The complexity of abuse makes it difficult for victims to come forward and demonstrate that something is not okay. If you are a family member with concerns or feel you could be the victim, understanding the most common signs of clergy abuse could be critical. At White Law PLLC, our Okemos clergy sex abuse lawyer is committed to standing by the side of victims who are ready to take action to protect their future.
Signs a Clergy Member Is a Risk to Safety
Recognizing the signs of clergy abuse is critically important since these signs, individually, may not seem like a concern. However, when a person is faced with ongoing abuse or when they simply do not feel safe, it is critical to take action to protect them and others. Some of the most common signs of clergy abuse include:
- Inappropriate jokes: Lewd jokes that are out of place for a religious professional could be an indication of concern.
- Meeting in isolation: There are a few reasons why a person would need to meet in isolated or private places for conversations, even when the topic is sensitive.
- Inappropriate physical contact: This includes, but is not limited to, any type of touching or interaction that makes another person feel uncomfortable.
- Negative statements about others: Often, as a way to connect, a person who is abusive may speak negatively about others to you, something that is out of character for a member of the clergy normally.
- Graphic information: If, during a private conversation or isolated meeting, a person requests graphic details of encounters, this could also be an indication of abuse.
A clergy member has a unique power and presence over those who are committed to their religion and those who believe in that person’s abilities to support and heal. That power should never be used to do anything that is inappropriate or feels out of place. Even if you are unsure if there is a concern, it is best to take action to clarify and not simply ignore them.
If you or someone you know
endured clergy sex abuse,
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Common Indications of Clergy Abuse in a Minor
In situations where a minor may have been abused or may be at risk for abuse from a member of the clergy, it is critical to consider what could be occurring carefully. Many times, minors do not realize they are facing abuse, or if they do, they may try to hide it, feeling guilty or embarrassed about what is happening. Common signs of clergy abuse in a minor may include:
- Changes in the child’s behavior and not wanting to be left alone with people whom they used to trust often demonstrate an unusual fear.
- Discussions of sexual knowledge early on in their life, where it would seem out of place for their developmental age.
- Sudden onset of problems with their grades or with aggression, which may be an outward sign of struggle.
- Sexual themes in their writing, expressive stories, or art
- Changes in hygiene, eating, or sleeping habits that seem out of place
- Mentions of secrets or meetings with a person or meeting with adults without context
Today, it is never acceptable for an adult to be alone with a child who is not related to them without other children or adults present. If your child or one that you are caring for in any way seems to have developed a relationship with a member of the clergy that seems unhealthy, take action to find out what could be occurring. Many times, grooming starts at a very young age and can seem innocent until it no longer is, and can result in long-term effects of clergy abuse on survivors.
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Common Signs of Clergy Abuse in Survivors
It is not uncommon for people who have been abused by anyone they trust to hide that for years, and sometimes that includes their clergy members. Repressed feelings and trauma make it hard to bring those thoughts back up, and sometimes, the brain is capable of hiding the pain for years. Yet, there may be some signs of clergy abuse present in survivors that can warrant not only investigation to hold that party accountable but also to get help.
- Emotional distress that seems unfounded: A sudden, intense feeling of turmoil or emotional pain that occurs in certain environments, especially when around members of the clergy.
- Aggressive behavior and mood swings: The underlying control of sexual abuse can create emotional damage and pain that can impact how a person communicates. Aggression and mood swings, even to people who are not related to the matter, are common.
- Avoidance of religious locations: The brain works to protect a victim by trying to keep them away from what it experienced as harm. An intense fear or avoidance of religious locations could provide some indication of an unresolved concern.
- Presence of injuries: A person who has scars or injuries from abuse may hide those as well. If a person is hiding their injuries, that often means they do not want to discuss how they occurred or may be embarrassed.
- Communicating about abuse: Not everyone stays silent, as many people will come forward to discuss what occurred to them and how. Yet others may be less vocal or may talk about abuse without stating it happened to them.
These are just some of the most common examples of clergy abuse signs, but look deeper into yourself and others to find out what really occurred. Many times, it takes a deep look at what has occurred to help a person determine how they can move forward and get through the pain. If you have been a victim, do not wait to seek help.
Set Up a Consultation with Our Clergy Abuse Legal Team
We work to get justice for people who are victims of situations where they had no control and suffered incredible losses as a result. At White Law PLLC, our clergy abuse attorneys can help you find out what your rights are after and how you can hold those who hurt you or your loved one accountable. Set up a free consultation by calling our office, and let us take on your fight.
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