Cases of Southern Baptist sexual abuse between 2000 and 2019 impacted over 700 victims – that we know of – and found after a seven-month investigation. Officials even went on to maintain a private list of the abusers.
Victims, some as young as 14, recall being molested by pastors. One was left pregnant at 18 after years of abuse.
Abusers were, in some incidents, able to switch to other churches and remain in a position of power that allowed for future abuses to occur.
For 55+ years, we’ve worked diligently for victims of abuse to help them regain their voice. You can’t turn back time and stop the abuse, but you can:
- Hold abusers accountable
- Seek financial compensation
- Prevent others from becoming victims of abuse
Your voice deserves to be heard. We’ll help.
We know that you’re dealing with the trauma, confusion and pain of abuse. Processing how this can happen in a place of worship is challenging, but you were wronged. You deserve to worship without abuse and to seek justice for these injustices.
Leaders of the Southern Baptist Church (SBC) failed in their duty to protect victims and, in some cases, are accused of silencing victims.
Contact Cohen & Malad, LLP for a free consultation and we’ll discuss your rights with you and begin fighting back against the SBC.
Recent Reports of SBC Abuse Cases
A Federal lawsuit is underway that accuses SBC of:
- Covering up sexual abuse
- Failing to fire abusers
The lawsuit mentions a senior pastor, but victims have had their names kept private in the lawsuit. Multiple citations in the lawsuit show the extent of Southern Baptist sexual abuse, including the investigation previously linked showing 200 criminal cases and at least 700 victims of abuse at SBC churches.
Investigators allege:
- A senior pastor, who ended up being president of the church for many years, waited six months before terminating a pastor who admitted to molestation.
- SBC failed to report complaints and abuse to law enforcement.
Victim complaints were, as the lawsuit claims, concealed. Victims were shunned, and pregnant victims were encouraged to get abortions to hide the abuse.
A six-year lawsuit accusing Paul Pressler, a former judge and prominent figure of the church, was settled late in 2023. The accuser claims that Pressler pushed him into alcohol and drug abuse after raping him.
Multiple defendants state the church concealed the claims of abuse. In total, at least seven others came forward with claims of abuse. SBC settled the lawsuit for an undisclosed amount, but they were “fully prepared” to go to trial. Pressler denies all claims against him.
Will There Be a National Database?
Southern Baptist abuse claims have led to calls for a reform in the church. Volunteers have worked diligently to put reforms in place, but SBC announced that a task force has been created.
The task force is meant to be independent from SBC, and the plan is to:
- Create a Ministry Check website
- Include the names of all convicted abuses
- Include the names of those who have civil judgments against them
Churches will also receive a “Toolkit” to better address abuse. Video training and other materials will be provided to churches to assist them with handling abuse claims properly.
Activists have, for more than a decade, called for a database of all abusers. After years of pushback, it seems like church leaders are willing to take this step to better manage sexual abuse cases.
Even with a national database (or website), abuse will likely continue, even if it’s lower than in the past.
If you’re a victim, don’t ignore reporting your case because change “may be” on the way. You deserve justice for the abuse against you and can report it.
I Was a Victim of Sexual Abuse. Who Can I Report to?
If you are a victim of sexual abuse, it’s important to come forward and report the incident as soon as possible.
Victims of Southern Baptist sexual abuse can report the incident to:
- The local police department
- The Southern Baptist Church’s hotline at 202-864-5578
- Their local Baptist association
- The Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC)
Reporting the incident is the first step in seeking justice.
Helping Clients Seek Justice Through Sex Abuse Lawsuits
Sexual predators must be held accountable for their actions, especially if they are members of religious organizations that are supposed to create safe sanctuaries for members.
If the Southern Baptist Convention has failed to provide a safe environment or did not respond properly to reports of abuse, you may be able to seek justice through a civil lawsuit.
Even if your abuser is not listed in the documents released by the church or the abuse occurred before 2007, you may still have a case.
The experienced attorneys at Cohen & Malad, LLP can help you navigate the claim process, hold your abusers accountable and give voice to your story.
Understanding the Claim Process
Victims of abuse can seek compensation for the grievous losses they’ve suffered, including:
- The cost of medical care
- The cost of therapy
- Lost income if the abuse forced you to take time off of work to heal
- Loss of business or educational opportunities as a result of the abuse
- Pain and suffering
- Humiliation
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Disability
- Loss of reputation
To succeed with your claim, you must have proof of the church’s negligence. Church officials may have:
- Failed to ensure accountability
- Failed to act on reports of abuse
- Failed to prevent future abuse
- Suppressed reports of sexual abuse
- Attempted to silence victims with personal attacks
In some instances, churches have employed pastors and ministers with a history of sex offenses, including individuals listed on sexual offender registries.
The experienced and compassionate attorneys at Cohen & Malad, LLP can review your case, help you understand your rights and assist you in finding the best course of action.
Resources for Survivors of Sexual Abuse
Multiple organizations and resources are available for victims of sexual abuse. You deserve to restore your freedom and get the help you deserve to move on from the abuse. The following can help:
How Cohen & Malad, LLP Can Help
At Cohen & Malad, LLP, we understand how difficult it can be to come forward, tell your story and stand up to your abuser. Seeking justice in cases like these is never easy, but sexual predators should be held responsible for their actions. The Southern Baptist Convention should also be held accountable for their negligence.
The experienced and compassionate attorneys at Cohen & Malad, LLP can help ensure that your voice is heard and assist you in seeking compensation for your losses.
We have more than 55 years of proven results and go above and beyond to ensure our clients’ rights are protected.
If you, your child or a loved one is a victim of Southern Baptist sexual abuse, contact Cohen & Malad, LLP today for a free, confidential consultation with an experienced attorney.
