Lawsuit claims California church elders knew about but didn’t report abuse
Often there are warning signs that sexual abuse of a child has occurred or could occur. In many cases, perpetrators exhibit red flags that someone notices. If a person reports signs of sexual abuse or possible sexual abuse, then employers and other people in a position of authority have an obligation to follow up on the complaint, not simply ignore it or sweep it under the rug.
In recent years, members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses have brought lawsuits alleging that the religious organization’s leadership failed to take action that could have protected children from abuse by church members. We discussed one such case in a post in November 2014.
A different lawsuit against the Jehovah’s Witnesses makes similar claims. In that case, the plaintiff, now 28, says that she was between 9 and 11 years old when she was repeatedly abused by a member of a congregation in Freemont, California. The lawsuit also states that elders in the church were aware that the perpetrator had molested another young victim prior to abusing the plaintiff. Still, church elders didn’t warn other church members or call police.
The abuser eventually served less than a year in jail for molesting a 7-year-old family member, and it was only after seeing the man’s name on the sex offender registry that the plaintiff in the lawsuit got the courage to come forward.
In 2012, the jury returned a $15 million verdict in favor of the plaintiff, though The Watchtower — the Jehovah Witnesses’ headquarters — is still appealing the verdict.
It is inexcusable when a school, youth group or religious organization places its reputation concerns over protecting children from harm. Even when a perpetrator is caught and convicted of a criminal offense, it is often necessary to file a civil lawsuit to hold all of the responsible parties, including employers, accountable.
Serving clients throughout the Greater Los Angeles and Southern California area, we represent victims in a variety of civil litigation cases. If you or a loved one has been injured, turn to an experienced Los Angeles personal injury or sexual assault lawyer.
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