ACTIVE LAWSUIT!
Published by On September 28, 2018, the decision handed down by the jury is pending review by a judge, and the national body of Jehovah’s Witnesses — the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York — declared its intention to challenge the verdict soon after it was issued.
Free Confidential Lawsuit Evaluation: If you or a loved one has been sexually abused by a member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a suit and our lawyers can help.
Table Of Contents
What’s the problem?
The Office of Public Information at the World Headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses replied to the verdict with this statement.
“Jehovah’s Witnesses abhor child abuse and strive to protect children from such acts. Watchtower is pursuing appellate review,” the letter read.
The Montana Jehovah’s Witnesses lawsuit is the first of dozens of similar cases filed in courts across the U.S. to reach the trial phase. All of the complaints cite similar allegations that the church mismanaged or covered up the sexual abuse of children.
Plaintiffs in the Montana case, now 32 and 21, alleged that 3 family members sexually abused them, and that they reported the abuse to church elders. They initially expelled the abuser from the congregation in 2004, then reinstated him the very next year, according to the lawsuit.
The lawsuit claimed the local and national Jehovah’s Witnesses organizations were negligent and violated a Montana law that requires them to report abuse to outside authorities.
Related:
- Clergy Sexual Harassment Claim
- Nationwide Evangelical Sexual Harassment Claim
- Dozens of St. Louis Jesuits Accused of Sex Abuse
- Baptist Child Molestation and Sexual Harassment Claim
FAQs
How does the Jehovah’s Witness organization handle sexual abuse allegations internally?
The Jehovah’s Witness organization typically handles abuse allegations through internal judicial committees rather than reporting the incidents to law enforcement. Critics argue this method prioritizes the organization’s reputation over victim safety.
Can I sue the Jehovah’s Witnesses even if I was a minor when the abuse occurred?
Yes, many survivors of childhood abuse can file lawsuits, especially as many states have extended statutes of limitations for minors to file claims, sometimes allowing lawsuits even decades after the abuse.
What are the legal challenges in suing religious organizations like Jehovah’s Witnesses for sexual abuse?
Legal challenges include the organization’s internal policies, such as the “two-witness rule,” the reluctance of witnesses to come forward, and complex legal defenses claiming religious freedom protections.
See the other sex harassment lawsuits that we’ve covered.
Do I have a Jehovah’s Witnesses Sex Abuse Lawsuit?
The Sexual Abuse Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Jehovah’s Witnesses lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new abuse and molestation cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been sexually abused by a member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.