How do Jehovah's Witnesses deal with pedophilia cases?
Child sexual abuse covered up by the Watchtower
Plentiful television reports, documentaries and lawsuits worldwide state pedophilia amongst the Jehovah's Witnesses. The organization deliberately hides cases of sexual abuse towards children in the goal to protect their public image. It doesn't report pedophilia cases to the police and pedophiles are not punished internally because of the "two witness" rule. If there is only the child victim testifying against the accused, it is not enough. The accused will be acquitted. According to William «Bill» H. Bowen from http://www.silentlambs.org, in 2002 the Watchtower had a database listing 23,720 pedophiles. Today it could go up to 40, 000.
Some news :
-Canada : the class action lawsuit against the Watchtower for having covered up the sexual abuse of minors will begin in court on May 13, 2024 in English Canada, it is not the same as in Quebec.
-Netherlands: Jehovah's Witness HQ in Emmen, in the Netherlands, lost their appeal. The board of the Jehovah's Witnesses tried through the Open Government Act (Wob) to retrieve all data from the investigation into abuse within the community. September 13, 2021.
-Australia: Jehovah's Witnesses among 34 additional organisations to
formally sign up to national sexual abuse redress scheme. September 9,
2021.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-09-10/jehovahs-witnesses-sign-up-to-sexual-abuse-redress-scheme/100449204
-USA: Watchtower Defies Court Order; Montana Judge Fines and
Sanctions Jehovah's Witnesses. July 28, 2021.
https://jwwatch.org/news/watchtower-defies-court-order-montana-judge-fines-jehovahs-witnesses
-USA: Child Abuse Records Reveal Extensive Data Collection by
Jehovah's Witnesses. April 30, 2021.
https://jwwatch.org/child-abuse-2/child-abuse-records-reveal-extensive-data-collection-by-jehovahs-witnesses
-Netherlands: victims of abuse in Jehovah's Witnesses fear 'witch
hunt'. April 26, 2021.
https://www.msn.com/nl-nl/nieuws/Binnenland/misbruikslachtoffers-jehova-s-getuigen-vrezen-heksenjacht/ar-BB1g3h9G
-Australia: Jehovah's Witnesses resolve legal stoush. April 18,
2021.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/jehovahs-witnesses-resolve-legal-stoush-with-charity-watchdog/news-story/2627927c637ab39d03623b8ba76194aa
-Australia: Jehovah's Witnesses facing tax turmoil. April 18,
2021.
https://australianonlinenews.com.au/2021/04/18/jehovahs-witnesses-facing-tax-turmoil/
-UK: Vicarious Liability: Court of Appeal dismisses appeal from
religious organisation following sexual assault. March 18, 2021.
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=d0a1ca63-2027-4702-9f6d-3c3da5fd9c5f
-Australia: Jehovah's Witnesses to join redress scheme for child
sexual abuse survivors. March 3, 2021.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/2021/03/03/jehovahs-witnesses-redress-scheme/
-Australia: Labor wants levy on redress scheme dodgers. February 3, 2021.
https://7news.com.au/politics/labor-wants-levy-on-redress-scheme-dodgers-c-2085944
-Canada(Quebec): Pedophilia cover-up class lawsuit in Quebec: the Watchtower won't appeal to the supreme court of Canada, the class action lawsuit can proceed. January 26, 2021.
-Canada: News about the lawsuit in Quebec(Canada) against the Watchtower for child sexual abuse coverup: The plaintiffs have won, Watchtower lost its appeal. The 3 judges took the side of the victims. So the lawsuit can continue. The Watchtower lawyers will most likely appeal to the Supreme Court, but according to the victims' lawyer, it is 98% sure the appeal will be refused. That would delay the lawsuit for a couple of months. December 11, 2020.
-USA: Three new lawsuits against Watchtower filed under NY Child Victims Act (CVA). November
1, 2020.
https://www.jehovahs-witness.com/topic/5649460402061312/three-new-lawsuits-against-watchtower-filed-under-ny-child-victims-act-cva-this-october-bringing-number-cva-cases-up-six
-Australia : National Redress Scheme: Scott Morrison names and shames groups refusing to sign
up. October 22, 2020.
https://www.news.com.au/national/politics/national-redress-scheme-scott-morrison-names-and-shames-groups-refusing-to-sign-up/news-story/f519cf23a9d8422a1882095d07f3143f
-UK: IICSA : Watchtower accused Lloyd Evans of hate speech!. September 23, 2020.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D596VuaqSrM
-Netherlands: Netherlands wants to punish silence on sex abuse in closed communities. August
28, 2020.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-netherlands-women-crime-trfn/netherlands-wants-to-punish-silence-on-sex-abuse-in-closed-communities-idUSKBN25O2IV
-UK: Former Jehovah's Witness elders call for mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse.
August 10, 2020.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/10/former-jehovahs-witness-elders-call-for-mandatory-reporting-of-child-sexual-abuse
-Netherlands: Jehovah's Witnesses lose appeal over abuse report. August 4, 2020.
https://nos.nl/artikel/2342843-jehovah-s-getuigen-verliezen-hoger-beroep-over-misbruikrapport.html
-Australia: BBC Interview discussing JWs and the selling of their property. July 12,
2020.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000kww2
-Australia: Government names institutions that did not sign up to
National Redress Scheme for child sexual abuse victims. July 1, 2020.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-01/government-names-shames-institutions-not-part-of-redress-scheme/12406850
-Australia: The Jehovah's Witnesses issued a statement advising that they will not be joining
the redress scheme. June 21, 2020.
https://10play.com.au/theproject/articles/statement-from-the-jehovahs-witnesses/tpa200621ycelq
https://www.jehovahs-witness.com/topic/5725212959047680/television-segment-on-jws-australian-redress-scheme
https://www.reddit.com/r/exjw/comments/hd4qo6/full_video_the_project_on_sunday_in_australia/
-USA: Guest view: No pass for pedophiles. June 15, 2020.
https://mtstandard.com/opinion/columnists/guest-view-no-pass-for-pedophiles/article_1f9346c8-76fe-56ae-ac9e-db24c8e0c3eb.html
-Australia: Jehovah's Witnesses accused of selling off assets and
moving cash to avoid sex abuse compensation. June 14, 2020.
https://amp.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/jehovahs-witnesses-accused-of-selling-off-assets-and-moving-cash-to-avoid-sex-abuse-compensation/news-story/08ffe6d55e293182580d9e34b4400088
-Canada (Quebec): Sexual abuse: the civil statute of limitations
period in the process of being abolished. June 4, 2020.
https://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/justice-et-faits-divers/2020-06-04/agressions-sexuelles-le-delai-de-prescription-au-civil-en-voie-d-etre-aboli
-UK: End safeguarding self-regulation, IICSA urged. Mar. 17,
2020.
https://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/12596/end-safeguarding-self-regulation-iicsa-urged
-USA: Grand jury investigators are 'dead serious' about revealing
sexual-abuse cover-ups among Jehovah's Witnesses. Feb. 14, 2020.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/jehovahs-witnesses-sex-abuse-cover-up-pennsylvania-grand-jury-investigation-20200214.html
-USA: The Secret Database of Jehovah's Witness Child Abusers. Feb.
9, 2020.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-secret-database-of-jehovahs-witness-child-abusers
-USA: Jehovah's Witnesses reportedly under investigation by
Pennsylvania attorney general. Feb. 8, 2020.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/investigations/2020/02/08/jehovahs-witnesses-under-investigation-pennsylvania-attorney-generals-office/2425260001/
-UK: Jehovah's Witnesses sued
over 'historical sex abuse'. Feb. 4, 2020.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-51006771
-UK: Jehovah's Witnesses
told to pay rape victim £62k. Jan. 30, 2020.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-51316153
-Netherlands: Jehovah's abuse report can be published. Jan. 23,
2020.
https://nos.nl/artikel/2319839-misbruikrapport-jehovah-s-mogelijk-openbaar-verandering-is-echt-nodig.html
-USA: Court reverses $35M verdict against Jehovah's Witnesses. Jan.
8, 2020.
https://www.bradenton.com/news/politics-government/national-politics/article239102818.html
-NZ: Royal Commission: Jehovah's Witness elders told to destroy
documents. Oct. 18, 2019.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/401230/royal-commission-jehovah-s-witness-elders-told-to-destroy-documents
-USA: The Supreme Court of the U.S. DENIED Watchtower's Petition to
reconsider a $4 million judgment against it in a California child abuse case. Oct.
7, 2019.
https://www.supremecourt.gov/orders/courtorders/100719zor_m648.pdf
-USA: Jehovah's Witnesses ask court to reverse $35M abuse verdict.
Sept. 13, 2019.
https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/jehovahs-witnesses-ask-court-to-reverse-35m-abuse-verdict
-Australia: Newly registered Jehovah's Witnesses legal entity issues
elders letter to destroy records. Aug. 29, 2019.
https://jwleaks.org/2019/08/29/australia-newly-registered-jehovahs-witnesses-legal-entity-issues-elders-letter-to-destroy-records/
-USA: Man Alleges He Was Sexually Abused As A Child By Jehovah's
Witness Church Elder. Aug. 21, 2019.
https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2019/08/21/man-alleges-he-was-sexually-abused-as-a-child-by-jehovahs-witness-church-elder/
-USA: Lawsuits Claim Jehovah's Witness Member Abused Children. Aug.
12, 2019.
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/Lawsuits-Claim-Jehovah_s-Witness-Member-Abused-Children_New-York-537984992.html
-USA: On NBC a tv series called "Silent No More" about sexual abuse in Jehovah's Witnesses
aired august 12, 13, 14. Aug. 12, 2019.
https://www.kcra.com/article/silent-no-more-part-1-the-survivors/28659357
https://www.kcra.com/article/silent-no-more-part-2-the-verdicts/28660625
https://www.kcra.com/article/silent-no-more-part-3-the-reckoning/27377364
-USA: Former Jehovah's Witnesses recount years of sex abuse ahead of
landmark case. Aug.12, 2019.
https://nypost.com/2019/08/12/former-jehovahs-witnesses-recount-years-of-sex-abuse-ahead-of-landmark-case/
-USA: Window for Child Victims Act sex-abuse lawsuits opens
Wednesday. Aug. 9, 2019.
https://www.silive.com/news/2019/08/window-for-child-victims-act-sex-abuse-lawsuits-opens-wednesday-what-it-means.html
-Belgium: One hundred cases of sexual abuse among Jehovah's
Witnesses. Aug. 9, 2019.
https://www.7sur7.be/belgique/une-centaine-de-cas-d-abus-sexuels-chez-les-temoins-de-jehovah~a19c8efee/
-Canada: Jehovah's Witnesses can appeal the class action lawsuit for
sexual crimes. June 3, 2019.
https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1173405/temoins-jehovah-crimes-sexuels-appel
-UK: Children abused by religious figures less likely to report
crimes because of belief in perpetrators' 'automatic morality', government report
finds. May 30, 2019.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/05/30/children-abused-religious-figures-less-likely-report-crimes/
-USA: WT Appeals the Nunez v Watchtower verdict to Montana Supreme
Court. May 22, 2019.
https://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/crime-and-courts/jehovah-s-witnesses-appeal-million-jury-awarded-damages-in-sex/article_11ffe8be-f67b-548c-b515-5016f81c4908.html
-UK: Child sex abuse inquiry widens scope to other religions outside
Christianity for first time. May 2, 2019.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/05/02/child-sex-abuse-inquiry-widens-scope-religions-outside-christianity/
-Belgium: Police descend on Jehovah's Witness HQ after abuse
allegations. Apr. 30, 2019.
http://brusselstimes.com/belgium/justice/15271/police-descend-on-jehovah-s-witness-hq-after-abuse-allegations
-Netherlands: Jehovah's Witnesses of Emmen: Files of child abuse
were destroyed because of privacy law. Apr. 5, 2019.
https://www.dvhn.nl/drenthe/Jehova%E2%80%99s-Getuigen-Emmen-Dossiers-van-kindermisbruik-worden-vernietigd-vanwege-privacywet-24333997.html
-USA: WATCHTOWER has posted a $40,000,000 bond following Montana's
upholding of the Nunez v Watchtower verdict of 2018. Punitive damages have been
upheld, and WT has purchased the bond from Travelers Insurance (35M+
interest)-Montana SC will rule later this year on the appeal. Mar. 25,
2019.
https://www.jehovahs-witness.com/topic/5681519621308416/watchtower-has-posted-40-000-000-bond
-Belgium: The Chamber examines pedophilia among Jehovah's Witnesses.
Mar. 12, 2019.
https://www.lalibre.be/actu/politique-belge/la-chambre-se-penche-sur-la-pedophilie-au-sein-des-temoins-de-jehovah-5c87cd467b50a60724b42065
-Canada: Sexual crimes: class action allowed against Jehovah's
Witnesses. Mar. 5, 2019.
https://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/justice-et-faits-divers/201903/05/01-5217029-crimes-sexuels-action-collective-autorisee-contre-les-temoins-de-jehovah.php
https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1156694/temoins-jehovah-watch-tower-bible-tract-society-canada-watch-tower-bible
https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/quebec-class-action-alleging-sexual-abuse-in-jehovah-s-witnesses-can-proceed-1.4323300
https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2019/03/05/les-temoins-de-jehovah-poursuivis-pour-agressions
https://www.ledevoir.com/societe/549169/crimes-sexuels-action-collective-autorisee-contre-les-temoins-de-jehovah
https://quebec.huffingtonpost.ca/2019/03/05/action-collective-temoins-jehovah_a_23684731/
https://lactualite.com/actualites/2019/03/05/la-cour-superieure-autorise-une-action-collective-contre-les-temoins-de-jehovah/
https://journalmetro.com/actualites/national/2215733/la-cour-superieure-autorise-une-action-collective-contre-les-temoins-de-jehovah/
-Canada: Judge authorizes class action for Jehovah's Witnesses sex
abuse victims. Mar. 4, 2019.
https://montrealgazette.com/news/judge-authorizes-class-action-for-jehovahs-witnesses-sex-abuse-victims
-Canada: The lawsuit against the Watchtower for the child sexual abuse issue has been accepted in Quebec. It can now proceed further. It is a first victory. The lawyers have 30 days to appeal. More details to come. Feb. 27, 2019.
-USA: The Watchtower has recently released their WT May, 2019 study edition which features several articles on child abuse, with some minor policies changes. But still doesn't clearly demand elders to automatically report child sexual abuse to authorities. Feb. 6, 2019.
-Norway: Jehovah's Witnesses are being brought to trial by the
Parliament. Jan. 2, 2019.
https://www.klartale.no/norge/jehovas-vitner-blir-sak-i-stortinget-1.1255033
-USA: California court upholds $4 million sex abuse judgment against
Jehovah's Witnesses Watchtower organization. Dec. 28, 2018.
https://legalnewsline.com/stories/511687317-california-court-upholds-4-million-sex-abuse-judgment-against-jehovah-s-witnesses-watchtower-organization
-Belgium: How Jehovah's Witnesses in Belgium cover up child sexual
abuse in their community. Dec. 20, 2018.
https://plus.lesoir.be/196635/article/2018-12-20/comment-les-temoins-de-jehovah-en-belgique-taisent-les-abus-sexuels-sur-mineurs
-Canada: Quebec judge to rule next year on whether sexual abuse
class-action against Jehovah's Witnesses can proceed. Dec. 18, 2018.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/jehovahs-witness-watchtower-canada-sexual-abuse-lawsuit-1.4950644
https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1142809/action-collective-temoins-jehovah-agressions-sexuelles-cour-superieure
-Canada: Jehovah's Witnesses: Victims of Sexual Assault in the
Quebec Group Demand Justice. Dec. 17, 2018.
http://www.rcinet.ca/fr/2018/12/17/religion-agressions-sexuelles-temoins-de-jehovah-action-collective-scandale-au-sein-des-eglises-ancien-deglise-protection-de-la-jeunesse-police-et-crimes-sexuels-dans-les-eglises-pedophiliie/
-USA: Abuse Survivor's $4M Judgment Against Jehovah's Witness
Umbrella Organization Upheld by Court. Dec. 10, 2018.
https://www.law.com/therecorder/2018/12/10/court-upholds-abuse-survivors-4m-judgement-against-jehovahs-witness-umbrella-organization/
-Netherlands: Police raid Jehovah's witness buildings in sexual
abuse inquiries. Dec. 6, 2018.
https://www.dutchnews.nl/news/2018/12/police-raid-jehovahs-witness-buildings-in-sexual-abuse-inquiries/
-Canada: Jehovah's Witnesses defend their treatment of sexual
assault cases. Nov. 28, 2018.
https://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/justice-et-faits-divers/actualites-judiciaires/201811/28/01-5205878-les-temoins-de-jehovah-defendent-leur-traitement-des-cas-dagressions-sexuelles.php
-USA: Jehovah's Witnesses ordered by jury to pay $35M to abuse
survivor. Sept. 27, 2018.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/jehovah-s-witnesses-ordered-jury-pay-34m-abuse-survivor-n914146
-USA: Jehovah's Witnesses accused of mishandling abuse in Montana.
Sept. 19, 2018.
https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/jehovahs-witnesses-accused-of-mishandling-abuse-in-montana/
-Netherlands: Jehovah's Witnesses refused to hand over evidence in
sexual abuse case. Aug. 3, 2018.
https://www.dutchnews.nl/news/2018/08/jehovahs-witnesses-refuse-to-hand-over-evidence-in-sexual-abuse-case/
-Netherlands: Whole Lower House wants Jehovah's witnesses abuse
investigation. July 3, 2018
https://nos.nl/artikel/2239683-hele-tweede-kamer-wil-misbruikonderzoek-jehovah-s-getuigen.html
-Netherlands: The Lower House requires an independent investigation
into abuse in the Jehovah's Witnesses. June 28, 2018.
https://www.rtlnieuws.nl/nederland/politiek/tweede-kamer-eist-onafhankelijk-onderzoek-naar-misbruik-jehovahs-getuigen
-USA : judge orders Jehovah's Witnesses to turn over internal
documents related to childhood sexual abuse. Apr. 12, 2018.
https://nixlaw.com/news/judge-orders-jehovahs-witnesses-to-turn-over-internal-documents-related-to-childhood-sexual-abuse/
-UK : MPs demand action over Jehovah's Witness abuse allegations.
Mar. 26, 2018.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/26/mps-demand-action-over-jehovahs-witness-abuse-allegations
-UK : Child sexual abuse inquiry considers Jehovah's Witnesses UK
investigation. Mar. 8, 2018.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/08/child-sex-abuse-inquiry-considers-separate-jehovahs-witnesses-uk-investigation
-Canada(ON) : $66M class action sex abuse suit filed against
Jehovah's Witnesses. Oct. 2, 2017.
http://toronto.citynews.ca/2017/10/02/66m-class-action-sex-abuse-suit-filed-jehovahs-witnesses/
http://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1059175/demande-recours-collectif-temoins-de-jehovah-ontario
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7YVWmZWSzQ
-Canada : Quebec court asked to approve sexual abuse class-action
lawsuit against Jehovah's Witnesses. Sept. 15, 2017.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-court-asked-to-approve-sexual-abuse-class-action-lawsuit-against-jehovah-s-witnesses-1.4293138
http://www.higgertylaw.ca/class-action-lawsuits/jehovahs-witness-child-sexual-abuse-class-action-lawsuit/
: Lawyers for the lawsuit in the english Canada.
-Canada : Pedophilia in Jehovah's Witnesses : second documentary of
the show Enquête, The Elders' Silence, Radio-Canada (french, Quebec). Video at the
bottom of this page. Sept. 14, 2017.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-jehovahs-witnesses-allegations-child-abuse-1.4291646
-USA : Lawsuit against Delaware Jehovah's Witnesses' Elders for not
reporting child abuse continues. Sept. 7, 2017.
http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Lawsuit-Against-Jehovahs-Witnesses-Elders-for-Not-Reporting-Child-Abuse-Continues-443003903.html
-UK : Jehovah's Witnesses attacked by Charity Commission over
paedophilia cover-up. July 26, 2017.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/07/26/jehovahs-witnesses-attacked-charity-commission-paedophilia-cover/
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/investigation-leads-to-improvements-in-safeguarding-at-jehovahs-witnesses-charity
-Canada : First across Canada class action suit against the
Watchtower for victims of sexual abuse. They have agreements with different law
firms in different provinces. In Quebec, the laws are different, but a firm will
deal with cases in Quebec. They are currently searching for victims. May 1,
2017.
http://www.higgertylaw.ca/jehovahs-witness-child-sexual-abuse-class-action-lawsuit/
-Canada : "Attn: SEXUAL ABUSE VICTIMS IN CANADA!! We are mobilizing some potential law suits.
Please either contact me (Tricia Franginha), or contact a lawyer by the name of John
McKiggan. He encourages you to contact him ASAP if you are interested in pursuing either a
personal claim against the Watchtower OR are interested in being part of a class action
with one of his associates". Apr. 10, 2017.
https://www.apmlawyers.com/
https://www.facebook.com/franginha
-UK : Jehovah's Witnesses congregation's efforts to block inquiry
squashed. Apr. 4, 2017.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/apr/04/jehovahs-witnesses-congregations-efforts-to-block-inquiry-squashed
-USA : Jehovah's Witness sexual-abuse-coverup lawsuit settled. Feb.
13, 2017.
http://www.pennlive.com/news/2017/02/jehovahs_witness_sexual_abuse.html
-UK : Jehovah's Witnesses drop application for judicial review. Jan.
19, 2017.
http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/jehovahs-witnesses-drop-application-judicial-review/governance/article/1421445
-UK : Jehovah's Witnesses under pressure over handling of sexual
abuse claims. Aug. 12, 2016.
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/aug/12/jehovahs-witnesses-under-pressure-over-handling-of-sexual-abuse-claims
-USA : new BOE
letter regarding the protection of pedophiles within Jehovah's Witness congregations
worldwide. Aug. 1, 2016.
http://www.silentlambs.org/BOEAUGUST2016abuse.htm
-UK : Charity Commission Update; They Need Your Stories About
Domestic Abuse and Shunning. July 22, 2016.
https://jwvictims.org/2016/07/22/uk-charity-commission-update-they-need-your-stories-about-domestic-abuse-and-shunning/
-UK : Supreme Court rejects application for appeal by Watchtower;
the Charity Commission is now full steam ahead. July 18, 2016.
https://jwvictims.org/2016/07/18/breaking-news-uk-supreme-court-rejects-application-for-appeal-by-watchtower-the-charity-commission-is-now-full-steam-ahead/
-UK : Jehovah's Witnesses face £1m legal bill after young girl was
sexually abused by one of its members. July 8, 2016.
http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/jehovah-s-witnesses-face-1m-legal-bill-after-young-girl-was-sexually-abused-by-one-of-its-members/story-29491614-detail/story.html
-UK : Jehovah's Witnesses to compensate woman over sex abuse. June
19, 2015.
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-33201010
Royal Commission into Child Sexual Abuse in Australia : 2015-2017 :
-Australia: Jehovah's Witnesses resolve legal stoush. April 18,
2021.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/jehovahs-witnesses-resolve-legal-stoush-with-charity-watchdog/news-story/2627927c637ab39d03623b8ba76194aa
-Australia: Jehovah's Witnesses facing tax turmoil. April 18,
2021.
https://australianonlinenews.com.au/2021/04/18/jehovahs-witnesses-facing-tax-turmoil/
-Australia: Jehovah's Witnesses to join redress scheme for child
sexual abuse survivors. March 3, 2021.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/2021/03/03/jehovahs-witnesses-redress-scheme/
-Australia : Australia child abuse inquiry finds 'serious failings'.
Dec. 15, 2017.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-42361874
-Australia : Australia Amends Working with Children Act – Jehovah's
Witnesses Forced to Comply or Face Severe Penalties. Sept. 17, 2017.
http://jwsurvey.org/child-abuse-2/news-bulletin-australia-amends-working-children-act-jehovahs-witnesses-forced-comply-face-severe-penalties
-Australia : Is this the first successful liability case for child
sex abuse filed against the Watchtower? Sept. 6, 2017.
https://jwvictims.org/2017/09/06/breaking-news-from-australia-is-this-the-first-successful-liability-case-for-child-sex-abuse-filed-against-the-watchtower/
-Australia : Clergy who fail to report child abuse heard in
confession should be charged – royal commission. Aug. 14, 2017.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/aug/14/clergy-who-fail-to-report-child-abuse-heard-in-confession-should-be-charged-royal-commission
https://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/2017-08/report-on-criminal-justice-released
-Australia : Jehovah's Witnesses refuse to change two-witness rule
because 'that's our stand'. Mar. 14, 2017.
http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/news-life/jehovahs-witnesses-refuse-to-change-twowitness-rule-because-thats-our-stand/news-story/ee1f5bdd2561d99f6d1f608f039ee200
-Australia : Jehovah's Witnesses to face abuse inquiry. Mar. 10,
2017.
http://www.skynews.com.au/news/national/2017/03/10/jehovah-s-witnesses-to-face-abuse-inquiry.html
http://www.smh.com.au/national/inside-the-jehovahs-witnesses-a-perfect-storm-for-abuse-20170309-guukur.html
https://thewest.com.au/news/crime/jehovahs-cruelly-shuns-victims-inquiry-ng-s-1689786
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztOC-lmEApU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRzpa7DOsRE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPwxVG-BxrY
-Australia : Jehovah's Witnesses did not protect children from
abuse, inquiry finds. Nov. 28, 2016.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/nov/28/jehovahs-witnesses-did-not-protect-children-from-abuse-inquiry-finds
http://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/2016-11/report-into-jehovah%E2%80%99s-witness-organisations-releas
-Australia: The Royal Commission will hold a public hearing to
inquire the Jehovah's Witnesses in relation to child sexual abuse on 20 March 2017.
Nov. 15, 2016.
http://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/case-study/10908a67-70c5-4103-94cc-dac096fdb585/case-study-54,-march-2017,-sydney
-Australia : Sex abuse royal commission: Federal, state governments
should compensate survivors when churches, schools fail to, report recommends. Sept.
14, 2015.
http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/sex-abuse-royal-commission-federal-state-governments-should-compensate-survivors-when-churches-schools-fail-to-report-recommends-20150914-gjlyt5.html
-Australia : Child sex claims may be 'apostate lies'. Aug. 14,
2015.
http://www.9news.com.au/national/2015/08/14/18/46/child-sex-claims-may-be-apostate-lies
-Australia : Governing Body Geoffrey Jackson : abuse redress depends
on God. Aug. 14, 2015.
http://www.9news.com.au/national/2015/08/14/03/37/inquiry-to-hear-from-top-jehovah-member
-Australia : Jehovah's Witnesses face child sexual-abuse
investigation in Australia. Aug. 14, 2015.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/jehovahs-witnesses-face-child-sex-abuse-investigation-in-australia/2015/08/14/d8a58eda-406e-11e5-9561-4b3dc93e3b9a_story.html
-Australia : Watchtower 2015 branch organization manual redacted.
PDF. Aug. 12, 2015.
http://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/downloadfile.ashx?guid=57c425ca-91bd-425b-b266-e08cd15986dc&type=exhibit&filename=EXH.029.028.0001_R&fileextension=pdf
-Australia : Jehovah's boss to appear at abuse inquiry. Aug. 10,
2015.
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2015/08/10/jehovahs-boss-appear-abuse-inquiry
-Australia : Jehovah's Witness Church must change after Royal
Commission hearings. Aug. 9, 2015.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-08-10/grundy-flaws-in-jehovahs-witness/6680286
-Australia : Royal Commission : videos on Youtube. July-August 2015.
-Australia : Royal Commission : Jehovah's Witnesses : transcripts. Aug. 6, 2015.
-Australia : ex-Jehovah's Witness criticises the group for not
reporting child abuse. Aug. 6, 2015.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-08-06/ex-jehovahs-witness-criticises-the-group-for-not/6678790
-Australia : Jehovah's Witness child sex predator joined other
congregations, royal commission told. Aug. 5, 2015.
http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/jehovahs-witness-child-sex-predator-joined-other-congregations-royal-commission-told-20150729-gin2iu.html
-Australia : Abuse victims 'face cruel choice': inquiry. Aug. 5,
2015.
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2015/08/05/abuse-victims-face-cruel-choice-inquiry
-Australia : Women to 'never rule' in Jehovah's church. Aug. 4,
2015.
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2015/08/04/women-never-rule-jehovahs-church
-Australia : NY Jehovah's boss won't appear at inquiry. Aug. 4,
2015.
http://www.9news.com.au/national/2015/08/04/13/39/ny-jehovah-s-boss-won-t-appear-at-inquiry
-Australia : Jehovah's Witness church says it will comply with
mandatory reporting of child abuse. Aug. 4, 2015.
http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/aug/04/jehovahs-witness-church-says-it-will-comply-with-mandatory-reporting-of-child-abuse
-Australia : Jehovah's Witnesses let 'repentant' child sex abusers
return to church. Aug. 3, 2015.
http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/aug/03/jehovahs-witnesses-let-repentant-child-sex-abusers-return-to-church
-Australia : Jehovah's Witnesses procedures for dealing with sex
abuse 'deficient' and can re-traumatise victims, a church expert admits at child
abuse commission hearing. July 31, 2015.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3181187/Jehovah-s-Witnesses-procedures-dealing-sex-abuse-deficient-traumatise-victims-church-expert-admits-child-abuse-commission-hearing.html
-Australia : Paedophiles repeatedly promoted to positions of
authority in Jehovah's Witness church royal commission told. July 27,
2015.
http://m.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/paedophiles-repeatedly-promoted-to-positions-of-authority-in-jehovahs-witness-church-royal-commission-told/story-fni0cx12-1227458483269
Lawsuit in the USA : December 1, 2014 :
-USA : $10.5 Million lawsuit against Jehovah's Witnesses organization. December 1, 2014.
The Jose Lopez and Osbaldo Padron cases, USA :
-USA : Watchtower done looking the other way? Final lawsuit over sex
abuse by Jehovah's Witness elder settled. Mar. 2, 2018.
https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2018/mar/02/ticker-watchtower-done-looking-other-way/
-USA : Jehovah's Witnesses to settle sex-abuse case. Jan. 12,
2018.
https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2018/jan/12/ticker-jehovahs-witnesses-settle-sex-abuse-case/
-USA : Watchtower Loses Appeal of $4000 Per Day Fine. Nov. 9,
2017.
https://jwvictims.org/2017/11/10/news-update-in-scathing-court-decision-watchtower-loses-appeal-of-4000-per-day-fine/
-USA : Judge orders Jehovah's Witnesses to release molestation
files. Aug. 30, 2017.
https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2017/aug/30/citylights-judge-orders-jehovahs-witness-release/
-USA : Watchtower lost Lopez summary judgement. May 26, 2017.
-USA : Jehovah's Witnesses get relief from appellate court. Oct. 15,
2016.
http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2016/oct/15/ticker-jehovahs-witnesses-relief-appellate-court/
-USA :
Judge sanctions Jehovah's Witnesses. June 24, 2016.
http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2016/jun/24/ticker-judge-sanctions-jehovahs-witnesses/
-USA : $13.5M award vacated in Jehovah's Witness abuse case. Ruling
gives church chance to turn over disputed documents. Apr. 14, 2016.
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/apr/14/jehovahs-witness-lopez-sex-abuse-appeal/
-USA : The Zalkin Law Firm Wins $13.5 Million Default Judgment
Against the Jehovah's Witnesses Watchtower. Nov. 2, 2014.
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/11/prweb12295835.htm
-USA : Jehovah's Witnesses Ordered to Pay $13.5M to Bible Teacher's
Alleged Victim. October 30, 2014.
http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/135M-Awarded-to-Bible-Teacher-Gonzalo-Campos-Alleged-Abuse-Victim-Jose-Lopez-281031832.html
The Candace Conti case against the Watchtower, USA :
-USA : the Candace Conti case has settled. June 30, 2015.
http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/topic/361070003/candace-conti-settles
http://appellatecases.courtinfo.ca.gov/search/case/dockets.cfm?dist=0&doc_id=2109889&doc_no=S226656
-USA : Conti vs Watchtower appeal. May 27, 2015.
http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/topic/300080001/california-supreme-court-case-s226656
-USA : Conti appeal : Court upholds $2.8M compensation but strikes
down punitive award for woman molested by Jehovah's Witnesses. Apr. 13,
2015.
http://sfappeal.com/2015/04/court-upholds-2-8m-compensation-but-strikes-down-punitive-award-for-woman-molested-by-jehovahs-witnesses/
http://www.courts.ca.gov/opinions/documents/A136641.PDF
-USA : Candace Conti VS the Watchtower next court date : Dec. 10,
2014. Nov. 20, 2014.
http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/watchtower/child-abuse/287603/1/Update-today-on-Candace-Conti-vs-Watchtower-case
-USA : Irwin Zalkin representing ELEVEN child abuse victims against
Watchtower. September 24, 2013.
http://jwsurvey.org/cedars-blog/the-lawsuit-landslide-irwin-zalkin-representing-eleven-child-abuse-victims-against-watchtower
-USA : Conti v. Watchtower – Final Reply Brief of Appellant North
Fremont Congregation. August 29, 2013.
http://jwleaks.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/august-29-2013-conti-v-watchtower-final-reply-brief-of-appellant-north-fremont-congregation.pdf
-USA : Conti v. Watchtower – Final Reply Brief of Appellant
Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York. August 29, 2013.
http://jwleaks.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/august-29-2013-conti-v-watchtower-final-reply-brief-of-appellant-watchtower-bible-and-tract-society-of-new-york.pdf
-USA : Conti v. Watchtower – Respondent's Brief prepared by Rick
Simons. June 3, 2013.
http://jwleaks.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/june-3-2013-conti-v-watchtower-opening-brief-for-respondent-prepared-by-richard-simons-a136641.pdf
-USA : summary of Watchtower appeal brief in Conti case. April 4,
2013.
http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/watchtower/child-abuse/250093/1/Summary-of-WT-Appeal-Brief-in-Conti-Case
-USA : Candace Conti : the Watchtower Society motion to substitute
or reduce bond on appeal is DENIED. November 16, 2012.
http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/watchtower/child-abuse/242368/1/Conti-v-Watchtower-Court-Denies-Watchtower-Motion-re-Substituting-Bond-November-16-court-documents-in-pdf
-USA : Candace Conti : the Watchtower Society is going to ask the
Judge during their next court outing (8th November 2012) to reduce the bond or free
them of it all together, because it can't pay! October 18, 2012.
http://www.jehovahswitnessblog.com/jw-lawsuits/latest-candace-conti-news/
-New instructions to the body of elders concerning the handling of
child abuse and legal procedures. The Watchtower asks them to destroy the old
instructions letters! (Oct.1st). Posted October 16, 2012.
http://jwleaks.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/body-of-elders-boe-letter-handling-of-child-abuse-legal-procedures-issued-by-jehovahs-witnesses-october-1-2012.pdf
-USA : Candace Conti finally won against the Watchtower! August 27,
2012.
http://www.jehovahswitnessblog.com/jw-lawsuits/candace-conti-beats-the-watchtower-society/
-USA : the Watchtower recently settled out-of-court with 5 victims
of JW serial molester. July 19, 2012.
http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/watchtower/child-abuse/229601/1/WT-recently-settled-out-of-court-with-5-victims-of-JW-serial-molester-Court-documents-now-available-to-post-on-any-website
-USA : Alameda(CA) Court freezes $1 billion in Watchtower assets
over sexual abuse case. June 22, 2012.
http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/watchtower/child-abuse/227466/1/Watchtowers-Billion-Dollars-of-Property-Cannot-Be-Sold-until-Outcome-of-Conti-Appeal
-USA : Jehovah's Witnesses ordered to pay more than $20 million to
woman (Candace Conti) who said she was sexually abused as a child. Oakland,
California. June 15, 2012.
http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/06/15/12225753-jehovahs-witnesses-ordered-to-pay-more-than-20-million-to-woman-who-said-she-was-sexually-abused?lite
http://www.silentlambs.org/documents/cuOaklandFirstAmendedComplaint_000.pdf
Videos:
Jehovah's Witness spiritual shepherds sex abuse.
Part 1 :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XIgz6mmfkU
Part 2 :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cPTijd4NzY
Part 3 :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SS-UrESDzN8
Jehovah's Witnesses Silentlambs Press Conference about sexual abuse among Witnesses.
Jehovah's Witnesses Silentlambs Press about sexual abuse among Witnesses.
Jehovah's Witnesses and sexual abuse. CNN report with Connie Chung and Bill Bowen from Silentlambs.
Secrets
of Pedophilia in an
American Religion, by Barbara Anderson. CD.
http://www.watchtowerdocuments.com/
Pedophilia amongst Jehovah's Witnesses "Temps présents" TV show of Nov
12, 2010 (French)
:
Part 1 :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oL0nf2lYCd8
Part 2 :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMWJlfSCzlU
Part 3 :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnWl8lnCLDI
Pedophilia and children amongst Jehovah's Witnesses, "Envoyé Spécial"
TV show of September
25, 2010, on France2 (French) :
Part 1 :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0IyDSHGXz0
Part 2 : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ly81YSN8IOw
Pedophilia amongst
Jehovah's Witnesses,
another TV show of "Temps présents" (in french with dutch subtitles).
http://vimeo.com/32713942
Jehovah's Witnesses - Paedophile exposure. Australia. 2002.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoIh5_EGblA
BBC Panorama- Jehovah's Witnesses documentary 'Suffer the Little
Children'
Part 1 :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzWupVczfCQ
Part 2 :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5tjuEVi23g
Part 3 :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebnBzVXDA9Q
Jehovah's Witnesses abused child in Germany.
Jehovah's witnesses settle 9 law suits.
Jehovah's Witnesses Silentlambs - Dallas.
Jehovah's Witness Video 2 CBS.
The Candace Conti case told to Jehovah's Witnesses. (French).
Team 10 obtains video of admitted child molester in Jehovah's Witnesses. July 22, 2013.
Wales This Week - Witness to the Truth
They knock on our doors, preaching peace and good will. But now victims of a South Wales
sex abuser claim his crimes were covered up by the Jehovah's Witnesses.
http://www.itv.com/news/wales/update/2014-09-29/missed-tonights-episode-of-wales-this-week-witness-to-the-truth-catch-up-here/
Six claim they were molested as kids by Jehovah's Witness elders. October 27, 2014.
Video : Did leaders of Jehovah's Witnesses cover up child sex abuse? PBS Newshour Feb. 16, 2015.
Jehovah's Witnesses and Child Sexual Abuse. BBC Radio 4, The Report. July 23, 2015.
Documentary on
pedophilia amongst Jehovah's Witnesses of Dec. 1, 2016 on Radio-Canada in french, in
english "The Kingdom's Dirty Secrets."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBVoc-NHisg
http://ici.radio-canada.ca/tele/enquete/2016-2017/episodes/369214/enquete-temoins-de-jehovah-pedophilie
Canada : ex-JWs on the show «Tout le monde en parle» Dec. 4, 2016
8H00 PM on Radio-Canada(french), following the report from "Enquête" on pedophilia.
Watch online.
http://ici.radio-canada.ca/tele/tout-le-monde-en-parle/2016-2017/segments/entrevue/11786/temoins-jehovah-enquete-pascale-turbide
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0PsE091ark
Evidencias: Testigos de
Jehová Abusos y Encubrimiento. (Spanish). March 21, 2017.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-L2KL5tzz1k
Canada : Pedophilia in
Jehovah's Witnesses : second documentary of the show Enquête, The Elders' Silence,
Radio-Canada (french, Quebec). Sequel of last year's documentary. Sept. 14,
2017.
https://ici.tou.tv/enquete/S11E01
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3J6AvTzn9AM
http://ici.radio-canada.ca/tele/enquete/site/segments/reportage/38171/temoins-jehovah-agression-victime-pasquale-turbide
Netherlands: pedophilia
among Jehovah's Witnesses, dutch with english subtitles. Jan 26, 2018 and also Feb.
8, 2018.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVNJDE0NSEk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50sgU0jMzQ8&list=PLJylxW3p9cBfY6ok1oM84bef4irkUtNOg
https://vimeo.com/256187135
Canada : Testimony of
Mélanie Poirier, ex-JW, pedophilia victim among Jehovah's Witnesses, show 'Deux
filles le matin.' (French). Mar. 19, 2018.
https://videos.tva.ca/details/_5754146984001
Canada : W5 :
Documentary : No witnesses. Sex abuse accusations within the Jehovah's Witnesses.
Mar. 24, 2018.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13ja8dMEmPY
Germany : coverage : In the name of the Lord, sexual abuse among
Jehovah's Witnesses. Nov. 27, 2018. (German, Deutsch.)
https://www.ardmediathek.de/tv/REPORT-MAINZ/Sexueller-Missbrauch-bei-den-Zeugen-Jeho/Das-Erste/Video?bcastId=310120&documentId=58124230
Belgium : documentary :
« Het geheim van Jehova »: « Jehovah's secret. » April 3, 2019.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPE3akJgkgA
Belgium : documentary :
Indice (RTL-Tvi) Témoins de Jéhovah et pédophilie (Jehovah's Witnesses and
pedophilia). September 11, 2019.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6_gW7IAD9I
UK: Jehovah's Witnesses
'failed to act' over sex abuse claims. September 1, 2021.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmfyhQo8yNI
Jehovah's Witness Pedophilia Coverup?
Posted On: August 16, 2007 by John McKiggan
Black Sun Journal has posted a fascinating article about allegations of cover up of sexual
abuse with the Jehovah's Witness Watchtower Society.
It is not unusual (perhaps even commonplace) for religious organizations to deny or cover
up allegations of sexual abuse;
In most cases where I have represented victims of clergy sexual abuse, the evidence has
indicated that persons' in authority within the Church either had knowlege of the abuse,
or actively covered it up.
What struck me was the lengths to which the Watchtower Society will go to deny or cover up
allegations of sexual abuse within the Church. The article states:
Bowen's group has criticized the Jehovah's Witnesses' policy that if an accused abuser
denies the charge, two credible witnesses are required to establish guilt — due to literal
application of such Bible verses as Deuteronomy 19:15 ("only on the evidence of two
witnesses, or of three witnesses, shall a charge be sustained").
If two witnesses are lacking, the accused is deemed innocent, charges remain confidential
and — silentlambs says — parents who warn others are subject to disfellowshipping for
slander.
Disfellowshipping is an extreme penalty that means a total cutoff of relationships by
family members, friends and business associates who are Witnesses.
Sexual abuse is a crime of secrecy. Since most sexual abusers do not commit their criminal
acts in the presence of witnesses the "two witnesses" requirement is one that would be
next to impossible to meet.
To go even further by threatening victims who want to warn others of sexual abusers with
being cut off from their family, friends and associates (the persons victims would turn to
for help and support after being victimized) is perhaps an even greater betrayal than the
sexual abuse itself.
In most jurisdictions in North America it is a crime for person's in authority to fail to
report allegations of sexual abuse to the appropriate agency (Children's Services etc.) so
that the allegations can be investigated in an independent and unbiased manner.
Perhaps it is time that Religious groups be subjected to the same threat of criminal
prosecution as private citizens.
Source :
http://www.sexualabuseclaimsblog.com/2007/08/jehovahs_witness_pedophilia_co.html
(off-line)
Some links :
http://www.silentlambs.org/
http://www.watchtowerdocuments.com
http://tjrecherches.chez.com/Pedo.htm
https://quebecjwclassaction.mccarthy.ca/
https://saysorry.org/
https://www.schmidtandclark.com/jehovahs-witness-sexual-abuse
http://www.zalkin.com/
http://bettiandassociates.com/
http://www.andersonadvocates.com/
http://www.lovenorris.com/
http://jwvictims.org/for-legal-questions-and-assistance/
http://www.blacksunjournal.com/religion/936_jehovahs-witness-pedophilia-coverup_2007.html
(off-line)