Sexual Abuse in Orthodox Jewish Communities
In recent years, Orthodox Jewish communities around the country have been rocked by abuse scandals involving rabbis and other figures of authority. In New York, child sexual abuse allegations have erupted in the Hasidic and Sephardic communities in Brooklyn, and even children attending Yeshiva schools have been victimized. Communities in other cities have also faced similar scandals. Like any other case of clergy abuse, these crimes have shattered the lives of victims and their families.
If you are a member of one of these tight knit Orthodox Jewish communities, it can be exceptionally difficult to come forward with a claim of sexual abuse. In addition to feelings of guilt and humiliation, you may fear being ostracized by your friends, family and community.
Our clergy sexual abuse lawyers want you to know that we are here to help. We will treat your case with the sensitivity and compassion it deserves. If you or a loved one were sexually abused by a rabbi or other authority figure in an Orthodox community, we will do everything we can to make sure you receive the generous compensation you need to get your life back.
The Difficulty in Coming Forward
As cases of clergy abuse in the Orthodox Jewish community have made news, it has become apparent that these victims have a difficult road. Traditionally, Hasidic and Sephardic communities have had their own religious courts, in which disputes or crimes are discussed and punishment is meted out. In many cases, Hasidic and Sephardic religious leaders have strongly discouraged sexual abuse victims from filing criminal or civil charges. All of this makes it difficult for a victim to come forward. In New York, this situation even prompted the Brooklyn district attorney's office to open a hotline for Orthodox abuse victims.
Coming forward with your story can empower not only yourself, but other victims as well. In recent years, members of the Hasidic and Sephardic Jewish communities in Brooklyn have come forward to report sexual abuse at the hands of rabbis, teachers and other individuals in positions of authority. Since then, many more have found themselves able to make similar accusations. Telling your story of sexual abuse could help other victims find the strength they need to speak out about their experiences.
If you or someone you love were the victim of sexual abuse at the hands of a rabbi or other Orthodox religious leader, it is important to know that you still have a right to seek compensation through the civil courts. If you choose to go that route, you can be assured that our clergy sexual abuse lawyers will handle your case with the respect and compassion you deserve.
Legal Help for Jewish Orthodox Victims of Clergy Abuse
Our clergy sexual abuse lawyers believe that no one should ever have to suffer because of this crime. If you or someone you know were a victim of child sexual abuse at the hands of an Orthodox rabbi, you deserve to be compensated for your injuries. Please fill out our online form, or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636) to discuss your case with one of our compassionate and experienced clergy sexual abuse lawyers.