Often this sexual abuse is perpetrated by someone close to the victim, such as a trusted family member, friend, co-worker or respected religious figure. Religious institutions provide a sexual predator the opportunity to groom victims in a setting where there is an implied trust. This breach of trust is one of the reasons sexual abuse by clergy is particularly harmful to the victim.
Our attorneys are experienced at handling sexual abuse cases against various religious institutions, including but not limited to the Roman Catholic Church, the Baptist Church, the Episcopal Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons), and Judaism.
Sexual abuse has long life-lasting effects on the victims of these heinous acts, as well as on their families friends, and loved ones. When the victim is a child or a vulnerable adult, the harmful effects can be even more devastating. The attorneys at The Blake Horwitz Law Firm are sensitive to the suffering experienced by sexual abuse victims and survivors and will hold sexual abusers, their supervisors and the organizations they work for accountable.
SENSITIVE, COMPASSIONATE, UNDERSTANDING
It takes bravery to seek justice. For survivors of sexual abuse, the decision to come forward can be agonizing. At The Blake Horwitz Law Firm, our team of compassionate attorneys is here to listen with patience and understanding. We believe every survivor deserves to be affirmed and believed, without judgment. Our clients rest assured that everything they share with us is completely confidential.
PROTECTING YOUR PRIVACY
Privacy is one of the biggest concerns for survivors of sexual abuse. Many survivors are hesitant to come forward because they do not want their names in the press. At The Blake Horwitz Law Firm, we are dedicated to protecting our client’s privacy. Our firm has successfully settled numerous sex abuse cases without ever having to go to court.
In some cases, filing a lawsuit cannot be avoided. Fortunately, the law allows survivors to file a lawsuit under the name “John Doe” or “Jane Doe.” In this way, survivors do not need to put their names on documents filed with the court. This allows survivors of sexual abuse to bring lawsuits against their abusers without having to worry about their names being in the press.
The Blake Horwitz Law Firm has had many successes with “John Doe” cases, including an $8 million settlement against the Archdiocese of Chicago, the largest single individual recovery in U.S. history for a priest sex abuse case.
If you are a survivor of sexual abuse and are worried about protecting your privacy, do not hesitate to contact our firm. We will protect your privacy and still get you the justice you deserve.
DEALING WITH THE PRESS
In some cases, it can be advantageous to go to the press. Getting a case in the press can be helpful for putting pressure on a defendant to settle. At The Blake Horwitz Law Firm, we have prosecuted many high-profile cases that received significant press. Our firm has been featured on such news outlets as ABC, CBS, NBC, WGN, Univision, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, and Daily Herald.
Our firm always consults with our clients before contacting the press. It is important for the law firm and client to be on the same page. With our clients’ approval, the attorneys at The Blake Horwitz Law Firm know the most effective ways to generate press. However, we are always respectful when our clients desire to protect their privacy.
