Jehovah’s Witness Sexual Abuse Lawyers in Maine
Survivors of sexual abuse within the Jehovah’s Witness community have often been silenced, ignored, or pressured to stay quiet in the name of religious loyalty. Many have lived for years carrying shame, confusion, and deep emotional wounds, while the individuals or institutions that enabled their abuse avoided accountability.
Watchtower policy has historically discouraged reporting abuse to law enforcement. Their internal procedures often require two witnesses to the abuse before action is taken, making it nearly impossible to substantiate most allegations. Survivors report being silenced by elders or shunned for coming forward, further contributing to decades of suppressed abuse.
At Berman & Simmons, we represent survivors of sexual abuse across Maine, including those harmed by individuals affiliated with Jehovah’s Witness congregations. We help survivors and their families escape the shadows and pursue justice with strength, privacy, and powerful legal support.
Your confidential consultation with a Maine attorney for Jehovah’s Witness sexual abuse claims is free. Call Berman & Simmons at (207) 417-4199 or complete our online contact form for help. Virtual consultations are available.
What Survivors Need to Know
You are not alone—and you are not imagining it. Sexual abuse is real, and the institution’s failure to protect you matters under the law. Courts across the country are recognizing these failures and holding the organization accountable.
In Maine, survivors may still have the opportunity to pursue justice, often even if the abuse occurred many years ago.
The Impact of Abuse Within a Religious Community
When abuse is committed by a trusted religious figure or hidden by a faith community that is supposed to protect the vulnerable, the trauma can be emotionally crippling. Survivors of abuse within the Jehovah’s Witness denomination often suffer in silence for years, fearing they won’t be believed or will be ostracized for speaking out.
If you have been a victim of this type of abuse, you may suffer:
- Long-term emotional and psychological trauma
- Severe anxiety, PTSD, depression, and dissociation
- Loss of faith or identity
- Strained or broken family and social relationships
- Shame, guilt, or fear of retaliation
Many survivors only come forward later in life, after decades of pain, or when they learn they are not alone.
Who Are the Abusers?
Sexual abuse within Jehovah’s Witness communities may be committed by:
- Elders or ministerial servants
- Congregation members placed in positions of trust
- Family members affiliated with the religion
When the Stakes are High, We Deliver Results
Our client reviews showcase the skills, advocacy, compassion, and work ethic we bring to every case to achieve the best results.
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“Tim was gracious, knowledgeable in negotiations, and kept in touch with me throughout the one-year period of a personal injury claim”- Dolores C.
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“Abaigeal was particularly helpful with making the best of a difficult situation. She is patient, fair, honest and a tireless advocate for her clients.”- Erik H.
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“Kristin understands what it means to treat people with dignity and compassion.”- Jean D.
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“I would highly recommend Abaigeal as she is a thoughtful and knowledgeable attorney. I trust her completely.”- A. D.
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“Every interaction I had with Craig demonstrated a complete understanding of the law as well as the merits, strengths, and also the weaknesses of the case.”- Ryan H.
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“Travis did a fantastic job outlining the process that we’d be going through and managing my expectations in terms of process and timeline.”- Taber N.
Meet Our Attorneys
As powerful advocates for civil justice, we fight tirelessly for our clients, winning high-stakes, complex cases, where our team’s expertise and unmatched skills make all the difference.
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Susan A. Faunce Attorney, Shareholder -
Michael T. Bigos Attorney, Shareholder -
Travis M. Brennan Attorney, Shareholder -
Timothy M. Kenlan Attorney, Shareholder -
Elizabeth A. Kayatta Attorney, Shareholder -
Charles P. Hehmeyer Attorney, Shareholder -
Craig A. Bramley Attorney, Shareholder -
Christopher C. Boots Attorney