Montana Sexual Abuse
Many people have suffered sexual abuse at the hands of the very people entrusted with their care. Most of us are familiar with cases of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church due to several media publicized cases of priest sexual abuse, but church sex scandals are just one example of an issue that affects many in Montana. Montana sexual abuse also occurs at schools, camps, nursing homes, mental health facilities, and other places where circumstances allow. For instance, David Paisley, former high school girls’ basketball coach, entered an Alford plea in response to charges that he was trying to engage a minor in sexual activities.
Speaking out about sexual abuse is important in two ways: It can stop your abuser from hurting others and it helps bring a sense of closure. Speaking out can feel intimidating, but you and your loved ones are not alone. Lawyers such as Sam Rogatinsky specialize in helping you find your voice in court.
Sexual Abuse in Montana
Unlike clergy abuse, sexual abuse can be perpetrated by anyone and occur anywhere. The most common places for sexual abuse to occur are schools, camps, nursing homes, mental health facilities, group homes, and organizations such as the Boy and Girl Scouts of America. Countless children have been sexually abused in Montana by those who were entrusted with their care, including teachers, Boy Scout leaders, camp counselors, and so on. These adults are supposed to protect children, but instead cause them harm. In 2009, there were 294 reported rapes in Montana – and that does not count unwanted touching or sexual abuse that went unreported.
Adults are also sexually abused. At nursing homes and mental health facilities all over Montana, social workers and psychologists take advantage of the vulnerable adults that they are supposed to be protecting. Fortunately, the perpetrators can be made to pay for the pain they have caused, but you must seek representation. Sam will help to make sure that everything possible is done to assure that your suffering has not been in vain.
Clergy Abuse in Montana
Although the Catholic Church is not the only venue for sexual abuse, it has been the most publicized due to the lack of bishop accountability. When the media picked up on the fact that bishops were just moving sexually abusive priests to another church, news outlets ran with the story. The truth is that clergy abuse includes not only Catholic priests, but rabbis, ministers, reverends, pastors, office staff at places of worship, religious youth directors, and anyone who works for a place of worship, such as the Northwest Jesuits who settled out of court with over 100 Montana residents who came forward about their sexual abuse.
If you or someone you know has been sexually abused by someone in this category, you now have an avenue of help available to you. You do not have to be a victim anymore.
Contact sexual abuse lawyer Samuel Rogatinsky at (954) 995-3805 or send an email to samr@sexabuseattorney.org
Montana Sexual Abuse and Clergy Abuse Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations for sexual abuse and clergy abuse in Montana allows the victim to choose either a Three (3) Year SOL from the Time of the Abuse or Until Discovery of the Injury. An action must be brought within 3 years of the abusive act or within three years after a victim discovers that they have sustained an injury caused by the abuse.
There is Delayed Tolling for Minors and the statute is tolled for the period of disability. this means that it’s tolled while you have not reached the age of majority. The age of majority in Montana is 18.
The Montana Supreme court ruled that the statute of limitations does not begin to run until the survivor discovers the connection between the injury and his or her childhood sexual abuse. In addition, the Court ruled that the statute applies to acts against the perpetrator as well as to acts of negligence by non-perpetrator third parties. This means you can go after the institution that protected the sexual abuser.
The Montana legislature specifically provided that the statute be given retroactive effect. This means that it applies to all causes of action commenced on or after October 1, 1989, regardless of when the cause of action arose.
If you were sexually abused by a priest, rabbi, coach, psychologist or any other person who sexually abused you, please don’t feel ashamed. We want to help you.
Contact sexual abuse lawyer Samuel Rogatinsky at (954) 995-3805 or send an email to samr@sexabuseattorney.org