Your Reporting Options
Survivors of clergy and church abuse have several avenues for reporting, each serving a different purpose. You are not required to use any particular route, and these paths are independent of each other.
Law Enforcement
Reporting to local police or the FBI opens a potential criminal investigation. A criminal prosecution requires the government to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Even if no criminal charges are filed or a prosecution fails, you may still be able to pursue a civil claim.
State Child Protective Services
If the abuse involved a minor or you are a mandated reporter, reporting to state child protective services may be required or appropriate. CPS investigations are separate from criminal or civil proceedings.
Church or Denominational Bodies
Many denominations have internal reporting processes. However, survivors should be aware that internal processes are controlled by the institution, may not be independent, and do not create the same legal obligations as civil litigation. Reports to church bodies are not required before pursuing a civil claim.
Civil Legal Action
A civil lawsuit seeks monetary compensation from the perpetrator and/or institution. Unlike criminal proceedings, you control the decision to pursue a civil claim. Civil claims are assessed on the balance of probabilities, not beyond reasonable doubt, making them accessible even where a criminal conviction was not secured.