What is The Catholic Church Doing About Sexual Abuse?
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What is The Catholic Church Doing About Sexual Abuse?
What is The Catholic Church Doing About Sexual Abuse?
Sep 28, 2020
Academic scholars, victim advocates, and sexual abuse attorneys have declared the Catholic Church sex abuse crisis a case study in institutional failure. The Catholic Church says they are more committed than ever to the safety of children, citing the creation of mandatory reporting and zero-tolerance policies. They have also reportedly formed committees, and taken various initiatives to reiterate their efforts through background screening and Safe Environment training.
What the Catholic Church doesn’t tell you about their response to a veritable sexual abuse crisis that has led to an epidemic, however, is the extreme lengths they have gone to cover-up abuse allegations and protect their assets. And perhaps most disturbingly, the Catholic Church has quietly reinstated many suspended priests who have been investigated for molestation and abuse (even, in some cases, after paying out victims substantially through multi-million dollar civil lawsuit settlements).
Financial moves by the Catholic Church have included transferring assets into trusts, transferring property ownership to prevent bankruptcy (to pay abuse victims), and generally lessening their financial losses due to sex abuse claims. Bloomberg reported that when the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis filed for bankruptcy protection in 2015, it claimed not to own cemeteries, schools, and parishes within its territory, going so far as to visit every cemetery in the region and painting over the name ‘Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis.‘
If You Are a Victim of Catholic Church Sexual Abuse – We Are Here To Help
At Dordulian Law Group, we understand that coming forward to speak up after experiencing sexual abuse (especially years or even decades after the incident) is very difficult, and may generate emotions, feelings, and thoughts that have long been suppressed. We have established a unique SAJE Team (Sexual Assault Justice Experts) within our Sexual Assault Division, providing each of our clients with four tiers of support including access to an in-house, licensed clinical therapist with 15 years of experience. From your very first call to DLG, we will do everything we can to protect you from further trauma and provide you with the support you need. Your Los Angeles sex abuse lawyer and the entire team at Dordulian Law Group will protect your right to privacy and treat you with respect. Our goal is to help you heal and recover the maximum compensation you deserve. If you’re ready to take the next step, contact us today.
Some basic facts about the Catholic Church sex abuse scandal:
The church has paid out more than $3 billion to settle sexual abuse claims and continues to pay out multi-million dollar settlements for child sex abuse victims.
Many dioceses around the country have filed for bankruptcy protection to cover legal fees and settlements due to sexual abuse accusations, including two in California: San Diego, CA (2/27/07), and Stockton, CA (01/15/14).
More than 6,800 U.S. Catholic priests have been credibly accused of sexual abuse.
There are at least 19,000 survivors of sexual abuse by U.S. Catholic priests.
50% of survivors of Catholic Church abuse wait 20 years or longer to report the incident.
Our Sexual Assault Justice Experts are here to help survivors secure justice. Contact our top-rated attorneys online or by phone for a free consultation today.
Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Settlements
For many Catholics, the problem with the institutional sex abuse of children in the church is twofold:
The devastating, life-long impact on victims is heartbreaking.
The Catholic Church handled the abuse abhorrently, failing to take action despite many opportunities, thereby continuing to allow children to be abused.
Among the more than $3 billion in settlements the Catholic Church has issued for abuse committed by its priests, some of the notable California settlements include:
August 2001: Together, the Los Angeles and Orange dioceses agreed to pay a $5.2 million settlement to five boys who claimed Msgr. Michael A. Harris molested them.
November 2003: The Diocese of Oakland agreed to pay a $1 million settlement to a man who claimed he was molested 20 years earlier. The priest, Father Robert Freitas, agreed to pay $16 million, although it was unclear if he had the ability to pay.
December 2004: The Diocese of Orange agreed to pay an $85 million settlement to 87 people who were abused by priests, including Father Siegfried Widera.
June 2005: The Diocese of Sacramento agreed to pay a $35 million settlement to 33 people who were abused by Rev. Mario Blanco between October 1969 to April 1973.
August 2005: The Diocese of Oakland agreed to pay a $56 million settlement to 56 victims of sex abuse
July 2007: The Archdiocese of Los Angeles agreed to pay a $660 million settlement to 508 people who were abused by 221 priests, brothers, lay teachers, and other church employees spanning seven decades.
September 2007: The Diocese of San Diego agreed to a $198 million settlement to settle 144 claims of abuse.
February 2014: The Los Angeles Archdiocese reached a $13 million settlement with 17 victims of Father Nicolas Aguilar-Rivera, a visiting priest from Mexico.
June 2019: The Diocese of Santa Rosa reached a $6.8 million settlement for two boys who were abused by Kevin Thorpe, a counselor at the Hannah Boys Center in Sonoma. The lawsuit alleged the school and its employees knew that Thorpe was sexually abusing children on school property and in his own home. The complaint further alleged that said employees ignored and covered up evidence related to the abuse.
January 2020: The Los Angeles Archdiocese reached a $1.9 million settlement with a 47-year-old man who was abused by Father Lawrence Lovell, convicted of child molestation in 2003 and sentenced to 14 years in prison. This case was the first case settled with a Catholic diocese in California since the passing of Assembly Bill 218 (AB 218), a significant law that expanded the time frame for filing sexual abuse claims.
For a more comprehensive list of the numerous Catholic Church sexual abuse settlements in the U.S. and throughout the world, visit bishop-accountability.org/settlements.
Although many of the civil lawsuit settlements do not include an admission of guilt on the part of the church, it is clear that the involved dioceses believe the victims would be successful if the cases proceeded to jury trials. According to Bishop-Accountability.org’s diocese search, dozens of priests in Los Angeles have been convicted of sexual abuse and sentenced to time in prison or mental hospitals.
Timeline of Major Events in the Catholic Church Sex Abuse Crisis
January 2002 – Boston Globe Publication: In January 2002, the Boston Globe published an article titled “Church allowed abuse by priest for years.” The article was the first in a spotlight series about former priest John J. Geoghan (who allegedly fondled or raped more than 130 people over a three-decade span), and the mishandling of abuse allegations in the Archdiocese of Boston. By 2004, the Boston Globe had published more than 800 articles on the abuse scandal. Their reporting was important because it sparked national attention, and compelling other news media outlets to begin investigating their local dioceses.
June 2002 – Dallas Charter and Norms: The Vatican instructed the U.S. Catholic Church to write binding laws to protect children, leading to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. Adopted in Dallas in June 2002, the charter is widely known as the Dallas Charter and Norms. It required, among other things, that dioceses report any allegation of sexual abuse of a minor to the authorities. The charter was revised in 2005, 2011, and 2018.
Priest Reinstatements Since 2002
A massive contradiction of the Catholic Church’s supposed zero-tolerance policy is its many reinstatements since the 2002 Dallas Charter, which claimed it would remove offenders from ministry. According to BishopAccountability.org, in some cases, reinstatements occurred without even interviewing victims/accusers. In other cases, although victims were paid out substantially in multi-million dollar settlements, priests were still reinstated. Such reinstatements are a key reason for why such rampant systemic abuse was able to continue for decades. Some examples of known predator priests who were reinstated include:
Rev. Alvaro Guichard – Reinstated by Archbishop John C. Favalora – Archdiocese of Miami FL: Guichard had previously been suspended for 15 months after two men claimed in civil lawsuits that he had molested them as children. He was reinstated by a church commission that found there was “no credibility” to the victims’ allegations.
Rev. William G. Poole – Reinstated by Bishop Ronald Gainer – Diocese of Lexington KY: Rev. William G. Poole was suspended in September 2002 after being accused of abusing a boy in 1972. His suspension was ended on December 24, 2003, despite the Covington diocese reaching a settlement with his accuser. He died on December 21, 2018.
Rev. Robert Stricker – Reinstated by Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk – Archdiocese of Cincinnati, OH: In 1993, Rev. Robert Stricker was accused of abusing a Cincinnati boy in the 1950s. At the time, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati determined the allegations were unsubstantiated. Stricker was suspended in May 2008 after the same victim brought additional information to the archdiocese, which Bishop Pilarczyk said had “some semblance of truth.” Stricker was reinstated in July 2008 after a subsequent internal investigation determined the additional information could not be substantiated. He died on March 22, 2017.
Rev. James F. Power – Reinstated by Cardinal Sean O’Malley – Archdiocese of Boston MA: In a 1993 complaint, Rev. James F. Power was accused of supplying a 13-year-old boy with alcohol, sodomizing, and fondling him during a 1980 trip to Acadia National Park. The $35 million lawsuit settled in 1996 for an undisclosed amount. Power was placed on administrative leave in February 2002 when church officials found his file during the Boston sex abuse scandal. A second allegation was made in October 2002. Power was reinstated on January 2, 2009, after the Archdiocese ruled it could not substantiate the allegations. He died August 14, 2015.
Rev. Eugene P. Sullivan – Reinstated by Cardinal Sean O’Malley – Archdiocese of Boston MA: Sullivan was Superintendent of Archdiocesan Schools in Holbrook, MA, in the 1970s and ’80s. In 2004, he was accused in a lawsuit of fondling a 15-year-old in his car in 1977, along with allegations of abuse by two other priests. He was placed on administrative leave in January 2005 and reinstated in 2009 after a review board determined the allegation was unsubstantiated (despite the archdiocese paying the victim $475,000 in a settlement).
Rev. Chris Berbena – Reinstated by Bishop Allen Vigneron – Diocese of Oakland: Franciscan Father Berbena was accused in 2004 of misconduct while serving in the Los Angeles Archdiocese in 1980. After saying they could find no evidence of the abuse, Berbena was reinstated. His accuser was compensated in a settlement in 2006. After the settlement, the Diocese of Oakland again removed Berbena from active ministry. He was reinstated to active ministry again in February 2008.
If you believe you have a sexual abuse case and wish to pursue a claim, don’t hesitate to contact our award-winning expert attorneys online or by phone today.
References and Resources
For survivors of Catholic Church sexual abuse, it can be helpful to establish a support network and utilize available resources whenever possible. For DLG’s Catholic Church survivor clients, we have found the following references and resources can be somewhat helpful:
USCCB.org: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. One of their purposes is to unify, coordinate, encourage, promote, and carry on Catholic activities in the United States. Their publications make the argument that they have “done more to protect children than almost any other organization in the United States.”
BishopAccountability.org: A Massachusetts-based non-profit with the mission to “gather and make accessible all public information about the Catholic abuse crisis and the bishops’ role in it.”
Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) – A non-profit 501(c)3 foundation supporting survivors of clergy sex abuse. SNAP purports to be “the largest, oldest and most active support group for women and men wounded by religious authority figures (priests, ministers, bishops, deacons, nuns, and others).”
If you are a survivor of Catholic Church abuse and would like to discuss pursuing a civil lawsuit to recover financial damages, or simply have questions regarding available resources, we are here for you. Contact a Dordulian Law Group Catholic Church abuse lawyer 24/7 through a free and confidential consultation.
How AB 218 Can Help California Catholic Church Sex Abuse Victims Now
California Assembly Bill 218 (AB 218) is a new law that took effect on January 1, 2020. The law is significant because it increases the statute of limitations for all survivors of childhood sexual abuse (whether by an individual or an institution) in two meaningful ways:
It permanently raises the statute of limitations to 40 years of age
It temporarily removes the statute of limitations entirely from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2022. This means that regardless of when the abuse occurred, survivors are eligible to file civil claims for financial compensation against perpetrators and their employing institutions. You may bring a claim even if the perpetrator is deceased.
Additionally, a provision for “treble damages” allows the court to triple the amount of damages to any survivor who proves that his or her sexual assault was the result of a cover-up. The legal term “cover-up” is defined in the Code of Civil Procedure 340.1(b)(2) as “a concerted effort to hide evidence relating to childhood sexual assault.”
If you were abused in an institutional setting, such as the Catholic Church, the Boy Scouts of America, the YMCA, a Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall, a public or private school, or as part of a sports club, you may have a treble damages claim for compensation towards your physical and emotional trauma. If a cover-up occurred, DLG’s experienced team of sexual abuse lawyers will pursue a treble damages settlement on your behalf.
Get a Free Consultation Today with a Sex Abuse Lawyer at DLG
An estimated one-third of childhood sexual abuse survivors never disclose their abuse. With the passage of AB 218, from 2020 – 2022 California law permits survivors to pursue compensation in a civil suit, no matter when the abuse occurred. Even if abuse occurred decades ago, reporting it now can allow for healing, accountability, and potentially a better future with a semblance of healing and closure. Our Los Angeles sex abuse law firm has recovered more than $100 million for abuse and injury victims, and we are here to help you 24/7. Don’t let the AB 218 lookback window expire without filing your claim.
From the moment you contact an experienced member of the DLG SAJE (Sexual Assault Justice Experts) Team, you are provided with the utmost support and respect, ensuring you are never alone going forward in the legal process. And at DLG you never pay a dime up-front. Under our contingency fee agreement, we are only paid a percentage of the final financial damages award we recover by prevailing in your case. To speak with a member of our team, call us at (855) 804-9636 or contact us online for a free consultation about your case today.
Sam Dordulian is an award-winning sexual abuse lawyer with over 25 years' experience helping survivors secure justice. As a former sex crimes prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney for L.A. County, he secured life sentences against countless sexual predators. Mr. Dordulian currently serves on the National Leadership Council for RAINN.
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I was rear-end by a careless driver, and I was stressed and hurt. Attorney Samuel Dordulian and Dordulian Law Team was highly recommended. He was emphatic, informative, and answered all my questions and concerns. Every step of the way, there was constant communication. He was thorough and kept me informed. In addition, his team is exceptional and helpful. Thank you for your amazing service. I highly recommend him.
Sam was referred to me by a friend who had an excellent experience with this firm. After my accident, something I had never gone through before, a lot of people were pushing their advice and telling me what to do. It was overwhelming. Thankfully, i chose this office. Sam and Rafi guided me through the entire process and made it simple and manageable. They are amazing at what they do. They do their absolute best! I trust them and I highly recommend them.
Rafi was so pleasant, courteous and concerned about our well being. He took all the information and said to hold on he would get the lawyer on the other line. We talked with him and he was just as nice. Rafi sent over the paperwork right away for us to sign and sent us her information to contact if we needed anything. Such a relief to have them in our corner. Couldn't believe how fast he got everything done. Anyone needing representation needs to give them a call and ask for Rafi, he will definitely treat you right! Thank you Rafi and Dordulian Law Firm.
I was involved in a car accident with careless driver, it was my first car accident. I was stressed cause I didn't know what should I do, how to deal with all of it. A friend of mine recommended me Dordulian Law Group, he said, Sam is the best in it. What a great recommendation. Sam Dordulian explained me every detail on my case, His team kept me well-informed throughout the entire process. The most exciting moment it was when I got paid double from what I expected. I am grateful for Mr. Dordulian and the Dordulian Law Group and highly recommend them for any of your needs.
Dordulian Law Group helped me so much. They are extremely helpful and professional. They kept in regular contact with me and answered any questions quickly. My case was settled in a timely fashion and there were no surprises. They are personable, I never felt like i was just another case. I highly recommend them.
The best auto accident attorney extremely attentive & caring. He has the background to go to bat for you and achieve the best possible outcome for your circumstances. I have recommended him to several associates & family! If I’m ever in need in the future, he & his practice for sure is where I will go. I am very happy!
In my first exprience with Dordulian Law Group, I could not be more impressed with the professionalism of each and every person in the office. If you have been in an accident and need a reliable lawyer, Dordulian Law is the answer! I will be going to them for all my future needs.
I was very pleased with the way my accident case was handled and settled. I would definitely recommend Mr.Dordulian and group. Thank you for all your help!
A plus service. They were thorough, provided attention to detail, helpful, courteous and maintained communication throughout the process. I appreciate all of their efforts on our behalf of settling our case. I never once doubted that I was in good hands and never had any concerns. If ever needed again, I would not hesitate to call upon or recommend this firm.Thank you Dordulian Law Firm.Special thanks to Rafi and Juliet for their time and attentiveness!
Mr Dordulian and his time were exceptional. They handled everything so I did not have to stress at all. Even with an insurance company that was dragging its feet and looking for outside Mr Dordulian with his knowledge was able to get them to settle for the policy maximum. Incredible to work with and very highly recommended.
I had the pleasure of working with Samuel Dordulian regarding litigation on a car accident case. Throughout the process he was extremely helpful in answering all of my questions and laying out my options. He was easy to get a hold of and answered all of my calls which I really appreciated during such a hectic time.
I would be glad to recommend Dordulian Law Group to anyone in need of legal advice or services. They did a great.job for me with my work injury claim and I was able to talk to someone anytime I had questions.
The staff at Dordulian Law Firm is so professional and helpful. They have always made us feel, very comfortable, and always answering all of our questions and doubts that we might have. Excellent service Very attentive To detail Anything that I need they let me know right away and they're always taking up on our case. I strongly recommend this law firm.
I was referred to the law firm so they could handle my automobile accident. Sam Dordulian and Arpineh were amazing. I was always well informed about my case and received phone calls to check on me and hear about how my treatments were going. I would definitely recommend The Dordulian Law Group to all my family and friends.
I have been with Dordulian Law firm for many years in different cases, I always comeback with this law office when ever we need their services because they always do far beyond in getting you ready before you talk with your insurance, and other. Always organized and let you know when something is missing or needed. Thanks Dordulian law firm for the great service.
I would highly recommend Dordulian law firm to everyone. Reason why I came to this law firm was cause of the other reviews I seen on here and support of family and friends who have heard or been in the process as well, can honestly say that they are hard working and care about their clients
If you are looking for a great attorney, I highly recommend Dordulian Law Group!! Sam Dordulian and Rafi are an awesome team!! They answered all of my questions from start to finish. They were always there to check in with me for as long as it took to settle my case! If you are looking for an attorney, don’t look any further, this who you need to go with. Very pleased. Thank you guys, you are the best!
Dordulian Law Group is by far the best law firm in California bar none. This law firm save me financially a few years back and recently I relied on them to save me again. This time is money in the Bank. No matter what the circumstances are, they would have the expertise, resources to come up with sound and effective solution. It's money in the bank I tell you. It is always a win-win proposition with Dordulian Law group.I highly recommend their professional service, exceptional quality and value, quick response to all your needs. Five star all the way. Dordulian Law Group made me a winner in a case that seems going nowhere at the get go.Dordulian Law Group saved me from doom, took our case and gave us lots of money and joy. Thank you so much Rafi, Samuel and Company for a job well done.
I needed a lawyer to help resolve an issue with my insurance. I contacted several lawyers. He responded within minutes after contacting him; answered my questions and was very responsive and helped resolve the issue within 24 hours. As many other reviewers have stated, he is very quick to respond, is frank and upfront with the issue at hand, takes immediate action to help resolve the issue in your best interest, and is reliable. I would definitely recommend Sam for any personal injury case, and I if I have any problems in the future (hopefully not), I will definitely be contacting Dordulian Law Group again.
Sam Dordulian is one of the hardest working attorneys I know. He will work around the clock to make sure deadlines are met and clients are satisfied. Not to mention, he's an extremely talented attorney. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking a solid attorney and advocate.
Sam Dordulian is a very professional and knowledgeable attorney. He represented me in court and I felt very well taken care of. His friendly demeanor and confidence assured me that I was in good hands. I would definitely recommend Mr. Dordulian to anyone in need of an attorney. I was totally satisfied.
After contacting several law firms, I was impressed with this firm. Rafi and S. Dordulian really listened and assisted me. Rafi kept the line of communication open as well as, giving excellent advice. He made you feel at ease and comfortable as a good friend would. There was sincere concern shown to the issues I was having. If I needed an attorney again, Sam would be my first call.
I spoke with Sam a few months ago in regards to a medical issue that my family had and he spent probably a good 45 minutes discussing all the options. Some of those options panned out and I am very grateful for his advice and insight. He is obviously a very caring guy and isn't in for the money. If you want someone you can trust I really believe he is the guy.
Sometimes workers comp cases can drag on. Samuel was there every step of the way with superior knowledge and intellect. What struck me was the kindness I found in him. He has always made sure my family and I were doing well. This kindness bridged the gap from the beginning of my case to the end and continues today.I'm convinced there isn't a workers compensation issue too big or small for he and his law group to handle. Because of Sam these past Holidays were the best I could have imagined. Thank you Dordulian Law Group.
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