Jehovah's Witnesses and Child Sexual Abuse
At the law firm of Hartley Hampton, P.C., we know how difficult it is for victims of abuse to speak out against their abusers when they are part of a close-knit organization such as the Jehovah's Witnesses. Sometimes they face the prospect of being ostracized by their religious community or even one's family. It takes a tremendous act of courage to come forward and expose the abuse. By reporting abuse within the Jehovah's Witness organization, future instances may be prevented and other young Jehovah's Witnesses may be able to avoid lifetimes of shame and regret.
Sexual abuse occurs within congregations of the Jehovah's Witnesses for the same reason it occurs within all of the other churches.
A mother or father allows a child to be alone with an elder or ministerial servant because he is regarded as "irreprehensible." Then the elder violates the trust that his position confers; he commits an act of violence and degradation on a weak, vulnerable child who looked to him for protection.
Church policies make it difficult for the Watchtower Society to deal with these insidious crimes. The Scriptures counsel forgiveness, offer redemption and teach that a person can be changed through prayer. These concepts, though well-intentioned, are difficult to reconcile with the reality of pedophilia.
The "two witness" rule, based on Deuteronomy 19:15 makes it too easy to ignore one child's outcry. Child sexual abuse is considered so abhorrent, such a serious blight on the reputation of the congregation and the WTS that there are incentives to dismiss an outcry as "unfounded." Besides, the accused occupies an appointed position in the congregation - he wouldn't do such a thing.
Then, he does it again.
Lawyer Hartley Hampton has represented many victims of sexual abuse within the Jehovah's Witnesses community.
If you are the victim of abuse, contact Hartley Hampton, P.C. Call our office in Houston, Texas, toll free at 866-635-0811. We represent clients in Texas and across the United States.
