Survivors who experienced abuse inside Jehovah’s Witness congregations are filing civil lawsuits across the country. These cases allege that the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, along with its related entities, failed to report child sexual abuse, relied on a strict “two-witness” rule that discouraged victims from coming forward, and transferred known abusers to new congregations. This guide explains who may qualify, the main allegations, filing deadlines, and how to obtain a free and confidential case evaluation.

Overview

Legal claims assert that Jehovah’s Witness leaders and congregation elders did not safeguard children and improperly handled reports of abuse within their communities. Many survivors are now pursuing accountability and compensation for therapy, medical treatment, lost wages, and other damages. These cases can be filed privately, and you are not required to reveal your identity publicly to begin the process.

See if you qualify — free and confidential.

Eligibility Criteria

• You (or someone close to you) were subjected to child sexual abuse within a Jehovah’s Witness congregation by an elder, ministerial servant, or another member.
• The congregation or Watchtower-affiliated organizations allegedly did not report the abuse or actively hid what happened.
• You have verifiable damages, such as therapy or medical expenses, moving costs, lost income, or similar losses.
• You are submitting a claim either on your own behalf or as the legal representative or estate of a survivor who is unable to file personally.

You do not need to have made a police report to request a legal evaluation.

Free, confidential case review

Key Claims and Allegations

• Child Sexual Abuse: Extensive claims of minors being abused by congregation elders, ministerial servants, or other members.
• Organizational Concealment: Allegations that internal judicial processes were used to handle accusations privately, discouraging involvement of law enforcement and transferring known offenders to different congregations.
• Two-Witness Requirement: A religious policy requiring two witnesses to confirm misconduct, which is often impossible in single-victim situations and is viewed as preventing proper reporting or discipline.
• Failure to Report: Assertions that the organization did not follow state-mandated reporting obligations, allowing abuse to continue unchecked.

Overview of Jehovah’s Witness Organizational Policies

Plaintiffs argue that the organization’s internal systems—such as judicial committees and the two-witness policy—made it difficult for abuse to be reported promptly or addressed properly. According to the lawsuits, these procedures favored dealing with accusations within the congregation instead of alerting authorities, which allowed continued harm and kept known offenders in positions where they could access children.

Possible Damages and Compensation

Depending on the state and the specifics of the claim, survivors may be able to seek compensation for:

• Therapy, counseling, medical care, and related mental-health support
• Emotional distress, trauma, and overall pain and suffering
• Lost wages or reduced future earning potential
• Costs for moving, increased security, or other safety measures
• Any additional expenses directly connected to the abuse or its long-term impact

Each claim is reviewed on its own merits, taking into account the available evidence, applicable state laws, and the current stage of the legal process.

Overview of the Legal Process

• Private case review: You can speak confidentially with an advocate who will evaluate whether your situation qualifies.
• Collecting proof: Your legal team assists in compiling supporting materials such as therapy invoices, personal notes, messages, congregation documents, or prior reports.
• Filing and case planning: The partnered law firm drafts and submits your claim, and in many situations, your identity can remain shielded.
• Settlement discussions or court action: Lawyers work toward a negotiated resolution or move the case into litigation based on your preferences and the strength of the evidence.

No upfront fees: You pay nothing at the start, and you are only responsible for legal costs if your case successfully results in compensation.

Filing Deadlines & Revival Periods

• Statutes of limitations differ from state to state, and several states have created limited revival windows that reopen the opportunity to file claims that would normally be expired.
• Because these filing periods can be brief, acting promptly is important to protect your rights and safeguard key evidence.

Check your eligibility and state deadline — free & confidential

Why Choose Claimshotline.com

• No initial charges — legal fees apply only if your case results in a recovery
• Partner firms with extensive experience handling religious-institution and organizational abuse cases
• Private, trauma-informed intake process focused on survivor comfort and confidentiality
• Support with gathering evidence, organizing documentation, and tracking all filing deadlines

Sources

• State laws on civil statutes of limitations and temporary revival windows (these differ by jurisdiction)
• Court records and investigations related to abuse within Jehovah’s Witness congregations

Request a Free, Confidential Case Review

Complete a short questionnaire to determine if you are eligible to file a civil claim against the responsible parties. There are no upfront costs, and your privacy remains secure.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.