Confessions of child sexual abuse by a Jehovah’s Witnesses administrator. Yet instead of accountability, silence was reportedly demanded. A lawsuit filed in New Orleans has brought these allegations into the public eye — giving survivors across the country a chilling reminder of how institutions have historically failed to protect the vulnerable.
According to reports, the administrator admitted to sexually abusing a minor. The church allegedly instructed the child to stay silent rather than report the abuse to authorities in an effort to protect the institution’s reputation.
Thanks to a Louisiana law that permits lawsuits for child sexual abuse regardless of when the abuse occurred, this case is now moving forward. Survivors who were once silenced finally have a voice — and a real chance to pursue the justice they were long denied.
Louisiana’s SOL Reform
In 2021, Louisiana passed a landmark law known as Act 322, which eliminated the civil statute of limitations for all new claims of child sexual abuse. Survivors no longer face an expiration date on justice. They can file civil lawsuits against both their abusers and any institution that enabled the harm — no matter how much time has passed.. Additionally, the law created a three-year revival window— from August 1, 2021, to July 31, 2024 — allowing survivors with previously time-barred claims to file lawsuits.
Statute of Limitations Reform has seen too many ups and downs over the years. The State Supreme Court struck the law down in May of 2024. However, in June of 2024, the courts reversed their decision and reopened the door of justice for all survivors. This emotional whip lash has had significant impacts on survivors. Often, justice becomes a carrot of the systems and survivors are often left chasing crumbs. Recently the Louisiana legislature extended that window for claims to June 14, 2027.
Thanks to this powerful reform, survivors who were once silenced — including those harmed decades ago — now have a path to seek justice. This is why cases like the one involving the Jehovah’s Witnesses administrator are finally being heard. Louisiana’s actions send a clear message: survivors’ voices matter, no matter how much time has passed.
A Pattern of Silence Around Jehovah’s Witnesses
For decades, religious organizations escape the scrutiny by a culture of secrecy. Institutions discouraged survivors from speaking up. They shamed those who dared to disclose their abuse while protecting — and sometimes even relocating — the abusers.
In this case, the administrator who confessed has faced no serious consequences. Leaders allegedly ignored mandatory reporting laws. Once again, the institution that should have protected the victim delayed their healing journey.
Why Civil Lawsuits Are Necessary
When criminal justice systems fail or are barred by expired statutes of limitations, civil lawsuits become the only path to truth and accountability.
Through civil courts, survivors are able to:
- Force the exposure of institutional wrongdoing
- Demand reforms that protect future generations
- Reclaim their personal power and voice
At Andreozzi + Foote, every day we see civil litigation changes lives. Trauma-informed legal assistance is providing hundreds of survivors across the country paths to justice. Thus, ensuring that their voices are not only heard but centered in the pursuit of justice.
Hope Through New Laws
Statute of limitations reforms like the one recently passed in Louisiana give survivors a second chance.
- To be believed.
- Seen.
- To hold those who enabled abuse fully accountable.
Statute of limitations laws once silenced survivors. Advocates and courageous survivors who refuse to remain quiet are breaking that silence.
You Are Not Alone
If you were silenced by an institution — whether religious, educational, or otherwise — you are not alone.
Legal rights may now be available to you, even if the abuse happened decades ago.
At Andreozzi + Foote, trauma-informed lawyers work tirelessly to guide survivors through the civil justice process. Every case is handled with the compassion, strength, and respect that survivors deserve.
Contact Andreozzi + Foote today for a confidential, no-cost consultation.
📞 1-866-753-5458
🌐 www.victimscivilattorneys.com
Justice delayed does not have to mean justice denied.
The time to reclaim your story is now.
