Today any survivors of child sexual abuse involving the Catholic Church in Delaware has a few options for reporting the assault. If you or someone you know is the victim of sexual assault, you can contact the National Rape Crisis Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673) or, locally, contact the YWCA Sexual Assault Resource Center at 1-800-773-8570.
In Delaware, clergy members are legally designated as mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect under state law. When a member of the clergy becomes aware of or has reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect occurring, they have a legal duty to report these concerns to the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families (DSCYF). While there are certain protections in place for privileged communications between priests and penitents during sacramental confessions, these exemptions are limited in scope and do not provide blanket immunity from reporting obligations in all circumstances.
Important Considerations:
- Mandatory Reporting:Delaware state law mandates that all individuals, including members of the clergy, must report any instances of suspected or confirmed child abuse or neglect to proper authorities.
- Exemptions:Although there are limited protections for confidential communications between priests and penitents, these exceptions do not completely absolve clergy members of their fundamental reporting obligations.
- Good Faith Suspicion:The law requires reporting when there is reasonable suspicion based on good faith observations or information, rather than waiting for absolute proof or confirmation of abuse or neglect.
- Penalties:Failure to comply with Delaware’s mandatory reporting requirements can result in significant monetary penalties and fines for those who knowingly fail to report suspected abuse or neglect cases.
Your next step is to contact our team of child abuse lawyers at the Schmidt National Law Group that can walk you through the legal process to file an abuse claim against the Catholic church in Delaware. Use the 100% Secure Claim Form below, or contact us at 1-800-631-5656.
Recent news that two Delaware men, a priest and a teacher are pending extradition were recently indicted and charged with sex abuse.
The following is an excerpt from the press release from the Attorney General of Delaware. For the full press release please visit the Delaware Attorney General’s page: https://news.delaware.gov/2025/03/17/two-men-indicted-and-charged-in-sexual-abuse-case/
Please note to sensitive readers this discusses alleged sexual violence and child abuse that could trigger deep emotional feelings in survivors.
Two men have been arrested and charged on multiple charges of sexual abuse occurring between 1994 and 1996. John Taggart, 80, and Christopher Crisona, 57, are charged with several felonies following an investigation into allegations of abuse at St. Thomas the Apostle School and rectory, as well as other locations.
Taggart was identified following an anonymous report to the Diocese of Wilmington, and subsequent Wilmington Police Department investigation, regarding alleged sexual abuse by Father John Taggart and Father John Francis O’Brien (now deceased). WPD’s investigation found evidence that Taggart repeatedly abused a victim during their 7th and 8th grade years at St. Thomas, and continued after the victim left St. Thomas and began high school. Taggart was a priest at St. Thomas the Apostle from 1987 to 1998. In January of 1999 he was sent to St. John the Apostle in Milford, and in January of 2001 was sent to St. Helena’s in Wilmington. Taggart resigned from active ministry in 2004 and currently resides in Georgia.
The investigation also uncovered allegations of abuse of the same victim by Christopher Crisona, a teacher at St. Thomas the Apostle School. Crisona worked as a teacher at St. Thomas for the 1994-1995 school year and part of the 1995-1996 school year. He was removed mid year following a student complaint, later working at St. Matthew’s in Wilmington (1999), Corpus Christi (1999), and St. Hedwig’s (2000). He currently works as an elementary school teacher in Florida.
Both defendants are entitled to a presumption of innocence. The DOJ is seeking other potential victims given the nature of the allegations and the defendants’ professional history. Anyone with information may contact (302) 577-5293 or ReportAbuse@delaware.gov to provide information to prosecutors and investigators.
Filing and Screening Reports of Child Abuse and Neglect in Delaware state.
As of March 2025, a new bill (HB75) has been introduced in the Delaware General Assembly that may further affect the statute of limitations for civil claims based on sexual abuse of a minor.
New laws recently passed in Delaware has now effectively eliminated the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits involving childhood sexual abuse. Survivors of child sexual abuse in Delaware can take action and file lawsuits against their abusers at any time, with no expiration date for claims. This change was implemented in 2007 when Delaware removed the statute of limitations for civil suits relating to child sexual abuse.
Delaware’s Mandatory Reporting Law.
Under 16 § 903, “any person, agency, organization, or entity who knows or in good faith suspects child abuse or neglect shall make a report.” This means that every person in Delaware is mandated to report child abuse and neglect. In addition, agencies, organizations, and entities will be held accountable when individuals fail to report. For the full statute please see this page: https://kidsfiles.delaware.gov/pdfs/resource_guide_mandatory_reporting_child_abuse_and_neglect.pdf
How a Delaware Attorney Can File Your Clergy Abuse Lawsuit – Steps to Take
A Compassionate approach to working with survivors
Our attorneys always demonstrate empathy and understanding towards survivors of childhood sexual abuse. We listen to your story without interruption and show a clear dedication to fighting for your rights. Our compassionate attorneys will work at a pace that’s comfortable for you, recognizing the emotional toll of revisiting traumatic experiences.
What sets the Schmidt National Law Group above other law firms is that we specialize in child sex abuse cases that employ trauma-informed practices. This means we have undergone professional training on how to work with individuals who have experienced trauma, helping to prevent re-traumatization during the legal process.
Take Action Now – Begin the Healing Process
Start by contacting the Schmidt National Law Group today for a confidential and free case review by calling 1-800-631-5656 or use the 100% secure intake form below.
Page: Reporting Catholic Church Sex Abuse in Delaware Updated on June 6, 2025.