Based on 2023 Illinois Attorney General Report

Justice for Survivors of Clergy Abuse in Illinois

The Illinois Attorney General investigation identified over 451 clergy members who sexually abused nearly 2,000 children across six dioceses. If you or someone you love was abused by a member of the Catholic clergy, you may be entitled to significant compensation.

451+
Abusive Clergy Identified
1,997+
Documented Victims
6
Dioceses Investigated
70+
Years of Abuse Documented

Illinois Catholic Dioceses

Select your diocese to learn more about documented abuse cases and how we can help.

Archdiocese of Chicago
The largest diocese in Illinois, covering the greater Chicago metropolitan area.
Cook, Lake
2,093,000 Catholics
275 Identified Abusers
View Diocese Details
Diocese of Joliet
Covers the southwestern suburbs of Chicago and surrounding counties.
DuPage, Kendall, Will, Grundy, Kankakee, Iroquois, Ford
520,148 Catholics
69 Identified Abusers
View Diocese Details
Diocese of Peoria
Encompasses a large portion of central Illinois including Peoria and Bloomington.
26 counties in central Illinois
132,205 Catholics
51 Identified Abusers
View Diocese Details
Diocese of Belleville
Covers the Metro East area and southern Illinois region.
28 counties in southern Illinois
70,000 Catholics
43 Identified Abusers
View Diocese Details
Diocese of Springfield
Encompasses the state capital and surrounding central Illinois communities.
28 counties in central Illinois
123,706 Catholics
34 Identified Abusers
View Diocese Details
Diocese of Rockford
Covers the northern Illinois region including Rockford and surrounding areas.
Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, Kane, Lee, McHenry, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside, Winnebago
413,526 Catholics
24 Identified Abusers
View Diocese Details

The Illinois Attorney General Investigation

In May 2023, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul released a comprehensive 700-page report documenting decades of child sexual abuse by Catholic clergy in Illinois. The investigation found that church officials consistently failed to protect children and often concealed abuse.

Key findings from the report include:

  • 451 clergy members were identified as having committed abuse
  • Nearly 2,000 victims were documented, though the actual number is likely higher
  • Abuse occurred across all six Illinois dioceses spanning decades
  • Church officials frequently transferred abusers between parishes instead of reporting them
  • Many cases were never reported to law enforcement

This report has opened the door for many survivors to finally seek justice and compensation for the trauma they experienced. Illinois law has significantly expanded the statute of limitations for these claims.

You Are Not Alone

Thousands of survivors have come forward to seek justice. Our compassionate team is here to listen, support you, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

All consultations are free and 100% confidential. No fees unless we win.