Religious institutions should be places of trust and safety. However, for many survivors, the same institutions have been sites of abuse and betrayal. In Georgia, survivors of sexual misconduct by clergy or church leaders have legal options to hold both individuals and institutions accountable. Georgia law allows victims to seek justice for both recent and long-standing cases.

How Georgia Law Defines Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse includes rape, sexual battery, child molestation, and exploitation. Georgia law recognizes that religious institutions can be held responsible if they ignored or covered up reports of abuse​.

State law also requires certain professionals, including clergy members, to report suspected child abuse. If a church failed to report allegations, it could face legal consequences​.

Can a Church Be Held Liable?

Churches and religious organizations can be sued if they allowed abuse to happen or failed to protect victims. Common examples of negligence include:

  • Failing to supervise clergy members who had access to children or vulnerable adults.
  • Ignoring complaints from victims or their families.
  • Moving abusers to different churches instead of reporting them to law enforcement​.

A civil lawsuit against a religious institution can seek compensation for medical expenses, therapy, lost wages, and emotional distress​.

Criminal vs. Civil Legal Actions

Lawsuits can either be criminal or civil.

  • A criminal case is brought by the state and can result in jail time for the abuser. However, it does not provide financial compensation to the survivor​.
  • A civil lawsuit allows victims to hold churches accountable. Therefore, victims can receive damages for the harm they suffered. Even if a criminal case is not pursued, a civil lawsuit can still move forward​.

What Survivors Can Do

If you or a loved one has been abused by a religious leader, you can take the following steps to help bring justice.

  • Report the abuse to law enforcement and church officials.
  • Gather evidence. These could be medical records, past reports, or witness statements.
  • Speak with an attorney who has experience in clergy abuse cases​.

We Can Help You Find Justice

Survivors of clergy abuse deserve justice and accountability. If you or someone you know has suffered abuse by a religious institution, please remember that there are legal actions. Contact The Williams Litigation Group today for a confidential consultation.