Ohio Clergy Sex Abuse Lawyer
Churches and religious institutions are meant to be safe, protected spaces. When clergy members exploit that trust to abuse children, teenagers, and adults, we help survivors take careful steps to hold the abuser — and the institution that enabled them — accountable, so you can finally heal.
What is clergy abuse?
Troubling patterns in churches began surfacing in the early 2000s, and more than 6,000 Catholic clergy members have been accused of sexual abuse. In the past and present, churches have too often covered up the abuse instead of fixing the problem.
Churches, private schools, and other faith-based organizations are the last places you would expect to find something as disgraceful as sexual abuse. Yet it is a living and breathing problem among religious institutions, as lay teachers, priests, nuns, and other clergy members often use their influence to assault children and adults.
Clergy predators prey on people and take advantage of their trust, often within the four walls of a church or another religious organization. Sexual abuse causes lifelong psychological and emotional damage that can be difficult to recover from — and these offenders must be stopped.
Sexualized conversations
Unwanted touching
Inappropriate counseling sessions
Soliciting or sending sexual images or texts
An alarming, under-reported problem
There is a staggering number of clergy abuse cases, and it is deeply concerning how religious organizations hide abuse and fail to protect others from getting hurt. The following statistics put the scope into focus.
1,700
Roman Catholic priests and clergy accused of child sex abuse currently live without law enforcement supervision.
7,095
Insurance claims of sexual abuse by church employees, members, and clergy were reported by three faith-based insurers.
390+
Protestant clergy members were accused of abusing more than 700 children and adults from 1999 to 2019.
451
Clergy members allegedly assaulted more than 2,000 children from 1950 to 2019, according to PBS reports.
450+
Accused Mormon (LDS) leaders are listed in the FLOODLIT database, with an estimated $19.8M+ paid in settlements.
96
Cases in Brooklyn's Orthodox Jewish communities prosecuted since 2009 — likely far higher due to silence.
The Reality of Clergy Abuse
A pervasive problem that was never truly addressed
Over the last decade, the reality surrounding clergy sexual abuse within the Catholic Church and other religious institutions has slowly surfaced. The sexual abuse of children by clergy members was a frequent and pervasive problem that was never truly addressed or dealt with.
Even as more cases came to light, the Catholic Church ignored the problem and failed to stop it — even going so far as covering up these perpetrators and keeping them in positions of power.
Thankfully, this has begun to change as more people come forward. Increased public attention has led to amendments to several states’ laws. An extended statute of limitations gives abuse survivors more time to take legal action against their abusers and the institutions that enabled them.
The laws that protect — and fail — Ohio survivors
Are clergy members mandated reporters in Ohio?
Ohio clergy members have limited confidentiality privileges. They do not have to report alleged sexual abuse to police or child welfare workers. This is called the “clergy loophole,” making the abuse easier to continue. Currently, 33 states have this gap, making it easier for religious officials to get away with assault.
Senate Bill 16: Protecting our children
In Ohio, Senate Bill 16 prohibits youth-based businesses — like schools, daycares, and similar organizations — from hiring certain offenders. On April 4, 2023, the Bill was revised to ensure Tier II and Tier III offenders cannot work or volunteer around children. Amendments closed a previous loophole allowing non-paroled sex offenders to have contact with children. Employers who know (or should have known) a registered offender is working for them can be held liable for negligent hiring or retention, leading to legal issues, fines, and financial penalties.
Ohio Priests Accused of Abuse
Credibly accused clergy across Ohio dioceses
ProPublica publishes an interactive database of credibly accused clergy members named in reports released by Catholic dioceses and religious orders. A grand jury report named more than 300 Ohio priests accused of misconduct in 2019. The following snapshot is adapted from ProPublica.
Cleveland
51
Columbus
49
Names released, many removed from, who left the ministry, or were incardinated.
Youngstown
39
Names released; many statuses not released, with clergy who passed away or were permanently removed.
Cincinnati
33
Names released, many of whom passed away or were laicized.
Toledo
24
Names released; many placed on administrative leave, permanently dismissed, or removed.
Steubenville
17
Names released, with some statuses including suspension or dismissal.
It should be noted that ProPublica has not updated their data since 2020.
Your Legal Options
Filing a clergy abuse lawsuit in Ohio
Clergy abuse survivors have options, including a civil lawsuit. Civil cases involve private disputes and can hold abusers financially responsible for the harm they inflict. Those deemed liable — which typically includes the religious organization that employed the abuser — usually pay the survivor directly. In a criminal lawsuit, by contrast, the punishment is imprisonment, fines, or community supervision.
Constant Legal Group can help you file a civil lawsuit and recover compensation for the pain and suffering caused by an abuser. Recovered compensation can help with medical and living expenses, therapy, and many other needs. The court believes money can help make a survivor “whole again” — and may award one or more of the following:
Pain & suffering
Non-economic damages for mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or PTSD.
Therapy & mental health costs
Compensation for ongoing therapy and mental health treatment.
Lost wages & benefits
If you struggle to work or support yourself or your family because of the abuse.
Decreased earning ability
Funds to compensate for a career change or a cut in pay after the abuse.
Punitive damages
Additional damages awarded in cases of extreme or gross negligence.
Damaged relationships
Loss of companionship or intimacy, as abuse can impact your quality of life.
Understanding the Categories
Types of Ohio sexual abuse cases
There are many different types of sexual abuse. Offenders are categorized by tiers, depending on the seriousness of the assault or abuse.
Rape
Forced and physical sexual intercourse and other forms of penetration.
Date rape
Forced sexual intercourse that occurs on a date.
Sexual assault
Attempted rape, fondling, unwanted sexual touching, or forcing someone to perform sexual acts.
Child sexual abuse
An adult who intentionally harms a minor physically, sexually, or psychologically through neglect.
The statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases in Ohio
Dates matter when filing a civil lawsuit in sexual abuse cases. Every state has a statute of limitations — a specific window of time in which you can file.
Adults have two years from the date of the sexual assault to file a civil lawsuit. The Special Statute of Limitations for Childhood Sexual Abuse allows childhood survivors to file a civil lawsuit 12 years after reaching the age of majority (18 years old).
According to the same statute (Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2305.111(C)), mentally impaired adults between 18 and 22 years old may have extra time to file a civil suit.
- Don't assume it's too late. Acting quickly lets our legal team confirm whether you still have time to file before the statute of limitations ends.
Justice is possible, and these results are proof
There are opportunities to seek restitution. The following settlements and verdicts show what survivors have recovered when they hold abusers and institutions accountable.
A Jehovah’s Witness congregation member allegedly abused several people over 13 years of age. Two of them drew attention to how poorly the church handled the issue and how the abuser continued to harm others.
In 2016, nearly 400 claims were brought against the Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese. About 297 were deemed eligible, and 224 claimants reached settlements averaging almost $90,000 per plaintiff.
Eight women sued a Catholic priest for sexual abuse that occurred 40 years ago when they were minors. The priest had been transferred to a new location where he found two new targets.
A United Methodist Church elder was accused of abusing a woman during counseling sessions. After a negligent supervision claim against the Florida Conference, a jury awarded her $4,500,000.
In 2020, a single plaintiff brought claims against a Catholic priest who he alleged abused him six times while he attended a Catholic high school.
A former youth pastor was accused of molesting a 13-year-old child, forcing him into sexual acts. Despite the church denying fault, the jury awarded the survivor $800,000.
Past results do not guarantee a future outcome, but they show what is possible. Constant Legal Group can help you fight for justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Filing an Ohio clergy lawsuit
Can I file a lawsuit against the place where the abuse happened?
Yes. People and places “carry” liability, so abusers and the institutions that support the abuse can be held legally accountable. For instance, civil proceedings can be brought against a priest, a church, a religion teacher, and a school.
Will sexual abuse survivors have to testify if they are a child?
Technically, children as young as three or four can testify, but this is unusual as young children are not usually considered to have the required competency. Children over 10 are typically allowed to testify. The court will want to ensure children can differentiate truth from lies, understand the importance of telling the truth, and grasp the consequences of lying.
Will the survivor's identity be kept confidential?
Anonymity is often a concern, so survivors are frequently referred to as Jane Doe or John Doe. In 2019, however, the Ohio Supreme Court limited the ability to use these “unidentified placeholders.” Actual names must be known before the two-year statute of limitations expires in civil cases.
Will my case settle or go to trial?
Sexual abuse cases can be unpredictable, so it’s wise to prepare and hire a sex abuse attorney with a trial background. An experienced Ohio clergy sex abuse lawyer should determine the strengths and weaknesses of the defendant’s case, uncover compelling evidence, and prepare witnesses and experts to provide the right testimony.
How much do lawyers for sexual abuse survivors charge?
Many sexual abuse lawyers do not charge an upfront fee. Constant Legal Group works on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients only pay if we settle or obtain a verdict. In other words, you only pay if we win.
How do I find the best sexual abuse lawyers near me?
Look carefully at local clergy abuse lawyers — their online reviews and proven success stories offer insight into how a firm would handle your case. Many firms, including Constant Legal Group, offer free, confidential consultations where you can learn a lot about a firm’s approach.
An Ohio clergy sex abuse lawyer can help bring you justice
Constant Legal Group advocates for child sex abuse survivors and their parents, adult survivors of abuse or assault, and adult survivors who were sexually abused as minors. Filing a civil lawsuit can help secure financial compensation for your losses and ensure you get proper care to help with recovery and healing.
Acting quickly helps our legal team protect your rights and seek justice before the statute of limitations ends. Connect with an experienced clergy abuse lawyer today to discuss your case — our consultations are free and confidential.
- Your information is confidential. You don't pay unless we win.
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