Clergy abuse is a heinous crime that can leave psychological scars on survivors. When leaders within the church abuse the trust that patrons and their children have in them, and use their positions of power to sexually assault and abuse minors, perpetrators deserve to be held accountable. The first step is detecting the signs of clergy abuse.
Physical Signs
The signs of clergy abuse can change according to the age of the victim and the surrounding circumstances. However, many survivors exhibit similar or shared patterns in terms of physicality, emotional and mental states, and personality or behavioral changes.
The physical effects of clergy sexual abuse may include:
- Bruising, cuts or burn marks
- Bloody sheets or undergarments
- Chronic headaches or stomachaches
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Trouble sleeping or chronic fatigue
- Sudden weight loss or weight gain
- Changes in personal hygiene
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Teen pregnancy
Clergy sexual abuse may go hand-in-hand with other forms of abuse, including physical abuse that can leave visible marks on the victim. Check for bruising and unexplained injuries.
Emotional Signs
Clergy abuse and other examples of child sexual abuse can have a profound mental, emotional and psychological impact on a survivor.
An abused minor may show noticeable emotional changes, such as:
- Sudden or intense emotional distress
- High or chronic anxiety
- Depression
- Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder
- Trouble communicating with others
- Nightmares or flashbacks
- Low self-esteem
- Suicidal thoughts or tendencies
Have an open discussion with the child about how they are feeling. Let them know you are there to talk with no judgment, and that they won’t get in trouble. Be a safe space for the child where they know they’ll be believed.
Behavioral Signs
A minor who is suffering from clergy abuse may struggle with intense feelings of fear, anxiety, shame, guilt, embarrassment and confusion regarding their experience. These dark feelings can lead to behavioral changes and problems, such as:
- Reluctance to go to church or participate in religious activities
- Fear of a certain person in the clergy
- Sudden withdrawal from favorite activities or hobbies
- Isolation from friends and loved ones
- Aggressive outbursts or irritability
- Out-of-character mood swings
- Sexual promiscuity
- Skipping school or poor grades
- Sexual themes expressed through writing or art
- Recklessness or impulsivity
- Drug or substance abuse
- Criminal activity or “acting out”
- Self-harm behaviors
In small children, the behavioral signs of clergy abuse may include not wanting to bathe or change, engaging in sexualized “play” with other children, having inappropriate sexual knowledge, using new words for private body parts, bed-wetting, and regression.
Signs and Red Flags for Grooming
Another way to detect clergy abuse can be to notice the signs of grooming. A member of the clergy may groom a target by isolating the child from his or her family and finding reasons to be with the victim alone. Other tactics include lavishing gifts and attention on the child, showing excessive interest in the child’s life, keeping secrets with the child, and targeting a child’s vulnerabilities (e.g., low confidence or loneliness).
If you suspect a case of clergy abuse, get the child to safety and notify the authorities right away. When it comes time to hold the perpetrator and the religious institution accountable, contact the Illinois clergy abuse lawyers at Mahoney Law Firm.