People have always looked to religious organisations for safety, direction, and confidence. However, these same organisations are the home to tremendous trauma and abuse for survivors.
While compensation is unable to erase the experience of abuse, it can assist in moving forward with life and putting the power back in your hands. Learn your rights to claim compensation and receive justice for your suffering.
Religious authority:
Faith can be a source of comfort and community, but it can also be used for abuse, especially when held by those in trust.
Religious authority figures, such as leaders or members of faith-based organisations, face a unique risk of exploiting their power, amplifying the potential for harm.
This abuse undermines faith’s foundation and the safety of those seeking guidance within religious communities.
Religious figures of authority may consist of:
- Volunteers
- Trainees
- Nuns
- Monks
- Priests
- Ministers
- Elders
- Imams
- other religious leaders.
Types of abuse
The types of abuse include:
- Sexual abuse
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Religious abuse
Why do survivors struggle to report religious abuse?
Religions and belief systems can hinder justice and foster silence, preventing victims from speaking up about abuse due to shame, fear, and trauma. These cultural norms can be deeply ingrained in individuals, families, and communities.
Addressing this issue within religious, spiritual, and cultural settings is crucial for breaking the silence and initiating open conversations.
Strong faith individuals may find it challenging to disclose their abuse due to various reasons, such as:
- Not realising that what is happening is abuse.
Abuse in this context often includes grooming. A key feature of grooming is that the person being abused can be tricked into believing that they are in a consensual relationship.
- Fear of not being believed
The status of abusers can make it difficult for vulnerable individuals, particularly children, to report their abuse, fearing they may not be believed.
The abuser may be in a trusted position within an organisation or held in high esteem by the congregation or community, leading to concerns about being believed or facing repercussions if they report the abuse.
Can I claim for religious abuse?
If you’ve experienced abuse in a religious institution, you can file a claim against the abusers or the institution, which is supposed to be a safe environment. This is a highly specialised area of law, and it is crucial to have a solicitor with experience in pursuing compensation claims.
You can contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. We will advise you whether you are eligible to make a claim and the level of damages.
If you decide to pursue the claim, we will do all the work for you, keeping you informed at every stage.
Frequently asked questions:
Who can bring a claim?
If you suffered sexual or physical abuse within a religious context, you may be able to claim damages in the form of monetary compensation. It does not matter if the abuse occurred years ago.
If the person who suffered abuse is under 18, the claim can be brought by a parent or close relative.
Similarly, if the person who was abused is unable to speak to us due to old age or disability, a close family member can seek advice for them.
Who will the claim be brought against?
It is usual for the claim to be brought against the religious organisation rather than the individual who abused you.
The law states that the organisation will be automatically responsible for the actions of its employees, or those who are in positions such as employment.
How much compensation will I receive?
Each claim is different. We will assess your claim and give you an idea at the outset of the compensation you can expect to receive.
A civil claim for sexual or physical abuse can include the following types of compensation:
- General damages – An award of money for the abuse/assaults themselves and for the pain, suffering, and any psychological effects.
- Special damages – An award for any specific financial losses we can prove, such as loss of earnings or the cost(s) of any treatment or counselling.
- Aggravated damages – An additional award of money in certain cases where the court considers that there has been additional distress caused by the abuse occurred. This is commonly the case where abuse has occurred in a religious context, where there has been abuse of a position of power or trust.
Do I need to have reported the abuse to the police or the organisation itself?
No, but we will always encourage our clients who have not reported to the police to do so. The incidents that you complain of will certainly also amount to a criminal offense.
If you have not reported the abuse to the police, we can point you in the right direction.
Further information:
Abuse in Religious Organisations.
Church of England Redress Scheme.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
If you have been a victim of abuse in a religious organisation, we are here to give you the support and justice you deserve.
Get in touch today for a no-obligation consultation. Choose one of the methods on the right-hand side of this page or call us on 0113 200 9720.
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Molly Frost joined the Firm in June 2024 and specializes in abuse compensation claims. Having over 20 years’ experience helping survivors recover compensation, she is considered an expert in her fie…
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