Holding Texas Churches Accountable for Sexual Abuse Cover-Ups

Churches should be safe havens within the community. However, in recent years, widespread reports of sexual abuse within religious institutions have shaken the public’s trust.  Too many people, many of them children, have experienced sexual misconduct at the hands of religious leaders over the past several decades. 

What is even more disturbing is that many churches have actively covered up allegations of abuse. If you have suffered abuse at the hands of a church leader or affiliated staff, you have legal rights. A reputable personal injury law firm can help you hold churches that cover up abuse accountable. 

Can a Church Be Held Liable for Sexual Abuse Cover-Ups?

Churches are some of the most common places where sexual abuse happens. In Texas, churches and religious organizations can be held responsible for sexual abuse when they fail to protect victims, fail to report crimes, or actively hide the abuse to protect their reputation. A church can be found legally liable for abuse when:  

• Church officials were aware of abuse but chose to ignore, minimize, or silence victims.
• The church moved accused clergy members to another parish or location.
• The church failed to screen employees, volunteers, or clergy members, allowing a known offender to work with children or vulnerable individuals.
• Church leaders threatened survivors into remaining silent or manipulated them into believing that speaking out would harm the church or go against God’s will.

While religious organizations often claim First Amendment protections, churches are not above the law. Therefore, if a religious institution’s negligence or misconduct led to or enabled abuse, they can be held legally accountable.  

Legal Options for Survivors of Church Sexual Abuse in Texas 

If you or a family member has been sexually abused within a Texas church, there are multiple legal paths you can take to seek justice. These include:  

Filing a Civil Abuse Claim Against the Church

Survivors have the right to file a civil lawsuit against the church, its leadership, and any affiliated organizations responsible for covering up abuse. A successful lawsuit can help recover financial compensation for:  

• Medical bills and therapy costs  
• Lost wages due to emotional trauma  
• Pain and suffering
• Punitive damages against the church for gross negligence  

Although such civil abuse claims can provide financial relief, they also serve to expose religious institutions that have engaged in systematic cover-ups for years. Legal actions can force them to change their practices and protect future victims.  

Criminal Charges Against the Perpetrator

Sexual abuse is a criminal act in Texas, and survivors have the right to report their abusers to law enforcement. Even if the abuse happened years ago, there may still be legal options. Criminal charges can remove offenders from positions of power and prevent them from harming others.  

Filing a Claim Under the Texas Child Victims Act

In 2019, Texas lawmakers extended the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse cases. Under House Bill 3809, survivors now have until the age of 48 to file a lawsuit against their abuser and any institution that enabled the abuse.  

This law recognizes that many survivors of child sexual abuse do not come forward until decades later due to fear, trauma, or suppression by the institutions that failed them. Therefore,  if you were abused as a child in a religious setting, you still can take legal action up to 30 years after your 18th birthday.  Note that there is no statute of limitations period for repeated sexual abuse of a child. 

Clerical abuse typically targets minors due to the authority and influence of religious leaders. It is, therefore, highly advisable to hire a Texas church sexual abuse lawyer, like those here at Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway P.C. They can help overcome the obstacles associated with holding churches accountable and build a strong case to seek justice.  

Contact a Texas Church Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today

A church sexual abuse lawyer in Texas can help you understand your rights and take legal action against the responsible church. The legal team at Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway P.C. will work with investigators or law enforcement to uncover evidence of the abuse. Call 800-433-2408 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation.