Survivors of clergy sexual abuse connected to the Diocese of Alexandria often believe they have missed their chance to seek justice. Many were told for years that it was “too late,” that the statute of limitations had expired, or that nothing could be done.
That is not always true.
In many cases, survivors of sexual abuse within the Diocese of Alexandria may still have legal options, especially as states continue to reform outdated statutes of limitations and courts recognize the long-term impact of childhood sexual abuse. Understanding your rights is the first step toward accountability and healing.
A History of Clergy Sexual Abuse and Institutional Failure
Like many Catholic dioceses across the country, the Diocese of Alexandria has faced allegations of clergy sexual abuse involving minors. Survivors have reported abuse that occurred decades ago, often followed by institutional concealment, silence, or reassignment of accused clergy rather than meaningful intervention.
These patterns matter legally. Courts increasingly recognize that cover-ups and concealment by institutions can extend or reopen legal timelines, giving survivors another opportunity to come forward. Our law firm has taken the Diocese across the country to task for this heinous abuse of children and authority.
Do Survivors Still Have Time to File a Claim?
In many states, lawmakers have acknowledged what survivors have always known:
trauma delays disclosure.
As a result, states have:
- Extended statutes of limitations for child sexual abuse
- Created “lookback windows” allowing previously time-barred claims
- Recognized delayed discovery and institutional concealment as legal factors
Depending on where the abuse occurred and the specific facts of the case, survivors connected to the Diocese of Alexandria may still be eligible to file a civil lawsuit. Even if criminal prosecution is no longer possible, civil claims can still provide accountability, financial compensation, and public acknowledgment of harm.
Because these laws are complex and frequently changing, survivors should not assume their claim is barred without speaking to one of our trauma-informed attorneys.
Why Civil Lawsuits Matter for Survivors
Civil litigation does more than seek compensation. It can:
- Expose patterns of abuse and cover-ups
- Force institutions to release records
- Protect future children from harm
- Validate survivors’ experiences
- Shift power back to those who were silenced
For many survivors, filing a civil claim becomes a critical part of reclaiming autonomy and dignity.
How Andreozzi + Foote Helps Survivors of Clergy Abuse
Andreozzi + Foote has extensive experience representing survivors of clergy sexual abuse nationwide. Our firm understands the legal strategies dioceses use to avoid accountability and how to challenge them effectively.
We offer survivors:
- Trauma-informed, survivor-centered representation
- Deep experience with clergy abuse cases and institutional defendants
- Thorough investigations into diocesan records and prior complaints
- Clear guidance on statutes of limitations and lookback windows
- Compassionate advocacy focused on survivors’ goals, not institutional interests
Survivors do not have to navigate this process alone. We meet clients where they are, honor their boundaries, and move at a pace that respects their healing.
You Are Not Too Late. You Are Not Alone.
If you or someone you love experienced sexual abuse connected to the Diocese of Alexandria, you may still have time to take legal action. Laws continue to evolve, and new pathways to justice open every year because survivors speak out.
Andreozzi + Foote is committed to standing with survivors, amplifying their voices, pursuing accountability, and helping them reclaim power from the institutions that failed them.
Confidential consultations are available. There is no obligation to move forward, only an opportunity to understand your rights.