After suffering abuse at the hands of members of the clergy or church representatives, you may be anxious to hold all parties who allowed the abuse to occur and your abuser themselves accountable for their wrongful and heinous actions.
Fortunately, there are multiple ways in which you can go about ensuring these parties are held accountable to the fullest extent the law allows. Although you may not know how to report clergy abuse at the Diocese of Lansing, with the right legal advocate on your side, you can get the answers you need to demand justice.
Your dedicated Lansing clergy sexual abuse lawyer can help you report the abuse you endured to the appropriate authorities. With our team advocating for your rights, you can take action to ensure those responsible for your trauma are held responsible. Here is more about how to report clergy abuse at the Diocese of Lansing, which other parties should be notified, and the types of sexual abuse that should be reported.
File a Report with the Attorney General and Police First
It may surprise you to learn that the Michigan Attorney General’s Office is already investigating the Diocese of Lansing and all dioceses across the state of Michigan. They have even established a toll-free reporting hotline you can reach at 844-324-3374. The line is open from Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Alternatively, you can email the Michigan Attorney General’s Office at aginvestigations@michigan.gov. The Diocese of Lansing has a victim assistance coordinator who may also be able to help. These coordinators are licensed social workers who work independently from the diocese, which can help ensure an independent view of the investigation within the diocese.
Law enforcement officials will then determine whether a more intensive investigation should occur. They will need to determine whether they have enough probable cause to continue their investigation. If the district attorney reviews the evidence and determines that they have a strong case against your abuser or others who may have facilitated the abuse, formal criminal charges may be filed.
Then, Report Clergy Abuse to the Diocese of Lansing
The Diocese of Lansing should also be notified when you suspect or were a victim of clergy sexual abuse. When you report your complaint to the Diocese of Lansing, you can do so directly to Lisa Veenstra (LMSW), the diocese’s Victim Assistance Coordinator, at 888-308-6252 or email vac@dioceseoflansing.org. A church representative will reach out to you to discuss your complaint further.
The church will determine whether an investigation should be launched. The diocese has its own ways of handling sexual abuse cases, but all reports of clergy sexual abuse to the archdiocese should be reported to law enforcement officials as well.
If the diocese investigators determine that a clergy member or church representative committed sexual abuse or misconduct against a vulnerable adult or child, they may impose sanctions of their own, which might include reassigning the offender or dismissing them entirely.
If you or someone you know
endured clergy sex abuse,
contact White Law PLLC today.
Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting
Not only could you have grounds for a complaint with the Diocese of Lansing and the Lansing Police Department or Attorney General’s Office, but you may also be able to report your concerns to the Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting (CBAR) system.
The CBAR is an independent third party that takes reports of sexual harassment, abuse, and misconduct by bishops across the country. You can make your complaint by calling the hotline at 800-276-1562 or visiting their website at ReportBishopAbuse.org.
How CBAR Reports Work
When the CBAR receives a complaint about a bishop in Michigan, it will be forwarded to Detroit Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron. However, if the report involves the archbishop, it will be forwarded to the next most senior Michigan bishop, Bishop Earl Boyea of the Diocese of Lansing.
They will then conduct an assessment of the complaint to determine whether the report should be forwarded to the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington, DC. The CBAR should be used if you or someone you love needs to report one or more of the following actions by a bishop in Michigan or anywhere in the U.S.:
- Forcing a vulnerable adult or a child to submit to or perform sexual acts through the threat or use of violence or abuse of authority.
- Intentionally interfering with a church or criminal investigation into allegations of sexual abuse committed by a bishop.
- Performing sexual acts on a vulnerable adult or a minor.
- Possessing, distributing, producing, or exhibiting child pornography.
Keep in mind that CBAR is designed specifically to handle sexual misconduct complaints against bishops. Reporting to the CBAR should not be considered a replacement for reporting the offense to the Diocese of Lansing or law enforcement officials. If you are going to hold your abuser accountable to the fullest extent of the law, reporting the incident to every possible authority should be a top priority.
You can contact our clergy sex abuse
lawyers today and rest easier with
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Report the Abuse to a Lansing Sexual Abuse Attorney
You should also report the abuse to a reputable Lansing sexual abuse lawyer from White Law PLLC. Not only can the offender face charges in criminal court and sanctions from the archdiocese, but you can take legal action against them by filing a civil lawsuit. This is your opportunity to make your abusers pay and potentially prevent future instances of abuse or misconduct.
When filing a civil claim, you are seeking full compensation for your suffering. No amount of money will make what happened to you right. However, accessing financial support when you are struggling to cope financially and unable to rebuild your life could make all the difference.
It is even possible that punitive damages could be awarded. As described under MCL Section 445.911, punitive damages typically apply in cases of gross negligence or intentional malice, both of which may apply in clergy sexual abuse cases in Lansing. You can find out how much your case is worth and what the claim process looks like when you contact us to consider your legal options further.
Consult a Reputable Lansing Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today
After everything you have been through, the process for reporting clergy sexual abuse to the Diocese of Lansing should not be overwhelming. Fortunately, with the right Lansing personal injury lawyer from White Law PLLC on your side, you can feel empowered fighting for the justice you deserve. Reporting the abuse is just the first step in the claims process.
After reporting the abuse, you may be able to take further legal action against your abuser and anyone who may have facilitated the abuse. Our team can analyze the circumstances of your case to determine how to best approach your personal injury and insurance claims. Fill out our quick contact form or call us to schedule your free and 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.
