Florida Attorneys Investigating Sexual Assault Claims Against the Roman Catholic Church Archdioceses & Priests

In recent decades, many survivors of sexual assault committed by Roman Catholic priests have come forward to discuss their physical, emotional, or spiritual healing to find peace from their harm. These new allegations have created a movement that now holds the religious predator accountable for their actions and Church officials liable for their inaction to stop the priest’s inappropriate behavior.

In Florida jurisdictions, many survivors use the civil legal system as an effective tool of accountability that can provide them financial compensation and other relief.

It takes great courage for the sexually assaulted victim to speak out and identify the one that caused them harm. If you are a sexual assault survivor or your loved one was victimized through sexual abuse, the compassionate network of affiliate attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, can help.

Our caring team understands the pain you are feeling and the courage it takes to speak openly about what occurred. Our clergy sexual injury attorneys are here to listen to your story. We will use our comprehensive understanding of Florida tort law to present and win your case to ensure the sexual perpetrator faces financial consequences.

Clergy Sexual Assault – The Problem Remains

In November 2019, USA Today posted a report of an investigation that identified over 1200 former Catholic religious leaders. Some of the clergy members included priests in Florida, who had been accused of sexual assault that were never held accountable or provided little oversight by the church.

In recent years, the Roman Catholic Church has posted lists in each diocese that identified priests and other clergymen who were “credibly accused” of harming victims, including children.

Many priests who faced allegations of sexual abuse years and decades ago had worked in Florida or came here to retire and take up residency in community neighborhoods. Nearly every priest who was accused of sexually assaulting children has never held legally accountable, faced a lawsuit, or been sent to prison.

The Devastating Effects of Sexual Assault

Sexual assaulting anyone can cause lifelong devastation that negatively alters the victim’s well-being. Young children and teenage victims might develop negative eating habits, begin living an over-sexualized lifestyle, or engage in any form of risky behavior. Children and adults who have been sexually assaulted can suffer from significant sleeping disorders, ongoing depression, substance abuse, self-injury, and suicide, including suicidal ideation (thinking about suicide).

Finding Justice

In September 2004, the Roman Catholic Church in Miami, Florida, paid out more than $3.4 million to resolve cases involving twenty-three victims who had been sexually assaulted by one of five priests. That same year in April, the church paid out over $1 million to resolve cases involving twelve victims sexually abused by Father Schaeufele in St. Petersburg, Florida.

In May 2005, the church paid out $1.5 million to resolve cases involving three victims sexually abused by two priests in Saint Augustine and Orlando, Florida.

Florida Roman Catholic Church Diocese

In Florida, the Catholic Church is the single largest religious group of all faiths statewide. The Archdiocese of Miami, five dioceses, and their Bishops manage more than 490 parishes statewide (listed below). The Church provides services to hundreds of thousands of registered Catholics living in sixty-seven counties.

Florida Dioceses

Catholic Diocese of Orlando
50 E Robinson St.
Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 246-4800
Bishop: John Gerard Noonan
Cathedral: St. James Catholic Cathedral

Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg
6363 9th Ave N
St. Petersburg, FL 33710
(727) 344-1611
Bishop: Gregory L. Parkes
Cathedral: St Jude Cathedral

Archdiocese of Miami
9401 Biscayne Blvd
Miami Shores, FL 33138
(305) 757-6241
Cathedral: Cathedral of St. Mary
Bishop: Thomas Wenski
Auxiliary Bishop: Enrique Esteban Delgado

Diocese of Venice in Florida

1000 Pinebrook Rd
Venice, FL 34285
(941) 484-9543
Bishop: Frank Joseph Dewane
Cathedral: Epiphany Cathedral

Diocese of St. Augustine

11625 Old St Augustine Rd
Jacksonville, FL 32258
(904) 262-3200
Bishop: Felipe de Jesús Estévez
Cathedral: Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine

Catholic Diocese of Palm Beach

9995 N Military Trail
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
(561) 775-9500
Cathedral: Cathedral of St Ignatius Loyola

Florida Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers are Ready to Help

Our network of lawyers knows the challenges you have in talking about the unspeakable actions that a clergy member did to you. We know the Catholic Church pushes back with its wielding power saying nothing wrong happened to victims.

However, with Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, on your side, you will not face them alone. We can assure you that all those responsible for your abuse will hear your shocking story at trial or when settling your case.

We can start working on your lawsuit today. Talk to us now so we can begin filing all the necessary paperwork. Taking legal action against a clergy member now could stop the sexual assault of others in the future.

We will successfully resolve your case, obtain financial compensation, and protect your rights. Contact us now at (888) 424-5757. All information you share during an initial, free consultation concerning your case will remain confidential.