Claire* never imagined that the place where she worked, worshipped, and built her community could become the source of such lasting harm. For many years, she experienced sexual and emotional abuse in a church setting from a pastor she trusted. With support from Enable Law’s specialist abuse team, Claire has now received a six-figure settlement, recognising the trauma she endured and the impact it has had on her life.
When trust was broken
Claire joined a growing evangelical church in her early twenties. She became part of the community and later took on a paid role supporting the church’s lead pastor, who was significantly older and held a position of spiritual and professional authority.
At first, Claire believed he was a mentor and spiritual guide. But over time, the relationship changed. He became increasingly controlling, isolating her from others and creating an environment where questioning him felt impossible. Claire later described how the boundaries between work, faith, and her personal life slowly disappeared, leaving her vulnerable and dependent.
Eventually, the situation escalated. Using his position of trust and spiritual influence, the pastor manipulated Claire into sexual activity. She describes this period as feeling trapped, silenced and fearful of the consequences for herself, her marriage, and the wider community.
During this time, Claire’s mental health deteriorated significantly. She experienced deep anxiety, shame, and confusion, feeling she had no safe space to turn to or be believed.
Trying to be heard
Eventually, Claire and her husband moved away. With physical distance, she found the strength to acknowledge what had happened. She reported the abuse to the church’s safeguarding lead.
The church sought some external safeguarding advice, but Claire did not receive clear guidance on her right to report the abuse to the police, meaning opportunities for timely support were missed.
An internal church investigation took place, during which the pastor acknowledged some responsibility. However, instead of any formal disciplinary action, he was allowed to step down quietly. The church later described the situation as an “inappropriate relationship” – language that did not reflect the coercive and abusive nature of what Claire had endured. Claire felt silenced and dismissed, with no control over how her experience was framed or understood.
Seeking justice through a civil claim
Feeling unheard, wrongly labelled and unable to move forward, Claire approached Enable Law. She was represented by Helen Horne, a specialist in abuse and safeguarding cases, particularly those involving faith organisations and institutions.
Helen supported Claire through a civil claim for abuse against the church. Independent medical evidence confirmed that Claire developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the abuse.
The case resulted in a six-figure compensation settlement, acknowledging both the psychological harm caused and the long-term impact on Claire’s life. While no amount of money can undo the past, Claire described the process as empowering and validating – a vital step toward reclaiming her voice and rebuilding her future.
Helen Horne explains:
“When abuse happens in faith settings, the power imbalance can make it deeply difficult to speak out. The most important first step is being believed. An early, compassionate response from a church can prevent further trauma — even before any legal process begins.”
Empowerment through expert legal guidance
Claire found the experience of working with Enable Law deeply validating. She explained:
“Working with Helen Horne and Enable Law meant that I finally felt professionally heard. I had previously been trying to fight my own corner and had repeatedly found myself silenced and reframed by church leadership. It was a relief to hand things over and feel expertly represented and supported throughout the process. The entire journey was validating, and the outcome was immensely empowering. It went beyond a financial figure and provided a sense of justice and recognition that other routes could not. Helen Horne and Enable Law were highly professional, and I felt both respected and cared for throughout. They also helped me understand the seriousness and depth of the impact my experience had had on me. I would highly recommend approaching Enable Law to anyone in a similar position.”
Claire has since shared her story with Premier Christianity in the hope of encouraging other survivors of church abuse to seek support and to remind churches of their legal and moral responsibilities when safeguarding concerns are raised. She shares her experience to help others know they are not alone.
How Enable Law can help
Enable Law is a leading national team supporting survivors of sexual, physical and emotional abuse, including those affected by abuse in church and other faith settings.
We understand how isolating and confusing these situations can be, and we provide expert legal advice with care and compassion. Our specialist solicitors help survivors secure justice, compensation, and access to therapeutic support – ensuring their voices are heard.
If you or someone you know has experienced abuse by a pastor, priest, or church leader in a church or faith setting, we can help. You can speak to our team in complete confidence and with no obligation.
Call 0800 044 8488 or fill in our contact form so we can call you back at a time that suits you.
*Names changed
