Many people find comfort in their religious organizations. They look back on the experience with feelings of fondness and community. A sickening number of people look back on their time in the Catholic church and only have memories of trauma and abuse.
Allegations of abuse from clergy members are on the rise. If you have survived abuse from Father James Martin Novak or any other clergy member, you deserve a committed clergy sex abuse Lawyer by your side.
Effects of Clergy Sexual Abuse
Childhood sexual abuse is an experience that can leave lasting scars, especially when it goes unidentified. In many cases, the perpetrator will encourage the child to keep the interaction a secret. In Father James Novak’s case, he told at least one survivor that the abuse was a secret between himself, the Father, and God.
In the Social Work Today article cited above, it is said that when a priest abuses them, it sometimes feels like they were violated by God himself. This can lead them to believe that the abuse is deserved or that they have done something wrong to make God turn his back. This shame may often keep them afraid of the stigma of disclosing the abuse to a Michigan Sexual Abuse Lawyer.
Sexual abuse at any point in a person’s life can lead to symptoms of depression or anxiety, relationship instability, or difficulty with physical or emotional intimacy. The long-term effects of clergy abuse on survivors are life-altering, sometimes even with treatment. In some cases, it may lead the survivor to situations where they are revictimized in a way they feel they have more control.
If you or someone you know
endured clergy sex abuse,
contact White Law PLLC today.
The Impact of Clergy Abuse on Our Community
The church is often the focal point of a Catholic family’s life: Sunday Mass, study groups, youth groups, and other church-sponsored recreational activities. Many families find their entire support network in their church. In an article from Social Work Today, the author explains this enmeshment can make allegations of sexual abuse incredibly complicated and multifaceted.
The role that a priest has is one of divine example where they are a symbol of what is holy. When a family or their support system accepts allegations of sexual abuse, it can fracture and break that relationship. In many cases, this may cause distrust and conflict between those who believe the survivor and those who don’t accept the priest as a perpetrator.
When someone perpetrates sexual abuse, especially on a child, it can cause feelings of guilt and shame. These feelings may intensify if the child sees themselves and their family as shunned by their support system, presumably because they spoke out. Additionally, the parents may struggle to provide necessary support when they feel they have lost their support system. When a clergy member or any trusted adult sexually abuses a child, it fractures the entire community.
You can contact our clergy sex abuse
lawyers today and rest easier with
experienced attorneys tackling your case.
Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father James Martin Novak
Father James Martin Novak was ordained in Joliet, Illinois, in 1957. The Illinois Attorney General’s Office (AGO) provides an abusive clerics and religious brothers database that reports what they consider credible allegations regarding sexual abuse in Illinois from 1967 until 1991. The Children’s Advocacy Center of Michigan reports that only about 30% of survivors report their abuse, meaning there are likely far more than the 28 Illinois survivors reported by the AGO.
Two survivors of Father Novak’s abuse came forward in recent years. In an article from ABC7, an individual stated that the priest was close to the individual’s parents, who were pleased to see the father take an interest in him. This interest resulted in alleged years of sexual abuse.
A second victim made allegations that Father Novak sexually abused him from 6th to 9th grade, according to the same news article. At the time, the priest was acting as a counselor to help the child through the death of his brother. The allegations from both individuals have resulted in a four-million-dollar settlement with the Diocese.
Revelations of Lansing Clergy Abuse
The Diocese of Lansing made Father Novak’s name public, along with 16 other priests in 2019. This happened when the diocese released a list of clergy with credible allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. The database shows that Father Novak received nine placements in Michigan after transferring to the Diocese of Lansing that include:
- St John the Evangelist, Jackson – Parochial Vicar
- St Luke, Flint – Parochial Vicar
- St John, Benton Harbor – Parochial Vicar
- St Ann, Cassopolis – Pastor
- Office of Catholic Education, Lansing Catholic Central High School
- St Agnes, Fowlerville – Parochial Administrator
- St Joseph, Owosso – Pastor
- St Therese, Lansing – Pastor
- St Mary, Westphalia – Pastor
This report shows that Father Novak was finally removed from the ministry in November 2002. After the list was released, James Martin Novak was laicized in May 2021. The Michigan Attorney General’s office is continuing to investigate cases and accept reports and tips regarding incidents of assault or coverup.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from isolated events or Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) from ongoing abuse is common in survivors. Some people may experience some of these symptoms separate from PTSD. The indicators of PTSD consist of multiple of the following symptoms:
- Avoiding triggers
- Negative thinking and mood
- Self-destructive or impulsive behavior
- Emotional volatility
- Changes in sleeping and eating habits
Contact a Lansing Sexual Abuse Attorney Today
Child sexual abuse should never happen, but predators exist, and abuse is never the fault of the person they abuse. At White Law PLLC, we are committed to seeking justice for those who have survived sexual abuse by people like James Martin Novak.
If a priest has sexually abused you and you are interested in the status of an investigation, you can begin to get more information from this Michigan list of priests accused of sexual abuse.
If you are considering coming forward about your abuse, know that you are not alone. The founder of White Law PLLC has a long history of giving victims a voice. Call us today to schedule a free case consultation and take steps to reclaim your narrative.
You have the right to reach out to
a clergy sex abuse attorney and
discuss your right to legal action.
