When you or someone you love is sexually abused, your entire life could be affected. The physical trauma and emotional distress of the experience could quickly make it possible for you to live your life normally. Thankfully, there are multiple ways you can take action and ensure members of the clergy and church representatives are brought to justice.
With help from a compassionate Grand Rapids clergy sexual abuse lawyer, you can learn more about how to report clergy abuse at the Diocese of Grand Rapids, where to report the abuse to law enforcement officials, and what to expect as you pursue your claim for civil liability. You have an opportunity to hold your abuser and those who facilitated the abuse you endured accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Here is more about what to expect when reporting clergy abuse.
Reporting Clergy Abuse to the Attorney General
Before you report clergy abuse at the Diocese of Grand Rapids, it is in your best interest to notify law enforcement officials first. You want to ensure that the appropriate authorities are properly investigating your complaints. You can contact the Grand Rapids Police Department at 616-456-3400 and speak with an investigator to report clergy abuse.
However, you can also contact the Michigan Attorney General’s office. You can reach them via email at vac@grdiocese.org or by phone at 616-840-2079 and speak with the diocese victim assistance coordinator or call the reporting hotline at 844-324-3374. It does not matter how long ago the abuse occurred. You are encouraged to report your complaint to law enforcement officials at any time.
Investigators will take a closer look at your complaint and determine whether they have enough probable cause to conduct a more intensive investigation. Depending on the circumstances of your case, criminal charges could be filed against the perpetrator and anyone who allowed the abuse to occur. However, there is no guarantee that the district attorney will be able to prosecute the church representative or members of the clergy.
Reporting Clergy Abuse to the Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting (CBAR) Hotline
When you have reason to believe a Catholic bishop has interfered with a church investigation into sexual abuse or committed sexual abuse of a minor, not only can you make a complaint to the Attorney General and law enforcement officials, but you can also file a report with the Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting (CBAR) hotline.
You can visit their website at reportbishopabuse.org or call the hotline at (800) 276-1562 to report your concerns. The CBAR will then open up an investigation of its own and could potentially impose sanctions on your abuser.
Reporting Clergy Abuse to the Diocese of Grand Rapids
Once you have notified the appropriate authorities, then you can report your suspicions or complaint to the Diocese of Grand Rapids. The church says that it is their goal to prevent sexual abuse in churches and help victims of clergy abuse heal.
The Diocese of Grand Rapids follows the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People procedures established by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
Reporting Clergy Abuse to a Reputable Sexual Abuse Lawyer
You also have the option of reporting the abuse you experienced to a respected Grand Rapids sexual abuse lawyer from White Law PLLC. With our firm advocating for your rights, you can take action against your abuser and anyone else who may be responsible for the abuse you endure. Although a civil lawsuit is not the same as criminal charges, it gives you an opportunity to take justice into your own hands.
At trial, if the jury finds the defendant liable for the abuse you suffered, the defendant can be ordered to compensate you for the total value of your damages. Your abuser could be ordered to cover the total value of your medical expenses, emotional distress, and psychological trauma. Additionally, as described under MCL Section 445.911, punitive damages could be awarded, as the defendant’s conduct likely rises to the level of intentional malice or gross negligence.
If you or someone you know
endured clergy sex abuse,
contact White Law PLLC today.
How to Tell Whether You Should Report Suspected Abuse
Anyone who is aware of clergy sexual abuse or any type of sexual abuse or assault has the ability to report their concerns. However, under Michigan Child Protection Law, 1975 PA 238, MCL 722.621 et. seq., certain parties are mandated reporters. Some examples of entities that are considered mandated reporters include:
- Audiologists
- Babysitters
- Daycare providers
- Dentists
- Law enforcement officers
- Licensed professional counselors
- Marriage and family therapists
- Medical examiners
- Medical professionals
- Members of the clergy
- Mental health professionals
- Nurses
- Other school employees
- Pediatricians
- Physicians
- Physicians assistants
- Psychologists
- Principals
- Registered dental hygienists
- Registered social services technicians
- Regulated childcare providers
- School counselors
- Social workers
- Teachers
- Teachers aides
- Youth program personnel
Mandated reporters are relied on as part of the system of protecting children. Since mandated reporters have considerable direct contact with children, they may be able to identify suspected child neglect, abuse, and sexual abuse more easily. Mandated reporters should notify law enforcement officials when they suspect abuse.
You can contact our clergy sex abuse
lawyers today and rest easier with
experienced attorneys tackling your case.
Get Help From a Compassionate Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today
Reporting clergy sexual abuse to the Diocese of Grand Rapids is just one way for you to ensure abusive church representatives and clergy members are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
In addition to reporting the abuse to the diocese, we should also file a complaint with the Attorney General, law enforcement officials, and the CBAR hotline. In doing so, not only can you help bring these abusers to justice, but you could help prevent future instances of sexual abuse or misconduct.
You do not need to take on the Diocese of Grand Rapids alone. When you have a highly experienced Grand Rapids personal injury lawyer from White Law PLLC on your side, you can take advantage of every opportunity to ensure your abusers are held accountable. Fill out our secured contact form or call our office 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.
