Religious Institution Abuse Investigation

By Bruno OrtegaPersonal Injury

Migliaccio & Rathod LLP is investigating religious institution abuse, including the LDS Church, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and the Catholic Church, for their role in enabling and covering up sexual assault.

What’s the Issue?

For decades, survivors have reported sexual abuse by clergy, youth leaders, and members of religious communities. In many cases, the abuse was not an isolated failure. Churches and religious organizations often:

  • Failed to protect minors involved in youth and faith programs;

  • Ignored or dismissed reports of abuse;

  • Blamed the victims or pressured them to stay silent;

  • Kept known abusers in leadership roles;

  • Used internal “hotlines” and legal teams to avoid reporting to law enforcement.

These practices weren’t limited to one denomination. Similar allegations have surfaced across multiple faith traditions, including the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), the Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Catholic dioceses across the country.

Why Investigating Religious Institution Abuse Matters

Religious institutions hold a position of trust, especially when it comes to children. When leaders abuse that trust or cover for others who do, the damage is lasting. Survivors often carry that trauma for years, struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, and difficulty forming relationships. Many never feel safe speaking out until long after the abuse occurred.

Legal Violations

Churches and religious organizations may be held legally accountable for:

  • Failing to supervise, investigate, or remove abusive clergy or leaders;

  • Covering up abuse and discouraging reporting to outside authorities;

  • Creating unsafe environments that allowed abuse to happen in the first place;

  • Violating state laws on mandatory reporting, negligence, or childhood sexual abuse.

You May Have a Legal Claim If:

  • You were sexually abused as a minor while participating in a religious or youth program;

  • You told a church leader or adult, and they failed to protect you or discouraged you from speaking up;

  • The institution had a pattern of ignoring or concealing abuse;

  • You’ve suffered emotional or psychological harm because of what happened.

Contact Us

If you or someone you know was abused in a religious setting and the institution failed to act, you don’t have to carry it alone. We may be able to help.

Reach out to us confidentially by completing the form below, emailing [email protected], or calling (202) 470-3520. All consultations are strictly private.