Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church—Clergy Sexual Abuse in Oxnard, CA
Sexual abuse is completely unacceptable in any circumstance, but the mental toll of being abused as a child by a trusted spiritual leader adds a layer of extreme deception, manipulation, and betrayal. Clergy sexual abuse is an egregious crime that should not go unpunished. Most perpetrators abuse more than one individual, but it takes only one person coming forward to end the cycle.
If you or someone you know experienced church sexual abuse at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Oxnard, California, or at any other Catholic church, the team at Boucher LLP can help you seek justice for what you have endured. We understand that telling your story of abuse is not an easy decision, and we are here to support you through the process, without judgment. What happened to you is not your fault.
Clergy Sexual Abuse at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Oxnard, CA
Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church is located at 500 N Juanita Ave, Oxnard, CA 93030. This Catholic church is only one of many in Southern California that have knowingly or unknowingly welcomed sexual predators into their leadership ranks. Over the last several decades, over a thousand claims have been made against clergy members across the state and hundreds of millions paid in settlements as survivors choose to break their silence.
Father Fidencio Silva
From 1979 to 1986, Father Fidencio Silva served at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Oxnard, California. He was later accused of molesting eight boys at the church during that time frame. In 2002, he was charged with 25 counts of felony molestation and named in at least 15 civil lawsuits for his sexual abuse of children. He was banned from ministry in the Diocese of San Bernardino in 1998 and is believed to be living in his native country of Mexico.
Recalling Church Sexual Abuse
In some cases, church sexual abuse survivors choose not to come forward because they feel they do not have enough information about their abuser or a way to prove what happened to them. Repressed memories are not uncommon in response to traumatic events. This is especially true for young survivors who may have intentionally or unintentionally blocked the experience from their memory as a coping mechanism.
The passage of time can also make it difficult to recall details. For some, this may even include the name of their abuser. If you remember the name of the church, this is extremely helpful in moving forward with legal action. The Catholic Church keeps detailed records of its clergy members. The team at Boucher LLP can help you identify your abuser and hold him or her accountable.
Seeking Justice for Clergy Sexual Abuse
Obtaining experienced legal counsel is the first step toward bringing your abuser and the institution that harbored him to justice and finding the peace you deserve. Depending on the circumstances of your church abuse claim, the church and those who should have protected you may also be held accountable for wrongs done. Church leaders have been known to sweep sexual abuse under the rug.
We understand your experience is unique. We are here to provide a compassionate, listening ear and meaningful legal strategy.
No amount of compensation can ever erase the abuse you have endured, but choosing to come forward and file a sexual abuse claim can hold those responsible accountable. This is a good start to healing and potentially prevents others from enduring the same abuse.
If you or someone you love has survived church sexual abuse at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Oxnard or another California church, contact us to schedule your case consultation. We are here to support you through the entire process, including investigating your case, conducting settlement negotiations and litigation, and exposing the truth.