Jehovah’s Witness Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Support for Jehovah’s Witness Sexual Abuse Survivors Nationwide

For members of close-knit religious organizations, reporting a crime can feel no only difficult, but nearly impossible. This is true of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, who promote a detached and isolated group of followers and make it incredibly challenging for victims of abuse to find help and meaningful support.

If you or someone you love have suffered sexual abuse or assault within the Jehovah’s Witness community, have had allegations improperly handled, or have been suppressed by elders who prioritized protecting reputations over protecting victims, you may be entitled to compensation.

Our Jehovah’s Witness sex abuse attorneys at The Zalkin Law Firm handle child sexual abuse cases nationwide, and are available to review your potential case, explain what rights, and discuss the options you may have for pursuing a civil lawsuit and the justice you deserve.

The Zalkin Law Firm: A Team of Proven Advocates

The Zalkin Law Firm has represented thousands of abuse survivors in civil lawsuits against some of the nation’s most powerful religious institutions, and has recovered millions in compensation on their behalves.

Our caring and proven trial lawyers have garnered national recognition for litigating challenging sex abuse claims, and have been trusted by survivors, families, and fellow lawyers across the country. Our record speak volumes about the results we’ve secured for clients in high-stakes sexual abuse cases.

Examples of our recent results:

• $660 million global settlement in a multi-victim case against a religious institution
• $198.5 million settlement in multi-victim case against a religious institution
• $100 million global settlement for multiple clergy sexual abuse survivors
• $10.5 million settlement in a multi-victim case against a religious group home
• $8 million settlement in a multi-victim case against religious leader and institution

Discuss your potential case with a Jehovah’s Witness sexual abuse attorney from The Zalkin Law Firm. We offer free and confidential consultations, and represent survivors nationwide. Call (800) 477-2989 or contact us online.

What are Jehovah's Witnesses?

Jehovah's Witnesses are a Christian denomination known for their distinct beliefs and practices, which set them apart from mainstream Christianity.

Here is a general overview of their beliefs:

• God and Jesus Christ: Jehovah's Witnesses believe in one God, whom they call Jehovah. They regard Jesus Christ as God's first creation and his only begotten Son, not as part of a Trinity. They believe Jesus' death and resurrection provided the means for human salvation.
• The Bible: They consider the Bible as the inspired Word of God and the ultimate authority for their beliefs and practices. Their preferred translation is the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.
• Kingdom of God: A central tenet of their faith is the belief in God's Kingdom, a real government in heaven that will soon replace all human governments and bring about a paradise on earth.
• End Times: Jehovah's Witnesses believe we are living in the "last days," which began in 1914. They await Armageddon, a final battle between God's forces and the forces of evil, followed by the establishment of God's Kingdom on earth.

Jehovah's Witnesses have a distinctive approach to Christianity, focusing heavily on biblical literalism and evangelism. Their beliefs and practices often lead to them being set apart from other Christian denominations and society at large.

Jehovah’s Witness Child Sex Abuse

Child sexual abuse has embroiled nearly every religion, and Jehovah’s Witnesses are no exception. With nearly 9 million members and 120,000 congregations globally, Jehovah’s Witnesses claim to be dedicated to protecting children from sexual offenders, but records reveal they routinely fail to implement policies that protect anything but themselves.

Jehovah’s Witnesses also promote an insulated culture that allows elders and group leaders to conceal cases of sexual abuse within the organization, and dissuade victims from stepping forward with their claims.

Common forms of sexual abuse committed by Jehovah's Witnesses include:

• Family Abuse: Family abuse is highlighted as a prevailing form of sexual abuse within Jehovah's Witness communities. This type of abuse typically occurs within the family unit or social circles associated with the organization.
• Secrecy and Isolation: The vast majority of sexual predators within Jehovah's Witnesses are reported to abuse their victims in secret, without any witnesses present. This culture of secrecy and isolation can contribute to the perpetuation of abuse.
• Cover-Ups: Instances have been documented where the Jehovah's Witness church has been accused of covering up cases of child sexual abuse. Survivors have come forward alleging that the organization concealed or ignored reports of abuse.
• Perpetrator Membership: In some instances, individuals who have been charged with sexually abusing children within Jehovah's Witness congregations were found to be members of the same community. This proximity to the victims further complicates the handling of such cases.

Reports have also shown that the Governing Body and Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, entities within the group’s organizational structure, have concealed and dismissed numerous claims of sexual abuse brought by members within the Jehovah’s Witnesses dating back to 1950.

Some former members claim the Watchtower Society has recorded thousands of named of alleged offenders within the Jehovah’s Witness community, and refuse to release them to law enforcement.

In court cases brought against the Watch Tower Society in both the U.S. and United Kingdom, Jehovah’s Witnesses have been found negligent in failing to protect children from known sex offenders. The organization has also paid substantial sums to settle abuse lawsuits outside of court.

A History of Failed Policies: The Two-Witness Rule

Sexual abuse within the Jehovah’s Witness community is largely ignored, covered up, or dismissed as unfounded – a problem that prevents abuse from ever being reported to law enforcement, and often allows abusers to continue their misconduct against children and vulnerable members.

Much of the scrutiny surrounding Jehovah’s Witnesses stems from their internal policies for “investigating” sexual abuse allegations, which have been widely criticized.

The Jehovah’s Witnesses practice what is known as a “two witness” rule, a policy purportedly used to protect against false accusations. The rule is said to be based off the Jehovah’s Witness’ interpretation of Deuteronomy 19:15 and Matthew 18:15-17, and requires that a sexual abuse allegation be corroborated by secondary evidence if the accused individual denies wrongdoing.

The problem with this policy is that few offenders willingly confess to their crimes, and that there are often no witnesses to abuse. While DNA and other scientific evidence may constitute one form of evidence, that alone is not enough to substantiate a claim.

In such cases, it is Jehovah’s Witness policy to place the accused under careful monitoring, or restrict some of their privileges. However, no other steps are taken, and accused abusers are rarely ever reported to law enforcement.

Request a FREE & Confidential Case Review

The Zalkin Law Firm knows the significant suffering and setbacks victims endure as a result of their traumas, and is determined to hold wrongdoers and leaders of religious organizations accountable for their negligence and willful deceit.

If you have a potential sexual abuse lawsuit against the Jehovah’s Witnesses, our attorneys are available to discuss your rights and options during a FREE consultation.

Contact us at (800) 477-2989 to speak confidentially with a lawyer.