#USA #Camden #ACTS Law #clergy abuse #Camden Diocese

Landmark Settlement for Abuse Survivors in Camden Diocese

In a significant legal breakthrough, a monumental settlement has been reached for survivors of clergy sexual abuse within the Diocese of Camden. With a total of $180 million designated to support those affected, this resolution comes after extensive negotiations that spanned several years, highlighting the resilience and determination of the survivors involved.

Over the past five years, legal representatives from ACTS LAW engaged in complex discussions and navigated through contentious bankruptcy proceedings involving the Diocese and its insurance carriers. The culmination of this effort results in the establishment of a trust fund aimed at compensating survivors for the trauma they endured.

The primary advocate in these proceedings, Derek T. Braslow, a partner at ACTS LAW, praised the survivors for their extraordinary courage, particularly those who served on the Plaintiffs’ Survivors Committee. He stated, “This agreement is not merely financial; it signifies a move towards accountability, transparency, and a platform for the survivors' voices to be acknowledged and validated.”

Crucially, this settlement incorporates not just financial compensation but also essential non-monetary provisions aimed at child protection. These measures are designed to prevent future abuse within the church and ensure that similar tragedies do not recur.

While the settlement represents a significant step forward for those who have suffered abuse, it is important to note that it is still pending approval by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey. Following this approval, funds will be administrated through a court-monitored trust, designated solely for the benefit of survivors harmed by clergy abuse.

Braslow emphasized that this agreement is a result of persistent advocacy amid considerable legal and insurance challenges, stating, “Survivors and their families are entitled to justice and recognition of the severe harm they have faced. I, along with my colleagues, take pride in having stood with them throughout this arduous journey.”

ACTS LAW has built its reputation on supporting survivors of childhood sexual abuse and holding institutions accountable for neglect and concealment. Their work underscores a critical message to survivors: there is still an opportunity to seek justice, especially given recent changes in the law which may open new avenues for legal recourse, even in cases that occurred many years ago.

The firm extends a compassionate invitation to anyone who may have been a victim of institutional negligence as a child to reach out for confidential consultation and professional support. The fight for justice is not just about financial compensation; it embodies a broader struggle for accountability and moral redress made possible through collective action and unwavering resolve.

As this landmark settlement unfolds, it stands as a testament to the power of survivor advocacy and the critical need for systemic changes within institutions to ensure protective measures are in place for future generations. The impactful strides made in Camden serve as both a beacon of hope for survivors everywhere and a call to action for continued vigilance against abuse within religious institutions.