The increase in sexual abuse allegations in religious institutions has become a prominent topic of concern in the last several years. The effects on the individual survivors are devastating, and the impact on the local religious and secular community isn’t much better. Among these allegations are those against the Diocese of Marquette Father Aaron Nowicki.
If you or a loved one has been sexually abused by Father Nowicki or any other members of the Catholic Church in Michigan, you may benefit from contacting White Law PLLC and speaking to our Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer about your legal options.
Clergy Abuse Impacts on the Individual
In an individual who has experienced sexual abuse, the effects can be emotional, physical, and social. These symptoms may take years to heal and will likely always leave their mark. Some of the more common symptoms of clergy abuse in the individual are:
- Nightmares
- Change in sleep patterns
- Urinary and pelvic floor issues
- Eating disorders (frequently binge eating)
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
In addition to the more standard effects of sexual abuse, clergy abuse can create a unique uncertainty within yourself and your faith. You may be unsure who to trust and wondering what you may have done to have been hurt by someone who was supposed to be a beacon of your faith’s love and goodness. A Michigan sexual abuse lawyer at White Law PLLC., we know that this was not your fault and will fight to hold the true perpetrator responsible.
If you or someone you know
endured clergy sex abuse,
contact White Law PLLC today.
Legal Repercussions
The legal repercussions regarding the allegations against perpetrators and conspirators of clergy sexual abuse are vast and varied. The exact options a Michigan personal injury lawyer can help you with are highly dependent upon the details of your case. They may include:
Criminal Charges
The criminal charges Father Nowicki has been convicted of may result in imprisonment of nearly ten years, a fine of several thousand dollars, required registration on the Michigan Sex Offender Registry, and may also include a probationary sentence pending release from prison. A child sexual abuse activity charge is considered a felony and may come with additional penalties such as:
- Housing limitations
- Job field limitations
- Employment background check
- Firearm restrictions
- Voting restrictions
Civil Charges
Beyond a criminal conviction, the survivors may be able to file civil lawsuits for compensatory damages from the perpetrator. When criminal cases lead to a conviction, this may be used to support a civil case. Some of the damages a survivor may choose to peruse are:
- Medical costs for conditions related to the abuse
- Pain and Suffering
- Cost of therapeutic interventions
You can contact our clergy sex abuse
lawyers today and rest easier with
experienced attorneys tackling your case.
Background of Father Aaron Nowicki
Aaron Nowicki joined the seminary in 2009, was ordained in 2016, and left his position in January 2019. During that time, Father Aaron Nowicki worked in various churches in Michigan. As an associate pastor of St Peter Cathedral and St Mary Mission, his congregation highly regarded him, garnering trust and respect. Father Nowicki’s allegations and conviction were a blow to the trust, morale, and safety of his entire community.
Allegations Against Father Arron Nowicki
Father Nowicki’s resignation was due to allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a vulnerable adult. After a canonical investigation of the allegations, he did not face charges because it was determined that the behavior did not include a minor or a criminal offense. While this may be true, it begins a pattern with a concerning lack of respect and self-control in someone who should be a safe leader of their community.
After leaving his position in 2019, Father Aaron Nowicki was arrested in August 2021. His arrest was the result of a sting operation conducted by the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Department, where he was found attempting to meet who he thought was a 15-year-old boy.
The meetup was facilitated by the dating app Grindr, which he admitted to using on many occasions over 11 years. Father Nowicki testified that he would encounter individuals who stated they were 18 on the profile but did not take measures to confirm this.
The trial for the allegations was set at the end of 2023. Father Aaron Nowicki was convicted of child sexual abuse activity. Per Michigan Code §750.145c, this is a felony charge and can result in significant sentencing and penalties. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Marquette released a statement on the Nowicki trial declaring their support of the court’s decision on Sept 28th.
Community Effects of Clergy Abuse
The clergy are designated to be trusted members of our community. C, making sexual abuse by them even more egregious. The continued experience of perpetrators like Father Aaron Nowicki is an alarm for changes that are desperately needed in communities such as:
- Community supports for survivors and their families, destigmatizing the experience of sexual abuse and faulting perpetrators, not survivors.
- Open communication about what is happening with the Catholic church so that the community can take the appropriate precautions.
- Destigmatizing conversations around clergy sexual abuse so that it is harder for perpetrators to hide or intimidate members of their community into silence.
- Additional training for community and clergy members to help recognize signs of abuse and provide support for any reports they feel they must make
For many families, church is a safe haven where they can go for support and community, and they may be afraid to lose that support by speaking out. When these allegations happen, it fractures the trust that the community has in the church and each other. This only gives more power to perpetrators like Father Nowicki and further isolates those who survive.
Seek Justice with a Michigan Clergy Sexual Abuse Attorney
The allegations and conviction of Father Aaron Nowicki are a scary reminder of the reality of our society, and the ever-present pattern of abuse at the hands of the catholic church is one that we can see in this Michigan list of priests accused of sexual abuse. Justice can only be sought when survivors have the courage to speak up.
If you are a survivor of sexual abuse by Aaron Nowicki or any other clergy member, reach out to White Law PLLC as soon as possible. Along with our Michigan clergy sexual abuse attorney, our staff endeavors to support your rights, seek justice for what you endured, and prevent this from happening any more in the future.
You have the right to reach out to
a clergy sex abuse attorney and
discuss your right to legal action.
