It takes a lot of courage to report clergy abuse. Whether clergy members or church representatives have abused you or someone you love, reporting the abuse can be intimidating. However, in doing so, you may be able to hold your abuser accountable, ensure those who facilitated the abuse are brought to justice, and prevent future instances of sexual abuse and misconduct.
Fortunately, when you are unsure of how to report clergy abuse at the Diocese of Kalamazoo, your dedicated Kalamazoo clergy sexual abuse lawyer can help guide you through the process. You are going to need considerable emotional support during this difficult time in your life.
Abuse Allegations in the Diocese of Kalamazoo
The Michigan Office of the Attorney General recently reported on its Clergy Abuse Investigation. Every single diocese of Michigan’s Catholic churches faced abuse allegations. The Diocese of Kalamazoo was among the churches with the fewest number of victims and accused clergy members, with 13 victims and 22 priests, respectively.
This is considerably lower than some of the other dioceses across the state, some of which have over 200 accused priests. As more and more victims find the courage to come forward, these numbers are expected to increase not only in Kalamazoo but across the state.
For this reason, the Diocese of Kalamazoo has taken steps to implement comprehensive reporting systems and investigations to ensure perpetrators are held accountable, and the church offers victims the support they need during some of the most difficult times in their lives.
However, clergy abuse should be reported to the Diocese of Kalamazoo and local law enforcement officials, the Attorney General’s office, the Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting (CBAR) service, and a reputable Kalamazoo personal injury lawyer. You cannot rely on the church alone to ensure your abusers are held to account. You need someone on your side who will prioritize your needs.
If you or someone you know
endured clergy sex abuse,
contact White Law PLLC today.
Report Clergy Abuse to Police
Before reporting your concerns regarding the sexual abuse of a vulnerable adult or minor, priest, clergy, or other church representatives within the Diocese of Kalamazoo, you should report your concerns to the Kalamazoo Police Department at (269) 488-8911. You can also notify the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services at 855-444-3911.
The Michigan Attorney General’s Office should also be notified. The attorney general is actively investigating all dioceses across the state of Michigan, and you can call the hotline at 844-324-3374. Remember, it does not matter when the incident occurred. Whether the abuse happened decades ago or a couple of days ago, notifying the Attorney General’s Office should be a top priority.
Report Clergy Abuse to the Archdiocese of Kalamazoo
Once law enforcement officials have been notified, your next step should be to report the clergy abuse to the Diocese of Kalamazoo. You can launch your sexual misconduct report by contacting the Diocese of Kalamazoo sexual misconduct question and reporting line at 877-802-0115. You will need to provide your name or telephone number and a representative will contact you, typically in as little as one hour.
The church states that this hotline has been created to protect vulnerable adults and children who are part of the diocese’s ministries, schools, and parishes. It is important to note that this line is specifically for reporting sexual abuse or misconduct within the Catholic diocese. Reporting your complaint could be the catalyst that leads to the removal or reassignment of a dangerous deacon, priest, or other church representative.
Report Clergy Abuse to the Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting Service
There is also the Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting (CBAR) service. You can report instances of sexual abuse and misconduct by bishops to the authorities, and an investigation could be opened up. You can call the hotline at 800-276-1562 or visit their website at ReportBishopAbuse.org.
When filing a complaint with the CBAR, you can also expect the offense to be reported to law enforcement officials and other relevant authorities. The CBAR is specific to bishops. If other types of church personnel, such as reverends, deacons, or priests, are accused of committing sexual abuse, you would either report the abuse to the police or the Diocese of Kalamazoo.
Report Clergy Abuse to a Reputable Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Kalamazoo
Do not forget to report your complaint to a skilled Kalamazoo sexual abuse lawyer from White Law PLLC. Our team can help you hold your abuser and other at-fault parties accountable via a civil claim. By filing a sexual abuse lawsuit, you have an opportunity to ensure anyone who contributed to or is responsible for the abuse you suffered is compelled to compensate you for the full value of your damages.
In civil court, the burden of proof is based on a preponderance of the evidence according to the Michigan Rules of Evidence. We do not need to prove clergy abuse beyond a reasonable doubt in civil court. As long as we can introduce compelling evidence, the jury may return a verdict in your favor and order the defendant to provide fair compensation for your medical expenses, emotional distress, pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, and other losses.
You can contact our clergy sex abuse
lawyers today and rest easier with
experienced attorneys tackling your case.
Meet With a Trial-Tested Kalamazoo Clergy Sexual Abuse Attorney Today
Not only should you report the clergy abuse to the Diocese of Kalamazoo, but ensuring the appropriate authorities are notified is also essential. When you report your concerns to law enforcement officials, the attorney general, and other investigators, they may be able to uncover other instances of clergy abuse or sexual assault. This could open up opportunities for other survivors to demand justice and the fair compensation they are entitled to.
This could be your opportunity to rebuild your life. Consult a compassionate Kalamazoo sexual abuse lawyer from White Law PLLC to explore your legal options further. You can reach us by phone or through our online contact form to schedule your confidential consultation as soon as today.
You have the right to reach out to
a clergy sex abuse attorney and
discuss your right to legal action.
