Results are beginning to emerge from Baylor University's Ford Foundation Research Grant on Clergy Sexual Abuse.
"I love being a priest, and as far as I'm concerned, it can't get better than this."
-- James Gallagher, 2009. He admitted to sexual misconduct with an adult woman in 2004. See: Priest, Pastor, Predator

The Silent Majority:

Adult Victims of Sexual Exploitation by Clergy


Although clergy of any denomination can sexually exploit children, teens, men, or women, over 95% of victims of sexual exploitation by clergy are adult women. Adult victims of sexual exploitation by clergy often don't see themselves as victims. Without wider public awareness of the extent and impacts of this form of sexual violence, adults who have been sexually victimized by a beloved priest, pastor, minister, rabbi or other clergy will remain the "silent majority" of clergy sexual abuse victims, suffering in their shame and self-isolation.


State Laws Criminalizing Clergy/Congregant Sexual Contact

Denominational Policies Regarding Clergy/Congregant Sexual Contact

Unsafe In Any Denomination -- Expert Reports on Clergy Sexual Misconduct

No Sanctuary -- Recent News Reports

Psychological Impacts

Societal Myths  See new information regarding the myth that celibacy is the cause of unethical clergy sexual behavior with adults.

How Can You Help?

Clergy, Doctors, Therapists, Lawyers

Professional Codes of Ethics

Young Adults At Risk

Boundary Violations Without Borders


This site is established to share informational resources for victims and advocates of victims of clergy sexual abuse. To all victims who have come forward, thank you for your courage.

Please forward related news materials with complete URL, publication date, and name of publication to: info@adultsabusedbyclergy.org

Site last updated: June 17, 2009. All content copyright © 2008-2009.