PFAU COCHRAN VERTETIS AMALA
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PFAU COCHRAN VERTETIS AMALA

Father Dennis Kemp

Perpetrator Alert: Father Dennis Kemp, an alleged child molester who served as a priest for the Archdiocese of Seattle from 1973 through 2007.

PCVA is alerting King County and Kitsap County about sexual abuse allegedly perpetrated by Father Dennis Kemp.

If you or someone you know was sexually abused by Father Kemp, or has information pertaining to Father Kemp, our attorneys are here to listen and help. Learn more about how we help sexual abuse survivors, or schedule a free, confidential consultation with one of our lawyers by completing our online form or by calling us at (206) 536-2850.

This article provides information about the allegations against Father Dennis Kemp and frequently asked questions about civil claims for sexual abuse.

What are the allegations against Father Dennis Kemp?

Father Dennis Kemp served as a priest for the Archdiocese of Seattle from 1973 through the 2007.

In 2007, Father Kemp was placed on leave after he was accused of inappropriate conduct with a twelve-year-old boy. Three years later, Father Kemp was permanently removed from active ministry.

In 2016, the Archdiocese of Seattle identified Father Dennis Kemp as a priest with admitted, established, or credible allegations of child sexual abuse.

Where did Father Dennis Kemp serve as a priest?

Father Dennis Kemp was assigned to following seminaries, schools, and parishes in Washington:

  • 1973-1976: St. Monica, Mercer Island, WA
  • 1976-1978: Our Lady Star of the Sea, Bremerton, WA
  • 1978-1979: St. Edward Hall Minor Seminary, Burien, WA
  • 1979-1994: John F. Kennedy High School, Burien, WA
  • 1990-1994: Chancery, Seattle, WA
  • 1994-2002: St. Mark, Shoreline, WA
  • 2002-2007: St. Monica, Mercer Island, WA
  • 2004-2007: Our Lady of Mount Virgin, Seattle, WA

Has PCVA previously represented individuals who were sexually abused by priests?

Yes. PCVA represented hundreds of individuals who were abused by priests. PCVA’s familiarity with the Archdiocese of Seattle’s personnel files, access to court documents and records, and knowledge of critical witnesses provides PCVA with a significant amount of institutional knowledge when it comes to helping people who were sexually abused by priests.

How can sexual abuse impact its victims?

Even if there is no outward injury to the body, sexual abuse of a child can have serious psychological effects. The effects of sexual violence are many, but can include:

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Flashbacks
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Dissociation
  • Panic attacks
  • Substance abuse
  • Disordered sleep
  • Sexual dysfunction

These are serious issues that can harm a person’s ability to work, study, maintain relationships, and enjoy their lives. Treatment for sexual abuse-related damage can take a long time and become very expensive.

What is the current statute of limitations for child sex abuse in Washington State?

Survivors in Washington often file lawsuits decades after the abuse ended. However, there are many ways the statute of limitations can impact a case, so it is important you speak with an attorney to learn your rights. If you have any questions about the statute of limitations for your potential case, please contact us directly.

Can I sue anonymously if I’m worried about my privacy?

Most likely. The law usually allows survivors to file lawsuits using their initials or using pseudonyms, like “John Doe” or “Jane Doe.” It also may be possible to resolve your case privately without filing a lawsuit or going to court.

How can survivors receive damages for sexual abuse?

Our attorneys have been involved in some of the most complicated and concerning sexual abuse cases in the country, and we are often consulted by other law firms for guidance when representing abuse survivors. We take a trauma-informed approach to our representation that acknowledges the sensitive nature of each person’s case.

Every case is different and results – which depend on the law and the facts of the case – cannot be guaranteed. However, we will fight to hold negligent institutions and individuals accountable. Through our efforts, we have helped recover hundreds of millions of dollars in damages on behalf of abuse survivors. While no amount of monetary compensation can erase the trauma, the financial assistance can help pay for necessary expenses to allow the healing process to begin.

How much do you charge?

Our work is done on a contingency basis. This means that you do not pay us on an hourly basis, and we advance the costs of litigation. If we help you resolve your case, we receive a percentage of the gross amount you receive, and you reimburse us for the costs we advanced on your behalf.

Our case results

PCVA has a lengthy history of pursuing damages from youth-serving organizations that employed individuals who abused their positions of authority to sexually assault children, including religious organizations, school districts, foster care agencies, boarding homes, and hospitals. See below for links to some of our case results involving such entities:

See a more detailed list on our Case Results page.

Sexual Abuse Survivors

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse at the hands of Father Dennis Kemp, our attorneys are here to listen and help. Learn more about how we help sexual abuse survivors or schedule a no obligation consultation with one of our lawyers by completing our online form or by calling us at (253) 777-0799 or (206) 462-4334.