sexual abuse attorneys Archives -

The Voice of a Survivor of Church Sexual Abuse in Baltimore

Posted on January 19, 2024April 5, 2024 by Loni Liss

Rebecca was a sweet 14-year-old little girl in the 8th grade when she was violently raped and sexually assaulted. The sexual abuse and rape happened while she was in school at St Peter Clavers Catholic School in Baltimore. They told her that the church sexual abuse was her fault.

Life has been very challenging for our client. She had to fight internal demons her entire life just to get from one day to the next. She didn’t realize until recently that the abuse she sustained as a young girl was not her fault.

Sadly, Rebecca carried the trauma of her childhood sexual abuse throughout her life, like many other survivors. Now, 50 years later, she has hired The Yost Legal Group to file a claim on her behalf against the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

Rebecca is standing up and speaking out by writing poems about the abuse. She is extremely shy but has found her voice through her writings. Here is a poem Rebecca wanted to share.

The Catholic Church allowed the sexual abuse of thousands of children.

Rebecca’s Poem, A Survivor’s POINT OF VIEW

It was such an honor serving next to God’s right-hand man.

They taught us all we know about being a devoted Catholic.

We served as altar boys. We did folk masses and then the long-awaited confirmation.

But through it all, you taught us something else.

You said we should be honored to be selected.

At first, you touched us. You knew what to do and where to touch.

You said we know you were doing the right thing because it feels good.

We were confused. What is this you are doing? How could this be right?

But you kept coming. You kept touching and exploring.

We complained. We don’t want to do this. But you insisted that we should be honored.

God chose us. We are special. But you can’t tell anyone.

Then you wanted us to touch you. This can’t be right.

But you know best. You’re an adult. You are next to God.

What do we know? We are just kids. You are here to take care of us, right?

Then it happens. We are violated in the ultimate way.

It hurts so bad. We beg you to stop. We cry to no avail.

Then it’s over. You tell us this is our little secret.

Little do we know you’ll be back for more and more.

Why do we feel so dirty and bad? We can’t stand to look at ourselves.

We can’t concentrate. How can we face our parents? If they knew, they would disown us.

This secret is killing us, but we can’t tell. We are wrong. We are bad.

We wish we could just disappear. We’re not fit to be in this world.

Life sucks.

Now we are older. The abuse has stopped, but the pain lingers on.

We haven’t told anyone. He got away with it.

He ruined our lives. We suffered unnecessarily, and for what, your pleasure?

We trusted you. We put our lives in your hands.

You hurt us in more ways than one, and you’re not even sorry.

You teach us to atone for our sins, to confess to God.

When will you? What penance will you do for your sins? 10 Hail Mary’s?

You were wrong. You owe us compensation and restitution for our pain and suffering.

You also owe us your solemn oath that this will not happen again.

All of you let this happen, but no more.

If the Catholic Church is for real, then they will take steps to ensure our safety and not cover up wrongdoing.

As for us, pray for us that we will heal. In fact, now that the secret is out, that is the beginning of healing.

We know now. We are not dirty. We are not bad.

We were victims but are now survivors and productive members of society.

We are united. You can no longer hurt us, and we are determined that you will not hurt anyone else.

We are strong, and we are one.

—- By Rebecca W.

Let The Yost Legal Group File a child sexual abuse claim on your behalf.

The church enabled the child sexual abuse of thousands of children over the last 75 years. At The Yost Legal Group, our church sexual abuse lawyers are fighting back for all survivors to seek justice and financial compensation.

Rebecca, along with many other men and women, has hired The Yost Legal Group to file a claim against the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Our sexual assault lawyers will fight back against the injustice of the church molestation.

It is time to come forward and tell your story. Because of the bankruptcy, time is running out for you to file a claim. If you were molested at church, our caring and compassionate child sexual abuse lawyers can help you.

By telling your story, you can help prevent other children from suffering abuse.

If you were sexually abused at church, in school, or at an after-school program connected to the Archdiocese of Baltimore, call us at 1-800-967-8529.

We are here to listen to your story and fight for the justice you deserve.

Free Legal Consultation to Discuss Church Sexual Abuse Claims.

It will NOT cost you anything to discuss your case. We do not charge anything upfront. In fact, you do not need to pay us anything until after we settle your case. And if there is no settlement, there are no fees or expenses due.

The Yost Legal Group is honored to represent Rebecca and all survivors of child sexual abuse by the church.

Baltimore Catholic High School Sexual Abuse Claims

Posted on June 25, 2023July 8, 2023 by YostLaw

for Sexual Abuse Survivors at Catholic High School in Baltimore

CNN recently ran a story about four real-life survivor’s accounts of rampant sexual abuse against young girls in Baltimore. Four survivors shared their stories more than 50 years after priests brutally, physically, and sexually assaulted them.

It happened repeatedly at an all-girls Catholic high school in Baltimore. Sexual abuse is a heinous crime that leaves lasting scars on survivors.

Such was the case with the abuses that happened for decades at Archbishop Keough High School in Baltimore, Maryland. Four survivors courageously shared their stories of physical and sexual assaults that they endured at the hands of priests.

Their accounts are harrowing and shed light on the rampant abuse that went on in the Catholic church unchecked for decades.

Uncovering the Truth of Archbishop Keough High School

Father Joseph Maskell, the school’s chaplain, was the ringmaster of the abuse at Archbishop Keough High School. In addition to Maskell, other priests, and a counselor were also involved in statutory rape and other atrocities.

They would lure the young girls into the school’s chapel, where they would physically molest and sexually assault them. They also used hot wax and bestiality, forcing the girls to participate in Satanic rituals.

The sex crimes and sexual offenses were not limited to the school. The child molestation also occurred at Maskell’s vacation home in Maryland and a church in another state. None of these young girls were at the age of consent.

Sexual assault by church leaders has left long-term emotional trauma and PTSD for hundreds of women.

A number of brave survivors who spoke to CNN gave graphic details of their abuse at the hands of these priests. One survivor said that Maskell told her he was exorcising demons from her, but instead, he was abusing her.

The girls subjected to this abuse had no one to turn to. Their parents and teachers never listened when they tried to tell them what was happening. They were often threatened with dire consequences if they dared to speak up.

Only years later, these survivors found the courage to come forward and share their stories. Sadly, by then, many of the abusers had died, and it was almost impossible to prosecute those still alive.

One of the most shocking aspects of the abuse at Archbishop Keough High School is how the Catholic Church enabled it. The church authorities knew of the abuse but covered it up for years. They would transfer the abusive priests to other dioceses instead of taking action against them.

The Child Victims Act – How the Recent Baltimore Law Affects You

A recent report by the Baltimore Attorney General’s office documents more than 600 accounts of sexual abuse against children. The abuses happened while under the care of the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

The survivors who have come forward with their stories of abuse at Archbishop Keough High School are brave. They shine a light on the dark history of the Catholic Church.

Their bravery in speaking up is commendable. We owe it to them to demand accountability from the church. No institution is above the law.

Take a Stand and Seek Justice with The Yost Legal Group

The recent passing of the Child Victims Act in Baltimore is a significant win for abuse survivors. This act allows survivors to seek justice for crimes committed against them even after decades have passed.

Many survivors of church abuse in Baltimore have lived in silence and pain for years, unable to pursue legal action. This landmark law allows individuals to seek redress and hold abusers accountable for their actions.

If you were sexually abused by the church or religious school in Baltimore, call our sexual assault lawyers. The new Child Victims Act is an opportunity to reclaim your power and seek justice for the wrongs committed against you.

Our sexual abuse lawyers know that taking legal action may be challenging. It’s worth considering what justice might look like and how it could improve your life.

Together, our child abuse attorneys can bring healing and justice to survivors of child sexual abuse.

How the Child Victims Act works and what you must do to access justice.

Now, sexual abuse claims against churches and other institutions can be filed for years, even decades, after the abuse occurred. By exposing these crimes, you can help prevent future abuses.

If you, a friend, or a family member were sexually assaulted between 1973 to 2023 by clergy, a teacher, or a guidance counselor, contact us for help.

The Yost Legal Group can help protect you and go after the system that allowed the abuse.

We’ll fight for you, and we’ll stand up for you. We want to make sure you get the justice you deserve, as well as financial compensation to help make your life a little bit easier. You may receive compensation for the damages suffered from the abuse.

This includes money for medical expenses, lost wages, therapy and treatment, and for years of pain and suffering.

If you were sexually assaulted at Archbishop Keough High School, call The Yost Legal Group. We are filing claims against the Archdiocese of Baltimore on behalf of women.

Don’t hesitate to contact us today at 1-800-Yost-Law for a free initial consultation. We will explain how you can pursue justice and financial compensation. Let us help you get the closure you deserve.

You never have to pay any fees upfront when hiring The Yost Legal Group. No money is due while we build your case and file your claim. We only get paid after we settle your case successfully. And if there is no recovery, no fees or expenses are due.

Sexual Abuse Helpline and Definitions of rape and sexual assault

Help for Sexual Assault: Hotline for sexual assault: 1-800-656-4673

Sexual Assault Definition: Sexual assault is an act in which one intentionally sexually touches another person without that person’s consent or coerces or physically forces a person to engage in a sexual act against their will.[1] It is a form of sexual violence that includes child sexual abuse, groping, rape (forced sexual penetration, no matter how slight), drug-facilitated sexual assault), and the torture of the person in a sexual manner.[1][2][3] (The work is released under CC-BY-SA )

Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_assault

Rape Definition: Rape is a type of sexual assault involving sexual intercourse or other forms of sexual penetration carried out against a person without their consent. The act may be carried out by physical force, coercion, abuse of authority, or against a person who is incapable of giving valid consent, such as one who is unconscious, incapacitated, has an intellectual disability, or is below the legal age of consent.[1][2] The term rape is sometimes used interchangeably with the term sexual assault.[3] (The work is released under CC-BY-SA )

Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rape

Help for Survivors of Clergy Sexual Abuse in Baltimore

Posted on May 18, 2023May 20, 2023 by YostLaw

Sexual abuse is a terrible crime. It not only violates a person in a physical sense but also robs them of their innocence and dignity. There is help available for Survivors of Clergy Sexual Abuse in Baltimore. This is especially heartbreaking when those in positions of morality, such as members of the Catholic Church, are behind the abuses.

Sadly, this has been the case in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. A report was recently released. It revealed that over 600 children were sexually abused by 150 priests and other church affiliates over the past 80 years.

In this blog, we delve deeper into the report’s findings, the church’s response, and how victim-survivors can seek justice.

The Maryland Attorney General’s Office released the report. It accused the archdiocese of decades of cover-ups. It also painted a damning picture of the church’s failure to protect vulnerable children.

Shockingly, some parishes, schools, and congregations had more than one abuser at the same time. Several instances of multiple abusers were identified at St. Mark Parish in Catonsville. Between 1964 and 2004, 11 abusers lived and worked in the area.

This level of abuse and cover-up is hard to imagine and demands immediate action.

Even if your clergy sexual abuse occurred over 50 years ago, we can seek justice on your behalf.

Making the Church Accountable for Its Crimes

Based on the report’s findings, the church hierarchy has been held culpable for the staggering pervasiveness of the abuse.

The number of abusers and victims is alarming, and so is the severity of the abuser’s behavior. Shockingly, known abusers were often allowed to keep victimizing children.

The report identified 156 individuals who abused over 600 children, but the actual number of victims may be much higher than that.

The report’s disclosure sparked outrage and renewed calls for justice. Victim-survivors deserve justice, restitution, and the opportunity to heal. The Catholic Church must be held accountable for the abuse it allowed to persist for decades.

The church’s response has been a mixed bag so far. Several officials have expressed regret over the abuse, while others have remained silent.

Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore apologized publicly. In his statement, he promised to be part of the solution. He also admitted to the church’s complicity.

He asked believers to use the report’s findings to strengthen their faith. However, many survivors, advocates, and their families are not convinced.

They feel betrayed and have lost all faith in a system that allowed the abuse to go on unchecked.

Getting Justice for Those Sexually Abused by the Baltimore Archdiocese

The revelations of sexual abuse within the Archdiocese of Baltimore are shocking. They reveal the corruption that is ingrained in the Catholic Church. We must stand with the survivors of the abuse and demand accountability from church officials.

The Catholic Church must prioritize protecting the innocent and the vulnerable, not its image or reputation. Victims deserve not just apologies but justice – an end to these heinous abuses and the assurance of never again being victimized.

The release of this report is a step in the right direction, and it’s our hope that justice will be served. Together, let us fight for victims’ rights and stamp out sexual abuse in all its forms.

First and foremost, there is no shame in being a victim of sexual abuse. At the Yost Legal Group, we recognize the bravery of those who speak out about their experiences. We are committed to advocating for their rights.

Seeking Financial Justice for Baltimore’s Sexual Abuse Survivors

Every abuse case is unique, and that is why our child sexual abuse lawyers will discuss your situation for free.

The impact of sexual abuse can endure for many years and manifest in different ways. You may suffer from emotional, psychological, and physical trauma that requires treatment and support.

If you or a loved one has been impacted by such an ordeal, you are not alone. The Yost Legal Group can provide the help, support, and guidance you are looking for.

There are ways in which we can seek financial compensation for you as one way to fight back against your abuser.

– If you have incurred expenses relating to therapy, medical care, and lost income.

– You may seek compensation for pain and suffering.

– Other related expenses throughout your life related to your mental and physical well-being.

– Unable to build your career or advance in job opportunities.

We know that no monetary compensation can right the wrongs that were done to you. It can, however, help you regain some control over your life and help you move forward.

Seeking restitution from the institution that enabled the abuse to occur should not be confused with seeking financial gain. Our sexual abuse attorney division will stand up for you with dignity and respect.

Punishment for those who contributed to the trauma should include economic and legal repercussions. There is now a new law that removes the statute of limitations for adult survivors in the state of Maryland.

The Yost Legal Group is helping survivors of Catholic Church Sexual Abuse claims.

The Yost Legal Group Is Here to Help

At the Yost Legal Group, we have experience representing men and women who are sexual abuse survivors by the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

We understand that each case is unique and requires a high level of sensitivity, discretion, and compassion. A clergy sexual abuse lawyer will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the justice and compensation that you rightfully deserve.

No amount of money can give back what was taken from you. However, holding accountable those who contributed to your trauma can provide a path to healing and recovery. It is your right to take legal action against the catholic priests and their sexual offenses.

The road to recovery can be challenging, but with the right team of professionals by your side, it can be made easier. Contact the Yost Legal Group today and let us help you take the first step towards finding peace of mind.

For too long, vulnerable targets of sexual abuse have been silenced and their trauma ignored. At the Yost Legal Group, a sexual abuse lawyer will fight for your rights while maintaining your privacy. If you have been molested by someone in the church, there is help for sexual abuse survivors.

If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual abuse by the Archdiocese of Baltimore, don’t suffer in silence. Call a sexual assault lawyer today at 1-800-Yost-Law. Let us help you seek the justice and compensation that you deserve.

Together, we can work towards you taking your power back.

Tag: sexual abuse attorneys