, trauma-informed approach

Extensive experience in sexual abuse and institutional liability cases

Ability to investigate who knew—or should have known—about the abuse

Commitment to protecting other children from future harm

Free, confidential consultations

Frequently Asked
Questions

Clergy sexual abuse includes any unwanted sexual contact, exploitation, or misconduct committed by a religious leader or worker, often involving abuse of authority or trust.

Yes. California law allows certain survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file civil claims years after the abuse occurred, depending on when the harm was discovered.

Potential defendants may include the individual abuser, religious institutions, supervising organizations, and others who failed to prevent or stop the abuse.

Many clergy sexual abuse cases involve childhood abuse. California law provides extended timeframes for survivors to pursue civil justice.

Grooming involves manipulation and trust-building behaviors used to facilitate abuse. Evidence of grooming can be critical in proving negligence and institutional liability.

Compensation may include damages for emotional distress, therapy and counseling costs, lost income, diminished earning capacity, and other losses related to the abuse.

In many cases, survivors can proceed using initials or pseudonyms to protect privacy. Your attorney can explain confidentiality option

There are no upfront costs. We handle clergy sexual abuse cases on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation.

Institutional cover-ups may strengthen a civil case and increase liability. Our firm investigates internal records, complaints, and patterns of misconduct.

Yes. Se Habla Español.

California Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers