Sexual Abuse - New Orleans Legal Examiner

Common Myths About Sex Trafficking

Sex trafficking is defined as forcing, coercing, or manipulating someone into providing sex for payment. Anyone can be a victim, but traffickers generally look for those in the most vulnerable situations.

By Soren E. Gisleson

/ 13 Feb 2025

Street Sign the Direction Way to Facts versus Myths

What’s Being Done to Stop Sex Trafficking?

Human trafficking is a crisis that occurs around the world. In the U.S., it’s estimated that there are as many as one million victims currently being trafficked.

By Soren E. Gisleson

/ 15 Jan 2025

A young woman sitting in front of a white wall that reads" I'm not for sale!"

How Much Compensation Should New Orleans Catholic Church Sex Abuse Survivors Receive?

The Archdiocese of New Orleans has been battling bankruptcy proceedings due to Louisiana sex abuse lawsuits. The bankruptcy has caused tension between diocese leaders, parishioners, state lawmakers, and survivors.

By Herman, Katz, Gisleson & Cain

/ 1 Oct 2024

Archdiocese of New Orleans Bankruptcy Spending Worries Louisiana Sex Abuse Survivors

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans has spent almost $40 million in fees on its bankruptcy. This number has Louisiana sex abuse survivors and their attorneys concerned about the mismanagement of the process.

By Herman, Katz, Gisleson & Cain

/ 19 Aug 2024

Saint Louis Cathedral and statue of Andrew Jackson at the Jackson Square New Orleans

Louisiana Child Sex Abuse Survivors Have More Time to File Lawsuits

The deadline has been extended for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file a lawsuit against their abusers. Through Senate Bill 246, civil sex abuse lawsuits under the “lookback window” law can now be filed through June 14, 2027.

By Herman, Katz, Gisleson & Cain

/ 2 Jul 2024

Wooden gavel next to an hourglass filled with sand

How the Mormon Church Protects Itself From Sex Abuse Lawsuits

Recent legislative efforts have made progress on improving the rights of church sex abuse survivors, but a major loophole in the laws surrounding this terrible crime is keeping perpetrators safe.

By Soren E. Gisleson

/ 18 Dec 2023

A view of angel moroni on top of a jesus christ of latter-day saints mormon temple with blue sky behind

Child USA Releases Report On Delayed Disclosure in Cases of Child Sexual Abuse

A report by the Nonprofit organization CHILD USA examines the effects of delayed disclosure, the hurdles survivors face when they share their experiences, along with statistics about how long it takes to come forward.

By Soren E. Gisleson

/ 7 Nov 2023

Child USA Releases Report On Delayed Disclosure in Cases of Child Sexual Abuse

History of Coast Guard Academy Sex Abuse Uncovered

Revelations of past alleged sexual misconduct by retired U.S. Coast Guard captain Glenn Sulmasy while at the USGCA have been made public, forcing him to leave Nichols College. To make matters worse, his situation also sheds light on the mishandling of sexual misconduct, dating back years.

By Jed Cain

/ 26 Oct 2023

Side view of u.s. coast guard ship docked

New Orleans Priest Charged with Sexual Assault from 1975

In 2002, priest Lawrence Hecker quietly retired from his position within the Catholic Church. Now, the disgraced Louisiana priest is charged with sexual assault of a teenager in 1975.

By Jed Cain

/ 20 Sep 2023

Closeup of Hands holding rosary beads and cross while reading bible

Doctor Charged in One of the Military’s Largest Sexual Abuse Cases

Widespread sexual abuse lawsuits have been rampant throughout organizations for decades. Now, the U.S. military is in the spotlight after it released a statement detailing recent sexual assault charges filed against a military doctor.

By Jed Cain

/ 14 Sep 2023

Medical Doctor Consultation white coat, stethoscope around collar, and military uniform hanging on rack.

Louisiana Sex Abuse Lawsuit Against the Diocese of Lafayette Can Move Forward

The Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeal is allowing a sex abuse lawsuit against the Diocese of Lafayette to move forward. The decision signals a victory for survivors seeking justice decades after they suffered sexual abuse.

By Soren E. Gisleson

/ 31 Aug 2023

The historic Dutch Romanesque Revival style Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist or La Cathedrale St-Jean built in 1916 on Cathedral Street in downtown Lafayette, Louisiana

Louisiana Supreme Court Puts Off Ruling on Sex Abuse Lawsuits

The Louisiana Supreme Court has sidestepped a vital case that would affect whether Louisiana sex abuse victims can file lawsuits against perpetrators and the institutions that protected them.

By Herman, Katz, Gisleson & Cain

/ 13 Jul 2023

Statue of Edward Douglas White at Louisiana Supreme Court building in New Orleans