Bishops Meet in Chicago to Reflect on Clergy Abuse Scandal
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Sexual abuse of kids or adults can have devastating consequences for victims. The effects of child sexual abuse can last for a lifetime, requiring extensive counseling. Many victims suffer abuse by poeple they trusted, such as a teacher or a clergy member. If you or a loved one were victimized by a person in a position of authority at a school, church or other institution, you may be able to obtain compensation. If you or someone close to you has been the victim of this kind of abuse, our attorneys may be able to help.
D.C. Attorney General Takes Action
The Catholic Church scandal prompted D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine to propose a piece of legislation in January 2019. Racine, responding to a growing number of instances involving sexual abuse of minors allegedly committed by priests, wants to add the Catholic Church to the list of organizations that must tell authorities about any suspected child abuse or neglect.
If approved by the D.C. mayor and city council, clergy members such as priests and rabbis would be mandated to report any suspected instances of abuse to either the Child and Family Services Agency or the police. They would also have to report the abuse to the leaders of the religious institutions to which they belong.
In October 2018, Racine announced his office was starting an investigation into whether or not the Washington diocese had attempted to cover up alleged sexual abuse of children by Catholic priests.
Priest Charged with Child Sexual Abuse
Shortly after the announcement of the investigation, a Catholic priest was arrested and charged with second-degree sexual abuse of a child. The priest allegedly abused a 13-year-old girl in May 2015. The pastor of the church reportedly heard the report alleging the abuse, but failed to report it to police until October 2018. Investigators later learned of two other complaints of abuse committed by the priest.
Contact Sexual Abuse Claim
If you or a loved one suffered sexual abuse at the hands of someone representing an institution such as a school, church, governmental agency, etc., please contact us online or call (866) 691-7631.
