Abused at Church by a
Priest or Clergy Member
Injury Law Made Personal®
For many families, church is the safest place they know. Children serve at the altar, sing in the choir and spend time with the clergy their parents trust. When a priest or church leader abuses a child, and others knew or should have known, Illinois law can hold more than one person responsible. Ankin Law has fought for injured Chicagoans for over 35 years.
Call 312.600.0000 Free Case ReviewWhy Abuse by Clergy Is Never a Child’s Fault
Serving at the Altar
Two boys in white walk down the aisle before the service. Families trust the church with their children because the church asks them to.
A Place Built on Trust
Children are taught to obey the clergy. That authority is exactly what an abuser uses, and why the church that gave it to him has to answer for how it was used.
Followed Down the Aisle
A man in a cassock follows the boys toward the altar. Whether anyone had warned the church about him, and what it did then, often decides the case.
Is a Free Consultation Really Free?
Howard Ankin answers your questions directly.
What Illinois Law Says About Abuse by Clergy
were abused by 451 clergy and religious brothers in Illinois between 1950 and 2019, according to a 2023 report by the Illinois Attorney General
Members of the clergy are mandated reporters in Illinois. When they have reason to believe a child is being abused, the law requires them to report it to the state
for most lawsuits over the sexual abuse of a child in Illinois today. For other injuries, the usual deadlines are short, and claims against a public body have their own notice rules
Who Answers — and What Your Child Can Recover
The Abuser
The priest, minister or church worker who abused a child answers for it in court, whether or not he was ever criminally charged.
The Church Above Him
Illinois asks whether the parish, diocese or religious order knew or should have known, moved him instead of stopping him, or kept warnings quiet. Personnel files often tell that story.
What Your Child Can Recover
Counseling and medical care, and what the harm actually costs — pain and suffering, emotional distress and loss of a normal life. Many survivors come forward as adults, in complete confidence.
Why Ankin Law Is the Right Call After Abuse by Clergy
The Files Exist
Churches keep personnel records, transfer letters and complaint files. Ankin Law knows how to ask for them and what to look for in them.
It Is Never Too Late to Ask
Many survivors carry this for decades. In Illinois today most child sexual abuse claims have no time limit, and a confidential call costs nothing.
No Fee Unless You Win
You pay nothing to start and nothing unless Ankin Law recovers for you. The consultation is free and confidential, and there is no obligation to hire anyone. Howard Ankin has been doing this for over 40 years.
Get Your Free Case Review
Was your child, or were you as a child, abused by a priest or other member of the clergy? Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation with no obligation.
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