Resources for Survivors

Most survivors of sexual assault never come forward.  They have been permanently scarred and left in emotional turmoil.  That turmoil can impact every aspect of their personal and professional lives.  It is often even more difficult for survivors of sexual assault at the hands of their trusted priest to come forward as there can be extreme confusion and betrayal after being abused by a person that holds great esteem and authority in the Church community and one’s own Catholic family.  Many survivors struggle with how this supposed representative of God could act with such perversions.

That is why when a clergy abuse survivor has the courage to come forward, it is vital that they be believed, helped and provided with adequate emotional and psychological support through the entire process. There is help out there for these survivors, their families and friends as they cope with the stress of facing the abuse that occurred and coming forward. 

Legal Resources

The attorneys at Grewal Law, PLLC, Pitt McGehee Palmer Bonnani & Rivers, and Sommers Schwartz, P.C., have combined over 100+ years of experience representing those harmed, including survivors of sexual assault.  Together, they have represented more survivors of sexual assault in Michigan than any other Michigan law firms. Together, they have fought hard and successfully to bring justice to these survivors. If you or someone you know has been abused by a priest, member of the clergy, or other official or person of authority in the Church, you may be able to obtain compensation for the harm you suffered. Contact us to find out if you qualify by filling out our online form or calling us. Your consultation is completely free and 100% confidential. 

24/7 Sexual Abuse Resources

While we are here to provide you with the legal help you need, it is also important that you have the resources available to you to help with the emotional harm inflicted upon you as a result of the abuse.  Below are some resources available to help sexual assault survivors heal.  We are not affiliated with these organizations in any way. 

Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)

24/7 National Sexual Assault Hotline:  1-800-656-HOPE(4673)

Website: https://www.rainn.org/programs-and-expertise#VictimServicesIcon

Chat: https://hotline.rainn.org/online

RAINN is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization and leading authority on sexual violence. The victim services experts at RAINN take a victim-centered, trauma-informed approach to developing programs and services that support survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones. As the country’s leading provider of sexual assault services, they have developed programs to help survivors in all stages of recovery.  RAINN works closely with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers to offer confidential support services to survivors regardless of where they are in their recovery. They have helped more than 3.7 million survivors. 

National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) 

24/7 Victim Assistance Hotline – 1-800-TRY-NOVA (879-6682)

Website: https://www.trynova.org/help-for-crime-victims/

Chat:  https://www.trynova.org/c/chat.php?v=2&linkid=OTVmNDVmNjAxNjUxNDRlNWQ4NzRiMWU1N2MwOTdkNTE_

NOVA is the oldest national victim assistance organization of its type in the United States and is the recognized leader in survivor advocacy.  

1in6

Chat: https://1in6.org/helpline/

Email: info@1in6.org

Website: https://1in6.org

1in6 got its name from the statistic that one in every six men has been the victim of sexual abuse or assault, either as a child or adult.  The mission of 1in6 is to help these men live healthier and happier lives, and to cope with the abuse they suffered.  1in6 provides survivors, their family members, friends and partners with information and resources on their website and in their local communities. 

OTHER SEXUAL ABUSE RESOURCES 

National Alliance to End Sexual Violence (NAESV)

1875 Connecticut Avenue, Floor 10, Washington, DC 20009

Phone: (202) 869-8520

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) 

2101 N. Front Street, Governor’s Plaza North, Building #2, Harrisburg, PA 17110

Phone: (717) 909-0710

NSVRC’s website provides contact information for anti-sexual assault coalitions available in every state of our nation. 

WomensLaw.org

Email Hotline: https://hotline.womenslaw.org

National Domestic Violence Hotline:  (800) 799-7233

WomensLaw provides basic legal information, referrals, and emotional support related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.