Abuse by Priests and Other Clergy

To be abused by a priest or other clergy member can be particularly devastating, involving a huge breach of trust. The Courts have found that sexual abuse by a priest is a breach of fiduciary duty, because priests have a special role of spiritual guidance that gives them psychological power over children. Courts have said that priests are persons of authority in religious matters and have recognized the devastating effects on a child's spirituality when the child is abused by a priest.
Date Title Related Lawyers Type

September 2014

Mastering Written Advocacy in Mediations

The Osgoode Short Course on Mediation Advocacy, Osgoode Hall Law School/York University

Loretta P. Merritt

Presentation

July 2014

Concurrent criminal and civil cases: Making the most of evidence

The Litigator, Ontario Trial Lawyers Association

Loretta P. Merritt

Article

December 2013

Written Advocacy in Mediation

The Osgoode Short Course in Mediation Advocacy, Osgoode Hall Law School/York University

Loretta P. Merritt

Presentation

April 2013

Pursuing Compensation for Victims of Crime - Civil Lawsuits

The Gatehouse - Transforming Trauma Into Triumph Conference

Loretta P. Merritt

Presentation

June 2011

Do the Courts Favour Women Survivors?

AbuseHurts.com E-Zine

Loretta P. Merritt

Article

May 2011

Punching a Bully Can Be Self Defence

AbuseHurts.com E-Zine

Loretta P. Merritt

Article

February 2011

Two Wishes for Legal Changes in 2011

AbuseHurts.com E-Zine

Loretta P. Merritt

Article

January 2011

Legal Issues of Most Concern to Survivors

AbuseHurts.com E-Zine

Loretta P. Merritt

Article

December 2010

Civil Sexual Assault

Contributing Author, Annual Review of Civil Litigation, 2010 (10th edition), by The Honourable Mr. Justice Todd L. Archibald and The Late Honourable Mr. Justice Randall Scott Echlin.

Loretta P. Merritt

Article

April 2010

No-Fault Liability for Institutional Sexual Abuse Since the Trilogy of E.D.G., K.L.B. and M.B.

The Canadian Institute's 9th National Summit on Institutional Liability for Sexual Assault and Abuse

Loretta P. Merritt

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