Jehovah's Witnesses Sex Abuse

Jed Dietrich, Esq., is Recognized as a Top 3 Personal Injury Lawyer in Buffalo, New York, and is Dedicated to Representing Individuals Who Have Suffered as a Result of Sexual Abuse.

Reports of sexual abuse within church congregations have become increasingly common throughout recent years. The Catholic Church, in particular, has buckled under the weight of accusations from past victims of abuse, but it is not the only religious institution to face such charges. Former members of Jehovah’s Witnesses have started to come forward with allegations of sexual abuse. According to these survivors, the church elders were often guilty of concealing incidents of abuse, believing that the matter should be dealt with internally.

Jed Dietrich, Esq. has spent the past twenty years working as a personal injury attorney, tackling countless personal injury cases across the Western New York area. Today, he and his team of recognized Best Lawyers are more than prepared to represent you in a sexual assault case. Their priority is to ensure that you receive compensation for your injuries. Call us today at (716) 839-3939 or visit us online for your free consultation.

Perhaps most famous as door-to-door evangelists, Jehovah’s Witnesses lead a complicated and deeply private faith life, one which is separated from outside influences. Jehovah’s Witnesses are a Christian denomination whose teachings and beliefs are drawn from examples in the Bible. Those within this religious group “strive to adhere to the form of Christianity that Jesus taught and that his apostles practiced.” If a concept is not confirmed by the teachings of the Bible, it is discounted as false.

Jehovah’s Witnesses are a small and private community. Because it is their custom not to involve individuals outside of their congregational sphere with problems inside the community, many victims of sexual abuse among Jehovah’s Witnesses have failed to bring instances of abuse to the attention of the authorities.

The Dietrich Law Firm P.C. has been helping victims throughout Buffalo, New York, for over a decade. In that time, it has championed countless personal injury claims. If you are looking for a team of dedicated, hardworking, and skilled lawyers to represent you, the Dietrich Law Firm, P.C., is your top choice. For more information on how we might best represent you, call us today for your free consultation at (716) 839-3939 or contact us online.

The American Psychological Association defines sexual abuse as any “unwanted sexual activity, with perpetrators using force, making threats, or taking advantage of victims not able to give consent.” The individuals at the highest risk for sexual abuse are between the ages of twelve and thirty-four. In most instances of sexual assault, the perpetrator is known to the victim. In tightly-knit communities, such as that of Jehovah’s Witnesses, a sexual perpetrator is likely to have greater, unimpeded access to a victim. And for that victim, isolated in the community, they are less able to seek out the necessary help following an instance of abuse.

Among Jehovah’s Witnesses, the response to child molesters in the past has been to bring the abused and abuser before a group of elders to discuss and pray about the incident, a custom that is humiliating for the victim and allows the abuser to face little consequences. Numerous former members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses congregation reported that the policy among the elders is to keep issues internal. Issues, including instances of sexual abuse, should be addressed by the elders and should not involve ‘outsiders’ who are not a part of the Jehovah’s Witness faith. While all individuals deserve to have their faith respected, it is equally as important to see that public law is upheld. Sexual abuse is a serious crime and should be reported to the authorities. Concealing instances of sexual abuse is almost as heinous as committing the act and is a punishable offense.

Jed Dietrich, Esq., recognized as a New York Super Lawyer, is well acquainted with the often calamitous effects of personal injury. He has represented countless clients over the years, attaining over $175,000,000 in successful wins for his personal injury clients. If you believe that you or a loved one have been injured in Buffalo, New York, do not hesitate to reach out to the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. at (716) 839-3939 or by filling out the online consultation form.

For victims of sexual abuse, it can be extremely challenging to report their situation to the authorities. They are often ashamed to tell others what has happened to them or afraid of the repercussions if they come forward. However, many find the courage to report their abusers in order to ensure that others do not suffer the same trauma. Survivors of sexual abuse are strongly encouraged to report their assaults to the authorities and to seek out help from friends, family, or support groups. The following is a list of resources available to victims of sexual abuse:

1. The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN): an organization dedicated to fighting sexual violence in the United States;
2. The United States Department of Health & Human Services: a website offering resources for children who have suffered sexual abuse; and
3. The National Sexual Assault Hotline is available for any individual in need of help. They can be reached by phone at (800) 656-4673 or through their online Chat.

Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at (716) 839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Buffalo, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!