Exposing Sexual Abuse in Youth Ministry

Recent headlines have illuminated numerous cases of youth pastors sexual abuse, where youth pastors are abusing their positions of authority to sexually abuse young people, leaving deep emotional scars on their young victims. From small towns to large cities, these incidents underscore an urgent need for vigilance and accountability across this growing religious movement within all religious sex. Youth pastor sexual abuse can take many forms. In general, the abuse tends to start by grooming their young victims. Sexual grooming is when someone builds a relationship with a child or a young person to gain their trust to then manipulate them into sexual activity. Grooming tends to start with giving the young person special treatments. This can be spending alone time with them, seemingly touching them in appropriate ways, such as touching their shoulders or tickling them, and finally discussing intimate or personal information such as if the child has had a boyfriend or a girlfriend.

Once they have established trust, they begin to escalate their behavior into sexual abuse, including inappropriate comments, inappropriate touching, and physical sexual abuse. For those who have suffered such abuse, it can take them years to label the experience as sexual abuse and from there can take even longer for them to seek help and healing. Survivors of youth passed their sexual abuse should know that they are not alone. It was not their fault, and they have rights and options. First, we recommend documenting everything you remember happening, including dates, times, who was involved, any potential witnesses or evidence, and what happens in your own words. Depending on the age of the victim and how long ago the abuse happened, it may be best to tell a trusted adult in their life. This can not only help them get the weight of this harm off their chest if they are still under 18 the adult can help them explore their options and be an advocate.

While we understand that many individuals do not feel comfortable reporting to law enforcement for a variety of reasons, this can be an important step to not only help the victim, but potentially help other victims and prevent future harm. If you have questions about the law enforcement reporting process, you can reach out to us at helping survivors or call a hotline like RAINN, who can answer your questions and provide support. Beyond reporting to law enforcement, which may result in criminal charges, you may also want to consider seeking information about filing a civil lawsuit against the youth pastor and or the church that employed the individual. Filing a civil lawsuit can not only help you seek monetary reparations for damages, but also help prevent future abuses by holding perpetrators and the institutions that enable them accountable.

Over the last few years, dozens of survivors of youth sexual abuse have come forward and filed clergy sexual abuse lawsuits, and oftentimes they can be filed under seal, such as filing as a Jane or John Doe to protect identities. Speaking to a lawyer and filing a clergy sexual abuse case should not cost you any money upfront, as these cases are taken on contingency, meaning the law firm is only compensated if and when you win the case. This means there is no risk or cost to reaching out and understanding your options. If you or someone has been affected, remember, you are not alone and help is available. Helping Survivors works with a variety of law firms around the country who can help support you in answering your questions and filing a lawsuit. Reach out to us today to learn more about your rights and options so you can take the next step in your healing journey.