Survivors have credibly accused clergy members and others associated with the Archdiocese of Baltimore of child sexual abuse. This includes Sister Theonella Flood, who allegedly abused at least one young student at a Maryland school where she was assigned in the mid-1950s.
If you are a survivor of abuse by Sister Theonella Flood, you could have a clergy sexual abuse case. An attorney can help you fight for justice and compensation. Your case could also prevent similar incidents from happening and encourage others to come forward.
Credible Accusations Exist Against Sister Theonella Flood
Sister Theonella Flood was a member of the religious order School Sisters of Notre Dame. She worked in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, serving at least some of her career at St. Joseph Passionist Monastery School in Irvington, Maryland. This assignment began around 1954.
Flood, whose legal name was Mary Margaret Flood, died in 1988, almost two decades before a man in his 60s made reported abuse allegations involving her. The man said Sister Flood perpetrated sexual abuse against him in the mid-1950s when he was a student at St. Joseph Passionist Monastery School, which is now closed. He reported being forced to touch her breasts and vagina through her clothing when he was age 11 or 12.
It is unknown if there are other survivors of abuse perpetrated by Sister Theonella Flood.
What Should I Do If I Survived Abuse by Sister Theonella Flood?
If you are a survivor of abuse by Sister Flood or another clergy member, consider speaking to an attorney accepting clergy sexual abuse cases in Baltimore. They can confidentially assess your case and explain how this process works. You may be able to pursue a claim or lawsuit against the entities that failed to protect you against abuse.
Under current law, organizations and institutions are legally responsible for protecting children from sexual abuse. Filing a claim or lawsuit against those who failed you could allow you to recover compensation for your mental health care, related expenses, economic losses, and emotional distress. This includes past, current, and future damages.
Pursuing a case is the best way to recover justice for your childhood self while protecting children today from similar abuses. When you hire a law firm that handles these cases, it should:
- Interview you about your experiences
- Discuss possible evidence to support your case
- Seek other stories of clergy sexual abuse involving Sister Flood or another abuser
- File a complaint detailing the abuse based on your experiences
- Demand fair compensation based on your case’s facts
- Sue the liable organization or entities as necessary
- Represent you throughout the legal process
- Handle the case so you can focus on other things
- Lead all aspects of your case with compassion and empathy
A compassionate legal team can develop strong support for your allegations and a compelling case against the Archdiocese of Baltimore or other liable parties. This may include survivor videos as evidence when possible.
How Widespread Was Clergy Sexual Abuse in Baltimore?
A four-year investigation by the Maryland Office of the Attorney General found more than 600 child victims of clergy abuse and reports that many more are likely out there. The exhaustive investigation interviewed more than 300 survivors, many who spoke out about the abuse for the first time.
In all, the report identified 156 clergy members within the Archdiocese of Baltimore as abusers. This abuse occurred over several decades. This investigation into the Baltimore clergy sexual abuse led state lawmakers to pass The Child Victims Act of 2023, dramatically changing how the state handles claims of clergy sexual abuse.
The Maryland Office of the Attorney General released the report detailing the findings from this investigation in spring 2023.
New Laws Make It Possible to Pursue Damages in Maryland
When the Maryland governor approved the Child Victims Act of 2023, it changed survivors’ rights when holding those responsible for their abuse accountable. This law allows survivors to seek justice in their case even if the deadline to sue previously expired. This is just one change brought by this law, signed on April 11, 2023. Other changes include:
- Survivors can sue the perpetrator and any party who allows, encourages, or ignores child sexual abuse.
- There is no statute of limitations on suing responsible parties based on child sexual abuse.
- There is no cap on economic damages and an increased cap of $1.5 million in cases against private institutions.
- The cap on cases against a public institution or government entity is now $890,000 per claim.
What Damages Are Available?
When a survivor of childhood clergy abuse files a claim or sues the institution responsible, their attorney will present evidence that documents their recoverable damages. This could include:
- Past medical bills, usually for therapy or psychiatric treatment
- Current and future medical expenses
- Past and present income losses
- Reduced ability to work if applicable
- Emotional distress and other pain and suffering damages
Discuss Your Next Steps With Our Clergy Sexual Abuse Legal Team
At Jenner Law, our clergy abuse attorneys represent survivors of sexual abuse in Maryland churches, schools, and other environments. We provide free, confidential initial case consultations. You can speak with an attorney and learn more about your rights and options at no cost. The consultation is private. We will answer your questions and discuss your next steps.
Let us help you get justice. We are accepting Maryland clergy abuse cases now. This includes those based on encounters with the named abuser Sister Theonella Flood. Contact us online or via telephone to get started today.