ABUSED BY A JEHOVAH’S WITNESS MEMBER IN CALIFORNIA?
Don’t Suffer in Silence
We’re here to support you through this difficult time and advocate for your right to healing.
If you or a loved one was sexually abused by a member of the Jehovah’s Witness congregation in California, contact us today. California’s 3-year “lookback window” opens soon and may give you second chance to hold the Jehovah’s Witness Church accountable for your abuse.
california jehovah’s witness sexual abuse
Decades of Hidden Abuse
Shocking testimonies have unveiled Jehovah’s Witnesses and their parent corporation the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York have allegedly silenced and ignored claims of sexual abuse for decades, allowing sexual predators to walk free.
According to the claims of sexual abuse survivors and advocates, the Watchtower Society has amassed nearly 10,000 names of alleged sexual abusers in Jehovah’s Witness congregations. However, they blatantly refuse to release those names to law enforcement and the public, shielding child sex abusers to protect the face of the religion.
JEHOVAH’S WITNESS SEX ABUSE ALLEGATIONS
Corrupt Abuse Reporting System
Experts claim Watchtower Society instructed elders in the Jehovah’s Witness congregation to report cases of sexual abuse directly to them, not the police. ABC News even said the Watchtower Society sent a letter to Jehovah’s Witness elders saying to keep sexual abuse allegations among church leaders, because “wordly people are quick to resort to lawsuits if they feel their ‘rights’ have been violated.” From this steady process of internalizing sexual abuse reports, over the years, the Watchtower Society has kept and hidden the names of thousands of alleged sexual predators. None of these reports were ever turned over to local authorities.
Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Watchtower Society say they are under no “secular” legal requirement to report sexual abuse claims. They, instead, implement a harsh “two or more witness” rule within the congregation to take care of sexual abuse claims. If sexual abuse is reported to elders in the Jehovah’s Witness congregation, they dictate that two or more witnesses of the abuse need to be produced in order for the claim to be credible. Because of the two-witness rule, many Jehovah’s Witness sexual predators are never brought to justice, never face any consequences, and are free to abuse more children.
HOW CAN WE HELP?
- We can let you know you have legal options to reach justice
- We can pursue compensation for you to help in your recovery
- We can offer you a free case evaluation to help you decide if you have a case to pursue.
Hold Your Jehovah’s Witness Congregation Responsible
Your trust and innocence was exploited. This alone is devastating and terrifying. But to also be betrayed by the congregation you relied on for support and guidance after being sexually abused should never be a pain you need to face. The elders and leaders in the California Jehovah’s Witness congregation failed to protect you and others. For this, they need to be held accountable for their negligence so future generations of children in California Kingdom Halls of Jehovah’s Witnesses can be protected.
New California Laws, Second Chance for Victims
California laws have finally changed for the better. With the signing of AB 218 into law, California sexual abuse survivors now have more time to pursue action against their abusers in court.
AB218 Means California Sexual Abuse Victims:
- Have until they are 40 years old to file a lawsuit against abusers
- Can file a lawsuit five years after abuse discovery or discovery of injuries from sexual abuse
- Have a three-year lookback window that completely removes the statute of limitations for sexual abuse for three years.
The clock is ticking. California’s three-year lookback window opens January 1, 2020 and ends January 1, 2023.
AVA Law Group
GET JUSTICE & COMPENSATION
Your voice and story are valued! We understand how difficult it can be to share the story of your abuse, and we want to support you throughout the process of filing a claim against the Catholic Church.
When you contact AVA Law Group, you talk with professionals with expertise and concern necessary to handle your case with the utmost care. We ensure you always talk with a live representative.
COMPENSATION FOR ABUSE
Our sexual abuse attorneys have impressive records of recovering just compensation for clients. We fight tirelessly for your right to compensation for the abuse you endured in the Catholic Church.
We understand it can’t undo the crimes of the past, but cash settlements often help sexual abuse victims on their road to recovery by covering financial burdens such as therapy and counseling. Our sexual abuse lawyers have years of experience handling even the most difficult sexual abuse cases. We fight so you can focus on healing and recovery.
YOU DON’T PAY UNTIL WE WIN
You don’t pay a thing until we win or settle! We operate on a contingency-fee basis, so you don’t pay us anything until we win or settle your case.
Contact us today to learn if you are eligible for monetary compensation for the abuse you endured in the Catholic Church. We offer free, no obligation case evaluations 24/7, so call AVA Law Group today.
We make walking through the legal process easy
Problem Solving is our promise
We provide a team of attorney, paralegals, and case managers to clients at no upfront cost.
AVA Law Group eliminates the confusion of filing a claim by working on your claim and, if necessary, connecting you with one our many partner firms that fits your needs and will get you the best results.
We’re available 24/7 to provide you with the information you need about case qualification.