Resources for Clergy Sex Abuse Survivors in Washington State

Some of the resources clergy sexual abuse survivors may want to use include the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP) and the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), among others. Our team lists several resources for clergy sex abuse survivors in Washington State below.

Our Washington sexual abuse lawyer is also a resource for survivors of sexual abuse. Our sexual abuse attorneys can advocate for you and explain your legal options for seeking justice. 

Organizations That Provide Support for Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivors in Washington State

There are many national and international organizations that provide support and resources for survivors of clergy sexual abuse. In addition, your therapist or another mental health care provider may recommend local groups to meet your specific needs. Some of the trusted organizations serving survivors include:

Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP)

SNAP is a very active support group for those who endured abuse by priests and other religious leaders. They have many resources available for survivors nationwide, including in Washington State. This could include helping you find a therapist who regularly sees patients who are survivors and connecting you with others who endured similar abuse.

1 in 6

1 in 6 is an organization specifically for male survivors of sexual abuse or other unwanted sexual interactions. This organization provides support and resources both online and in local communities across the country. They also have programs and support for family members, partners, friends, doctors, and others.

The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)

The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) is a well-known and trusted organization that helps survivors of sexual assault, including those who endured clergy abuse. They operate the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-HOPE), where survivors can call to receive guidance and support. This 24/7, confidential hotline will connect you with the services or support you need.

RAINN also sponsors numerous other programs to help survivors and prevent future abuse.

Our Clergy Sex Abuse Lawyers Provide Support and Legal Representation

If you want to know more about your legal options based on the clergy sex abuse you endured in Washington State, a personal injury lawyer from Jackman Law Firm is here to help you. We understand how difficult it is to discuss the abuse and talk about how to proceed with your case, but we are committed to helping you seek justice by:

• Holding the parties accountable for their actions
• Recovering compensation for your expenses and losses
• Preventing others from enduring the same type of abuse

Our law firm has a no-fee unless we win policy. We work on a contingency-fee basis, and our attorney’s fees always come from the money we recover for you in your case.

We are here to answer your questions and walk with you throughout this process. Trust us with your case, and we will handle all aspects of it so you can focus on your health and healing.

Resources to Learn More About and Report Clergy Sex Abuse in Washington State

First, know that if you are a survivor of clergy sexual abuse, you are not alone. Thousands of others are coming forward. Many likely have similar stories as you do. There is support and guidance available near you.

Washington State has three dioceses:

• Archdiocese of Seattle
• Diocese of Spokane
• Diocese of Yakima

Each of these dioceses has released a list of credibly accused clergy members. You can view those in your area by viewing these lists: Seattle, Spokane, and Yakima.

Often, survivors find that the clergy member who abused them also harmed others in a similar way. You may feel relieved to see their name on the list. However, you have legal options regardless of whether you see their name listed. You may be the person who steps forward and gets an abuser’s name added to the list.

We encourage all survivors who have not done so to report clergy sexual abuse in Washington State. We can walk you through this process with compassion and support, or you can use the resources below to navigate the process. There are several ways to report clergy abuse. They include contacting:

• Your local law enforcement agency, especially if there is immediate danger
• Washington State Office of the Attorney General
• Washington State Department of Children, Youth, & Families (DCYF), especially if the victim is still a minor

What Do Washington State Laws Say About Sexual Assault and Abuse?

It is never acceptable for another person to touch you sexually without your full consent. In fact, it is a crime. It is also morally and ethically wrong for someone in a position of authority to abuse the power they have to coerce any type of sexual activity. Survivors could have both criminal and civil cases against those who abused them.

Under WAC § 478-121-150, Washington State lawmakers define sexual assault. This includes any type of unwanted sexual contact, such as:

• Sexual contact without the other party’s full consent
• Any sexual touching or activity that involves a minor
• Sexual contact with someone who is incapacitated
• Sexual contact with someone who cannot give consent, such as someone with significant cognitive or physical disabilities

Many clergy abuse cases involve children or teens. They repeatedly endured sexual assault by a nun, priest, Catholic school teacher, or other church personnel. Any evidence to document this could support a criminal charge against the perpetrator.

Filing a Civil Lawsuit Against Abusive Church Leaders

A civil case could hold the perpetrator and the diocese legally accountable since the Church has a responsibility to protect children in its schools and programs. Under Washington State law, RCW § 4.16.340, childhood clergy abuse survivors have an extended time to sue. They generally have until they turn 18, recognize they survived abuse, and realize it caused ongoing harm.

These rules are complex, and those who endured clergy abuse as adults may have even less time to file a civil case. For this reason, we encourage survivors to connect with our team for a free, confidential case review as soon as possible.

Discuss Your Clergy Sexual Abuse Case With Our Team for Free

Jackman Law Firm provides free, confidential consultations for survivors of clergy abuse in Washington State. Our attorneys develop and pursue civil cases against individuals and institutions that harmed our clients, fighting for justice on their behalf.

 Contact us today for your free initial consultation with our team.