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By Jeff Anderson
These records, like thousands of other church records that surface through civil lawsuits, reveal the same careless disregard for public safety and shameful obsession with self preservation. Dozens of Connecticut pedophile priests live today among unsuspecting neighbors, friends and co-workers, near children and perhaps still molesting children. These documents help explain how these shrewd criminals escaped detection for so long, thanks in large part to their uncaring supervisors and associates. These disclosures are another reminder that it’s crucial to report child sex abuse to criminal and civil authorities, not church authorities. For more than twenty-five years I have helped and advocated for victims of predator priests. Many of these brave individuals have done what these four newspapers have done: expose ugly truths about tragic cover-ups. I commend them all for their courage.
The Bridgeport case is not unlike the case of Doe v. Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, Ramsey County District Court File No. 62-C9-06-3962, with a pending protective order imposed by the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis has prevented and thwarted the public dissemination of long held secrets at the great peril of the children in our communities.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Documents Shed Light On Church's Treatment Of Allegations Against Priests
--------------------
From The Files: Complaints And Diocese Reactions Charles Carr | Martin Federici | Joseph P. Moore | Walter Coleman | Gregory Smith | Laurence Brett
By DAVE ALTIMARI, EDMUND H. MAHONY, MATTHEW KAUFFMAN and ALAINE GRIFFIN The Hartford Courant
December 2 2009
Even as a young seminary student, Raymond Pcolka's psychiatric problems caused doctors to question whether he should be a priest.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.courant.com/community/bridgeport/hc-bridgeport-priestabuse-1202.artdec02,0,6515817.story
Visit Courant.com at http://www.courant.com
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Victims of Child Pornography Can Get the Help They Need
Walter Bera: Child porn is a growing global concern
http://www.startribune.com/opinion/commentary/75287852.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUsZ
By Patrick Noaker
This article by Walter Bera reminds me of the ever present dangers of child abuse and exploitation in the form of child pornography. Through our work with survivors of sexual abuse, we have come in contact with child pornography in a number of ways. Some like Fr. Michael McGrath in St. Louis, filmed children performing sex acts as an extension of the sexual abuse that he perpetrated. Others like Fr. Harry Monroe in Indianapolis, used sexually explicit images in grooming and manipulation of children to normalize the sexual behavior. Clearly, the production and consumption of child pornography by pedophiles directly relates to and even intensifies their sexual misconduct with children. Given the state of technology and the related trends in child abuse, no child protection effort can be complete without addressing child pornography.
That is why our law firm has joined the fight to combat child pornography. Specifically, a federal law provides, among other things, the right of any person who is a victim of child pornography to file a civil suit. This law provides that a victim of child pornography has a federal case against any person who produced, distributed, or even possessed any visual depiction of the child victim engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Under this law, a victim can recover actual damages of no less than $150,000 along with attorneys’ fees and costs of the suit. This federal law will open the courthouse doors to many more cases of child pornography and the related public disclosure of the names of those who are exploiting children. With these recent legal tools, our law firm will not only help victims of child pornography, but also deter future abuses of these childhood victims.
http://www.startribune.com/opinion/commentary/75287852.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUsZ
By Patrick Noaker
This article by Walter Bera reminds me of the ever present dangers of child abuse and exploitation in the form of child pornography. Through our work with survivors of sexual abuse, we have come in contact with child pornography in a number of ways. Some like Fr. Michael McGrath in St. Louis, filmed children performing sex acts as an extension of the sexual abuse that he perpetrated. Others like Fr. Harry Monroe in Indianapolis, used sexually explicit images in grooming and manipulation of children to normalize the sexual behavior. Clearly, the production and consumption of child pornography by pedophiles directly relates to and even intensifies their sexual misconduct with children. Given the state of technology and the related trends in child abuse, no child protection effort can be complete without addressing child pornography.
That is why our law firm has joined the fight to combat child pornography. Specifically, a federal law provides, among other things, the right of any person who is a victim of child pornography to file a civil suit. This law provides that a victim of child pornography has a federal case against any person who produced, distributed, or even possessed any visual depiction of the child victim engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Under this law, a victim can recover actual damages of no less than $150,000 along with attorneys’ fees and costs of the suit. This federal law will open the courthouse doors to many more cases of child pornography and the related public disclosure of the names of those who are exploiting children. With these recent legal tools, our law firm will not only help victims of child pornography, but also deter future abuses of these childhood victims.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Paying it Forward
By Patrick Noaker
http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/faith/70246032.html?elr=KArks7PYDiaK7DU2EPaL_V_9E7ODiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr
The filing of the seventh lawsuit against the Brothers of the Christian Schools involving sexual abuse of a child by Brother Raimond Rose highlights an incredible story of compassion and child advocacy. Tim Caroline was sexually abused by Bro. Rose in the early 1970’s at the Dunrovin Retreat Center on the St. Croix River. From that point on, Tim embarked on a journey to advocate for, and protect children from the tragedy of child abuse. Tim attended college and became a teacher. After graduation, Tim worked in the Moose Lake School system – the system that hosts the Minnesota Department of Corrections sexual offender unit. Tim was not just any teacher. Tim is a nationally renowned teacher. In 2000, Tim won the prestigious Milken Educator Award which recognizes educators from around the country who are furthering excellence in education. http://www.mff.org/notifications2000/notif2000.taf?page=list.
Not done, Tim became a school principal and then the Superintendent of Schools for the Moose Lake School District. Throughout his career, Tim has had the reputation for going the extra mile for those students who have special challenges, drawing support and admiration from his peers for his compassion toward students who have been abused. According to Tim, “we as educators have a special responsibility to our students to be compassionate and help them through the difficult challenges they face. This is especially true of students who have been abused as children.”
Even though Tim is firm in his demand that the Brothers of the Christian Schools and Bro. Raimond Rose be accountable for their failure to protect him and many others, Tim spends his energy paying it forward by protecting kids from the pain of child abuse. As the Superintendent of Moose Lake Schools, Time pays it forward to approximately 750 children every day.
http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/faith/70246032.html?elr=KArks7PYDiaK7DU2EPaL_V_9E7ODiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr
The filing of the seventh lawsuit against the Brothers of the Christian Schools involving sexual abuse of a child by Brother Raimond Rose highlights an incredible story of compassion and child advocacy. Tim Caroline was sexually abused by Bro. Rose in the early 1970’s at the Dunrovin Retreat Center on the St. Croix River. From that point on, Tim embarked on a journey to advocate for, and protect children from the tragedy of child abuse. Tim attended college and became a teacher. After graduation, Tim worked in the Moose Lake School system – the system that hosts the Minnesota Department of Corrections sexual offender unit. Tim was not just any teacher. Tim is a nationally renowned teacher. In 2000, Tim won the prestigious Milken Educator Award which recognizes educators from around the country who are furthering excellence in education. http://www.mff.org/notifications2000/notif2000.taf?page=list.
Not done, Tim became a school principal and then the Superintendent of Schools for the Moose Lake School District. Throughout his career, Tim has had the reputation for going the extra mile for those students who have special challenges, drawing support and admiration from his peers for his compassion toward students who have been abused. According to Tim, “we as educators have a special responsibility to our students to be compassionate and help them through the difficult challenges they face. This is especially true of students who have been abused as children.”
Even though Tim is firm in his demand that the Brothers of the Christian Schools and Bro. Raimond Rose be accountable for their failure to protect him and many others, Tim spends his energy paying it forward by protecting kids from the pain of child abuse. As the Superintendent of Moose Lake Schools, Time pays it forward to approximately 750 children every day.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Photographs of Kids are Powerful
By Patrick Noaker
While preparing the paperwork for the sixth lawsuit against Bro. Raimond Rose and his employers in Fargo, North Dakota, I took the time to review the Shanley High School yearbook for 1978. It was a powerful reminder that we are dealing with kids who were manipulated and sexually abused by very dangerous men. Sometimes the fact that we are dealing with kids gets lost when cases are brought on behalf of adult men and women for abuse that occurred when they were children. Photographs have an unusual way of reminding us just how young, naïve and vulnerable we really were when we were kids. Whether it is the 1970’s hair style (I had an afro) or the wide-collared shirts, there is no question that we were once young. In contrast, we don’t ever seem to view ourselves as naïve or vulnerable, even when we were kids. The boy in the case that we will file on Tuesday, in Fargo was 14 years old when Bro. Rose sexually assaulted him. He has spent a lot of time in silence, secrecy and shame blaming himself for “allowing” the sexual abuse to happen or for not stopping it. My reminders that he was “ just a kid” and “ could not have possibly stood up to these adult authorities and their corrupt system,” seemed to ring hollow until we looked through his yearbook.
He was just a kid.
Friday, October 9, 2009
"Fake" Catholic Deacon Accused of Molestation
This is the story from the Channel 5 KSTP news last night
http://kstp.com/news/stories/S1182487.shtml?cat=1
This is the 2007 Star Tribune regarding the lawsuit by our client and when the story first broke.
http://www.startribune.com/local/stpaul/12614336.html
http://kstp.com/news/stories/S1182487.shtml?cat=1
This is the 2007 Star Tribune regarding the lawsuit by our client and when the story first broke.
http://www.startribune.com/local/stpaul/12614336.html
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Fourth Minnesota Lawsuit Involving Brother Raimond Rose
By Patrick Noaker
Another courageous client filed a lawsuit against Brother Raimond Rose, the Brothers of the Christian Schools and Cretin High School today. It is difficult to quantify the positive impact that occurs when a courageous survivor of sexual abuse takes a stand and files a lawsuit. One major impact is that others who have also been sexually abused may read about the lawsuit and come forward to get the help that they need and deserve. Another impact is that a parent or caretaker of a child who is exposed to the perpetrator may terminate that contact to protect that child. This is very real in the case of Bro. Raimond Rose because Fr. Rose currently lives without supervision in a Chicago neighborhood with lots of kids. Hopefully the outreach by the victims groups and maybe the media will get the word out that Brother Rose is dangerous and protect your children from him.
Further, and the topic of this posting is that filing a sexual abuse lawsuit has the effect of encouraging institutions who care for children to insure that they do not have child abusers on their payroll and insure that all employees who have contact with children are properly supervised. I recognize that this last point is difficult at times. We have all felt that twinge when we are volunteering at our child’s school, coaching a little league team or supervising a camp out, when we are informed of the rules relating to contact with children. No physical contact, even pats on the back. No one-on-one interactions with a child. Don’t enter a tent. These restrictions cause us to think about when we were young, they didn’t have any of these rules. It must be those trial lawyers making life difficult for all of us. Unfortunately, this case filed today reveals that the old days were not necessarily the good old days for an awful lot of kids. The boy in today’s lawsuit was 15 years old when Bro. Rose took him on a trip to Chicago with a group of other boys from Cretin High School in 1969. While at the hotel, Bro. Rose purchased liquor for the boys and then isolated and sexually assaulted the boy. Had there been rules about who and when an adult could interact with the children on the Chicago trip back in 1969, this boy would have probably been spared the pain of being sexually abused. This boy, who is now a man, is doing his part to make kids safer. I hope that we all can make that same commitment and remember this boy when we are being subjected to a lot of rules and procedures surrounding the time that we spend volunteering in our child’s kindergarten class.
http://andersonadvocates.com/ViewFile.aspx?ID=317
Monday, September 14, 2009
Attorney Jeffrey Anderson to Hold Press Conference
Attorney Jeffrey Anderson to Hold Press Conference
2:30 PM Today
366 Jackson, St Paul
(St. Paul, MN) St. Paul Lawyer Jeffery Anderson said today that Anoka-Hennepin School District teacher Walt Filson’s claim that Alex Merritt’s reports of sex harassment against Filson and another teacher were made in retaliation against the teachers is a complete fabrication. Filson’s claim that Merritt talked about bringing a gun to school is “false and nothing more than a smoke screen by Filson in a attempt to avoid responsibility for his sexual harassment of Alex.”
Anderson, whose office represented Merritt in a human rights claim against the School District, said that Merritt, in late 2007, was told by other students that Ms. Cleveland had told them (the students) “you have a gun and (she) told the administration.”
Questions to ask Mr. Filson:
Was the report actually made?
Was there a school district investigation of the report and what was the outcome?
Why did Filson wait so long to claim retaliation?
The Human Rights Department and the School District found that there was probable cause that you discriminated against Alex Merritt. If what you say is true, is that suppose to excuse your behavior?
“Clearly this is an attempt by Fislon to further harass and bully a young man who has already been put through hell once. Now, while Alex is in Fort Leonard Wood serving his country, Filson is making reckless accusations that only serve to re-victimize his former student.
To watch the press conference live, click on http://www.andersonadvocates.com/
2:30 PM Today
366 Jackson, St Paul
(St. Paul, MN) St. Paul Lawyer Jeffery Anderson said today that Anoka-Hennepin School District teacher Walt Filson’s claim that Alex Merritt’s reports of sex harassment against Filson and another teacher were made in retaliation against the teachers is a complete fabrication. Filson’s claim that Merritt talked about bringing a gun to school is “false and nothing more than a smoke screen by Filson in a attempt to avoid responsibility for his sexual harassment of Alex.”
Anderson, whose office represented Merritt in a human rights claim against the School District, said that Merritt, in late 2007, was told by other students that Ms. Cleveland had told them (the students) “you have a gun and (she) told the administration.”
Questions to ask Mr. Filson:
Was the report actually made?
Was there a school district investigation of the report and what was the outcome?
Why did Filson wait so long to claim retaliation?
The Human Rights Department and the School District found that there was probable cause that you discriminated against Alex Merritt. If what you say is true, is that suppose to excuse your behavior?
“Clearly this is an attempt by Fislon to further harass and bully a young man who has already been put through hell once. Now, while Alex is in Fort Leonard Wood serving his country, Filson is making reckless accusations that only serve to re-victimize his former student.
To watch the press conference live, click on http://www.andersonadvocates.com/
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
2 brothers sue archdiocese, saying priest assaulted them
By Annysa Johnson of the Journal Sentinel
Posted: Sept. 8, 2009 1:48 p.m.
Two adult brothers who contend they were sexually assaulted by a Waukesha County Catholic priest when they were boys sued the Milwaukee Archdiocese on Tuesday, saying it knew Father David Hanser had a history of molesting children and failed to warn their family.
The lawsuit, filed by David and Peter Neels in Milwaukee County Circuit Court, is the 12th civil fraud case now pending against the archdiocese alleging sexual abuse by clergy.
Archdiocese spokeswoman Julie Wolf said that the archdiocese acknowledged Hanser's history in 2002, and that he was laicized, or defrocked, in 2005. His name appears on the archdiocese's online list of priests with credible allegations of sexual abuse.
Hanser, of Nashotah, could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
David Neels, 40, said the abuse and cover-up had permeated every part of his life, from his personal and business relationships to his faith.
"After so long, I can almost forgive Hanser. But I can't forgive the fact that someone knew this was going on and covered it up," David Neels said.
According to the lawsuit, Hanser served in several area parishes before being assigned to St. Mary Catholic Church in Pewaukee in the early 1980s.
The Neels - David, of Hudson, and Peter, of Cottage Grove, Minn. - contend that Hanser sexually assaulted them over several years beginning in 1982 when they were about 10 and 13 years old.
The lawsuit contends that the archdiocese knew of Hanser's proclivities as early as the 1970s when a previous victim, who said he was molested by Hanser at St. Joseph Church in Waukesha, attempted to report it.
In that case, the lawsuit says, the victim reported the abuse to Father Bernard Sipple, who said he did not want to know the name of the offending priest. Sipple set up a meeting with the victim at the archdiocese, but when the victim arrived the church officials declined to meet with him, the lawsuit said.
Hanser, 77, is believed to have molested as many as a dozen boys beginning in the 1960s, according to a 2003 investigation by Waukesha County authorities. The cases were not prosecuted because the statute of limitations had expired.
Hanser settled a civil lawsuit involving another set of siblings in 2003, paying an unspecified sum of money to the family and the Child Abuse Prevention Fund.
In that case, he was accused of molesting John Ramstack and three of his brothers in the late 1960s and early 1970s when Hanser was at Catholic Memorial High School and St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Brookfield.
The Ramstacks reported the abuse in 1988, after which Hanser was removed from St. Mary's parish in Pewaukee. He served from 1991 to 2002 as a chaplain at area hospitals - with the understanding that he would have no unsupervised contact with children - after a therapist assured the archdiocese that he was no longer a threat. He retired in May 2002, a month after a Journal Sentinel story raised questions about his supervision as chaplain.
Wisconsin law bars most lawsuits regarding older claims of sexual assault. But the state Supreme Court ruled last year that the church can be sued for fraud if victims show it was aware of misconduct and did not warn others. The Milwaukee Archdiocese has said it could be bankrupted by a judgment in the lawsuits after a 2008 ruling that it could not tap its insurance policies to cover intentional fraud.
Please see the video below from the Live Video Press Conference held September 8th, 2009.
http://www.andersonadvocates.com/ViewFile.aspx?ID=310
Posted: Sept. 8, 2009 1:48 p.m.
Two adult brothers who contend they were sexually assaulted by a Waukesha County Catholic priest when they were boys sued the Milwaukee Archdiocese on Tuesday, saying it knew Father David Hanser had a history of molesting children and failed to warn their family.
The lawsuit, filed by David and Peter Neels in Milwaukee County Circuit Court, is the 12th civil fraud case now pending against the archdiocese alleging sexual abuse by clergy.
Archdiocese spokeswoman Julie Wolf said that the archdiocese acknowledged Hanser's history in 2002, and that he was laicized, or defrocked, in 2005. His name appears on the archdiocese's online list of priests with credible allegations of sexual abuse.
Hanser, of Nashotah, could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
David Neels, 40, said the abuse and cover-up had permeated every part of his life, from his personal and business relationships to his faith.
"After so long, I can almost forgive Hanser. But I can't forgive the fact that someone knew this was going on and covered it up," David Neels said.
According to the lawsuit, Hanser served in several area parishes before being assigned to St. Mary Catholic Church in Pewaukee in the early 1980s.
The Neels - David, of Hudson, and Peter, of Cottage Grove, Minn. - contend that Hanser sexually assaulted them over several years beginning in 1982 when they were about 10 and 13 years old.
The lawsuit contends that the archdiocese knew of Hanser's proclivities as early as the 1970s when a previous victim, who said he was molested by Hanser at St. Joseph Church in Waukesha, attempted to report it.
In that case, the lawsuit says, the victim reported the abuse to Father Bernard Sipple, who said he did not want to know the name of the offending priest. Sipple set up a meeting with the victim at the archdiocese, but when the victim arrived the church officials declined to meet with him, the lawsuit said.
Hanser, 77, is believed to have molested as many as a dozen boys beginning in the 1960s, according to a 2003 investigation by Waukesha County authorities. The cases were not prosecuted because the statute of limitations had expired.
Hanser settled a civil lawsuit involving another set of siblings in 2003, paying an unspecified sum of money to the family and the Child Abuse Prevention Fund.
In that case, he was accused of molesting John Ramstack and three of his brothers in the late 1960s and early 1970s when Hanser was at Catholic Memorial High School and St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Brookfield.
The Ramstacks reported the abuse in 1988, after which Hanser was removed from St. Mary's parish in Pewaukee. He served from 1991 to 2002 as a chaplain at area hospitals - with the understanding that he would have no unsupervised contact with children - after a therapist assured the archdiocese that he was no longer a threat. He retired in May 2002, a month after a Journal Sentinel story raised questions about his supervision as chaplain.
Wisconsin law bars most lawsuits regarding older claims of sexual assault. But the state Supreme Court ruled last year that the church can be sued for fraud if victims show it was aware of misconduct and did not warn others. The Milwaukee Archdiocese has said it could be bankrupted by a judgment in the lawsuits after a 2008 ruling that it could not tap its insurance policies to cover intentional fraud.
Please see the video below from the Live Video Press Conference held September 8th, 2009.
http://www.andersonadvocates.com/ViewFile.aspx?ID=310
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Anoka-Hennepin Teachers put on leave for harrassment
By Kathleen O'Connor
Yesterday what began as a protest outside Anoka Hennepin Technical School became a celebration as protestors learned that the Anoka Hennepin School District has placed the two teachers who harassed our client, Alex Merritt, on leave. The teachers harassed Alex in the fall of 2007 through January of 2008 by making anti-gay jokes about him in the classroom. The teachers will not be returning to the classroom when students begin school on Tuesday.
This is a victory both for Alex, who is not gay, and for those students throughout Minnesota, both gay and straight. Students of whatever sexual orientation should feel safe in coming to school, without fear of harassment based on their real or perceived sexual orientation. Teachers in particular, who stand in positions of trust and authority, should never be allowed to behave in this way and remain teachers. As a result of Alex and his mother Jodi’s courage in standing up to the school district, and their willingness to come forward publicly, students at Anoka Hennepin, and throughout Minnesota, are safer from harassment. School districts undoubtedly will be reviewing their policies, practices and training of teachers and staff regarding this serious and sensitive issue. We are proud to have represented Alex and Jodi Merritt!
http://kstp.com/news/stories/S1116594.shtml?cat=1
http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/news/teacher_harass_september_1_2009
http://www.twincities.com/ci_13250359
Yesterday what began as a protest outside Anoka Hennepin Technical School became a celebration as protestors learned that the Anoka Hennepin School District has placed the two teachers who harassed our client, Alex Merritt, on leave. The teachers harassed Alex in the fall of 2007 through January of 2008 by making anti-gay jokes about him in the classroom. The teachers will not be returning to the classroom when students begin school on Tuesday.
This is a victory both for Alex, who is not gay, and for those students throughout Minnesota, both gay and straight. Students of whatever sexual orientation should feel safe in coming to school, without fear of harassment based on their real or perceived sexual orientation. Teachers in particular, who stand in positions of trust and authority, should never be allowed to behave in this way and remain teachers. As a result of Alex and his mother Jodi’s courage in standing up to the school district, and their willingness to come forward publicly, students at Anoka Hennepin, and throughout Minnesota, are safer from harassment. School districts undoubtedly will be reviewing their policies, practices and training of teachers and staff regarding this serious and sensitive issue. We are proud to have represented Alex and Jodi Merritt!
http://kstp.com/news/stories/S1116594.shtml?cat=1
http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/news/teacher_harass_september_1_2009
http://www.twincities.com/ci_13250359
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
SNAP's Wisconsin victim outreach actions
By Bob Schwiderski
The single highest reward for advocating and supporting survivors is witnessing them stepping from the shadows of silence as they publicly stand above their suffering and pain. It was an honor witnessing the brave public actions of Brenda and Dan reaching out to others damaged by clergy sexual abuse at the SNAP press conference at Pacelli High School in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.
Witness their bravery: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUPC1tEo4X8
----------------------------------------
New: Accused abuser worked at Pacelli
http://www.stevenspointjournal.com/article/20090831/SPJ0101/90831168/1983
Please honor and support Brenda and Dan by adding a comment to this article
Sex abuse victims speak out [video]
http://www.waow.com/global/story.asp?s=11022230
Please honor and support Brenda and Dan by adding a comment to this article
----------------------------------------
Organization seeks possible victims of former Xavier High School teacher
http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20090901/APC0101/909010438/1979
Please honor and support Brenda and Dan by adding a comment to this article
Group: Catholic clergyman abused students in 60's [video]
http://www.wfrv.com/default.aspx
Abuse victims sought locally
http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/mobile/news_wluk_appleton_abuse_victims_sought_200908311725_rev1
Please honor and support Brenda and Dan by adding a comment to this article
The single highest reward for advocating and supporting survivors is witnessing them stepping from the shadows of silence as they publicly stand above their suffering and pain. It was an honor witnessing the brave public actions of Brenda and Dan reaching out to others damaged by clergy sexual abuse at the SNAP press conference at Pacelli High School in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.
Witness their bravery: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUPC1tEo4X8
----------------------------------------
New: Accused abuser worked at Pacelli
http://www.stevenspointjournal.com/article/20090831/SPJ0101/90831168/1983
Please honor and support Brenda and Dan by adding a comment to this article
Sex abuse victims speak out [video]
http://www.waow.com/global/story.asp?s=11022230
Please honor and support Brenda and Dan by adding a comment to this article
----------------------------------------
Organization seeks possible victims of former Xavier High School teacher
http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20090901/APC0101/909010438/1979
Please honor and support Brenda and Dan by adding a comment to this article
Group: Catholic clergyman abused students in 60's [video]
http://www.wfrv.com/default.aspx
Abuse victims sought locally
http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/mobile/news_wluk_appleton_abuse_victims_sought_200908311725_rev1
Please honor and support Brenda and Dan by adding a comment to this article
Monday, August 31, 2009
Wisconsin survisors, loved ones, witness outreach activity
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has determined civil justice for victims of clery sexual abuse may be applicable because of "fraud" by an institution which knew the abuser was a danger to children.
Today, Monday August 31st - SNAP is holding press conferences in Stevens Point and Appleton, Wisconsin for two purposes.
1.) To reach out to sexual abuse survivors and their loved ones, to encourage them to seek legal assistance in determining applicability of their injuries to the Wisconsin Supreme Court determination.
2.) Inform the family's who had children at Xavier High School in Appleton and Pacelli High School in Stevens Point from 1966 through 1970 a serial child sexual abusive cleric taught at the schools. The abuser, Christian Brother Raimond Rose - AKA: "Brother Rai or Brother Raimond or Brother Rose" - may have also had contact with other children at the Dunrovin Christian Brothers Retreat Center on the St. Croix River at the Wisconsin/Minnesota border.
Currently: There are six (6) active and two (2) pending - FRAUD (INTENTIONAL NON-DISCLOSURE) - civil lawsuits filled in Minnesota and Wisconsin courts. Clergy sexual abuse victims versus the Christian Brothers and the Diocese of Green Bay for the crimes of Rose and John Feeney.
Feeney is behind bars, Rose may be there in the future if there are Wisconsin survivors that bravely step forward. SNAP would like to see both Feeney and Rose behind bars and their survivors realizing civil justice and support.
The attached press releases have times and locations, contacts, and additional information for your benefit. Please join others with plans to participate. You are also encouraged to forward this information to others.
If you are not able to open the attachments contact Bob Schwiderski at 952-471-3422, skibrs@mchsi.com .
Sincerely,
Peter Isely, David Clohessy, Bob Schwiderski
http://andersonadvocates.com/ViewArticle.aspx?id=69
http://andersonadvocates.com/ViewArticle.aspx?id=70
Today, Monday August 31st - SNAP is holding press conferences in Stevens Point and Appleton, Wisconsin for two purposes.
1.) To reach out to sexual abuse survivors and their loved ones, to encourage them to seek legal assistance in determining applicability of their injuries to the Wisconsin Supreme Court determination.
2.) Inform the family's who had children at Xavier High School in Appleton and Pacelli High School in Stevens Point from 1966 through 1970 a serial child sexual abusive cleric taught at the schools. The abuser, Christian Brother Raimond Rose - AKA: "Brother Rai or Brother Raimond or Brother Rose" - may have also had contact with other children at the Dunrovin Christian Brothers Retreat Center on the St. Croix River at the Wisconsin/Minnesota border.
Currently: There are six (6) active and two (2) pending - FRAUD (INTENTIONAL NON-DISCLOSURE) - civil lawsuits filled in Minnesota and Wisconsin courts. Clergy sexual abuse victims versus the Christian Brothers and the Diocese of Green Bay for the crimes of Rose and John Feeney.
Feeney is behind bars, Rose may be there in the future if there are Wisconsin survivors that bravely step forward. SNAP would like to see both Feeney and Rose behind bars and their survivors realizing civil justice and support.
The attached press releases have times and locations, contacts, and additional information for your benefit. Please join others with plans to participate. You are also encouraged to forward this information to others.
If you are not able to open the attachments contact Bob Schwiderski at 952-471-3422, skibrs@mchsi.com .
Sincerely,
Peter Isely, David Clohessy, Bob Schwiderski
http://andersonadvocates.com/ViewArticle.aspx?id=69
http://andersonadvocates.com/ViewArticle.aspx?id=70
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Navajo Tribal Courts Should Hear Navajo Child Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
By Patrick Noaker
Today, we filed legal briefs in Navajo Nation Tribal Court relating to two childhood sexual abuse lawsuits. Since we filed the lawsuits in the Navajo Court, the Defendants desperately have attempted to get the cases removed from the Navajo Court and instead handled in state or federal court. Our clients are Navajo Nation Members and the lawsuit involves sexual abuse by Fr. Chuck Cichanowicz, a priest who worked on the Navajo Nation reservation for a number of years. The case was filed in Navajo Nation Tribal Court because the clients believe that it should be the Navajo people who determine what should happen to Fr. Cichanowicz and his employers. The core issue here is whether the Navajo Nation Tribal Court has the power to remedy and ultimately prevent injurious behavior by outsiders who come to the reservation. See attached briefs: Plaintiff John Doe GC’s Opposition to Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction http://andersonadvocates.com/ViewArticle.aspx?id=65 and Memorandum in Support; and Defendant Diocese of Gallup’s Memorandum in Support of Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction. http://andersonadvocates.com/ViewArticle.aspx?id=66
This ability to remedy and prevent injuries to their children is especially important for Native Americans because Native Americans have historically been victimized at a much higher rate than other populations. See NativeAmericanAbuse.com. Take for example the tragedy of the mission boarding schools, where Native American children were systematically sexually and physically abused for decades. Or, another example where predator Roman Catholic priests were assigned to reservation parishes because those parishes and their children apparently considered expendable. The sad truth is that outsiders have done much more harm than good. In addition, there is some scientific research that shows that Native American children experience a greater cumulative negative impact from sexual abuse as compared with the general population. See attached article: Irwin et al., “The Psychological Impact of Sexual Abuse of Native American Boarding School Children,” The Journal of the American Academy of Psychoanalysis and Dynamic Psychiatry 23:461-473 (1995). http://andersonadvocates.com/ViewArticle.aspx?id=67 Consequently, Native Americans who were sexually abused as children are more likely to experience more problems and a more difficult time coping with the injuries related to the sexual abuse.
It seems to make sense that Native American tribes want to handle the issue of child sexual abuse within its tribal court systems. Those who are the most impacted should be the ones to decide what should happen to those who are responsible for the injury. Thus, child sexual abuse cases involving Native American children should be heard by a tribal court.
Today, we filed legal briefs in Navajo Nation Tribal Court relating to two childhood sexual abuse lawsuits. Since we filed the lawsuits in the Navajo Court, the Defendants desperately have attempted to get the cases removed from the Navajo Court and instead handled in state or federal court. Our clients are Navajo Nation Members and the lawsuit involves sexual abuse by Fr. Chuck Cichanowicz, a priest who worked on the Navajo Nation reservation for a number of years. The case was filed in Navajo Nation Tribal Court because the clients believe that it should be the Navajo people who determine what should happen to Fr. Cichanowicz and his employers. The core issue here is whether the Navajo Nation Tribal Court has the power to remedy and ultimately prevent injurious behavior by outsiders who come to the reservation. See attached briefs: Plaintiff John Doe GC’s Opposition to Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction http://andersonadvocates.com/ViewArticle.aspx?id=65 and Memorandum in Support; and Defendant Diocese of Gallup’s Memorandum in Support of Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction. http://andersonadvocates.com/ViewArticle.aspx?id=66
This ability to remedy and prevent injuries to their children is especially important for Native Americans because Native Americans have historically been victimized at a much higher rate than other populations. See NativeAmericanAbuse.com. Take for example the tragedy of the mission boarding schools, where Native American children were systematically sexually and physically abused for decades. Or, another example where predator Roman Catholic priests were assigned to reservation parishes because those parishes and their children apparently considered expendable. The sad truth is that outsiders have done much more harm than good. In addition, there is some scientific research that shows that Native American children experience a greater cumulative negative impact from sexual abuse as compared with the general population. See attached article: Irwin et al., “The Psychological Impact of Sexual Abuse of Native American Boarding School Children,” The Journal of the American Academy of Psychoanalysis and Dynamic Psychiatry 23:461-473 (1995). http://andersonadvocates.com/ViewArticle.aspx?id=67 Consequently, Native Americans who were sexually abused as children are more likely to experience more problems and a more difficult time coping with the injuries related to the sexual abuse.
It seems to make sense that Native American tribes want to handle the issue of child sexual abuse within its tribal court systems. Those who are the most impacted should be the ones to decide what should happen to those who are responsible for the injury. Thus, child sexual abuse cases involving Native American children should be heard by a tribal court.
Tune in this evening, internet tv show on clergy sex crimes
A program on clergy sex crimes called Educating to End Abuse is starting it's 4th season this eveening tonight at 6pm central time. It is a live internet show from KCTU Wichita with a national toll free number for listeners to call-in and be a part of the show. The special guests this evening are two men who survived molestation as children in Catholic orphanges, one in New York and one in Australia. Tune in at 6pm central time at http://www.kctu.com/. Also to join in the conversation you can call 1-866-905-8855.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Huge Victory for Truth, Transparency and the Protection of Children
By Jeff Anderson
The decision today of the United States Supreme Court denying the Diocese of Bridgeport’s request to keep documents and evidence and crimes under seal is a huge victory for the civil child protection movement and the protection of children across the country. It is the Diocese of Bridgeport and other dioceses like it that for decades have kept secrets of crimes under seal, oftentimes documented in their own files and thus offenders across the land have been protected by practice and protocols by the Bishops. The U.S. Supreme Court decision ruling today by Justice Ginsburg denying the Bridgeport Diocese’s request to continue a stay on the release of the documents is a victory for truth and transparency and until the bishops and the Diocese across the land come clean, the children remain at peril. We applaud the courageous survivors that have begun this journey in Connecticut and those across the land that are fighting similar battles.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32558630/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/from/ET
The decision today of the United States Supreme Court denying the Diocese of Bridgeport’s request to keep documents and evidence and crimes under seal is a huge victory for the civil child protection movement and the protection of children across the country. It is the Diocese of Bridgeport and other dioceses like it that for decades have kept secrets of crimes under seal, oftentimes documented in their own files and thus offenders across the land have been protected by practice and protocols by the Bishops. The U.S. Supreme Court decision ruling today by Justice Ginsburg denying the Bridgeport Diocese’s request to continue a stay on the release of the documents is a victory for truth and transparency and until the bishops and the Diocese across the land come clean, the children remain at peril. We applaud the courageous survivors that have begun this journey in Connecticut and those across the land that are fighting similar battles.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32558630/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/from/ET
Kidney Donation--Another Testament To The Courage, Inspiration And Generosity Of Survivors
By Jeff Anderson
Today’s news story that Susan Pavlak, long time SNAP supporter and survivor advocate, is donating a kidney to Phil Saviano is poignant and powerful in itself but the kind of thing I see survivors daily doing for others who have been wounded or in need. I have been honored to work with survivors of abuse for over two decades and every day I see and bear witness to survivors who have courage and generosity of spirit that is an inspiration to me. Susan Pavlak’s donating of her kidney to Phil Saviano is perhaps to some a dramatic example of generosity, but it’s a typical gesture that I see every day where members of SNAP and other survivors of abuse connect with one another to support each other and give of themselves in so many ways to do what they can to help others in need and protect the vulnerable. I just want to say I am inspired and grateful to Susan Pavlak and every survivor like her who has found the courage and the generosity of spirit to take action to help our brothers and sisters. Kudos to Susan Pavlak, Phil Saviano and every wounded healer that is a part of a shared journey, mission and a purposeful life.
http://www.boston.com/news/health/articles/2009/08/26/a_bond_beyond_abuse_survivor_gives_kidney/
Today’s news story that Susan Pavlak, long time SNAP supporter and survivor advocate, is donating a kidney to Phil Saviano is poignant and powerful in itself but the kind of thing I see survivors daily doing for others who have been wounded or in need. I have been honored to work with survivors of abuse for over two decades and every day I see and bear witness to survivors who have courage and generosity of spirit that is an inspiration to me. Susan Pavlak’s donating of her kidney to Phil Saviano is perhaps to some a dramatic example of generosity, but it’s a typical gesture that I see every day where members of SNAP and other survivors of abuse connect with one another to support each other and give of themselves in so many ways to do what they can to help others in need and protect the vulnerable. I just want to say I am inspired and grateful to Susan Pavlak and every survivor like her who has found the courage and the generosity of spirit to take action to help our brothers and sisters. Kudos to Susan Pavlak, Phil Saviano and every wounded healer that is a part of a shared journey, mission and a purposeful life.
http://www.boston.com/news/health/articles/2009/08/26/a_bond_beyond_abuse_survivor_gives_kidney/
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Accountability for Archdiocese is Closer
By Michael Finnegan
Yesterday, the Honorable Judge Timothy Witkowiak, a circuit court judge in Milwaukee, denied the Archdiocese of Milwaukee’s attempt to have a sexual abuse case thrown out on the time limits. James (Jim) Essenberg filed the case in June of 2008 alleging that the Archdiocese of Milwaukee defrauded him. The decision yesterday was a huge victory for Jim and for all those people that were sexually abused in Wisconsin by trusted authority figures.
Essenberg only learned of the Archdiocese’s fraud because of the settlement of a case in California where the Archdiocese was forced to turn over documents about the perpetrator, Franklyn Becker. Those documents contained numerous reports of abuse, admissions by Becker of sexually molesting kids, and Becker being diagnosed as a pedophile.
What is truly frightening is that Franklyn Becker is still in the Milwaukee community with access to children. Some of the documents and news reports about Becker are located at Jeff Anderson and Associates - http://www.andersonadvocates.com/CaseListing.aspx?ID=2, at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel pages - http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/29488339.html, and on Bishop Accountability - http://bishop-accountability.org/priestdb/PriestDBbylastName-B.html.
Jim Essenberg is a champion for children. He is a courageous man that stood up and spoke out about his abuse. His courage means that many terrible secrets about authority figures sexually abusing children will see the light of day. I encourage anyone that was harmed like Jim was to speak out in your own way. This does not mean filing a lawsuit or putting your name in the paper. Just telling a close friend, talking to a therapist, putting the horrors down on paper, can all help ease some of the pain you are carrying.
Yesterday, the Honorable Judge Timothy Witkowiak, a circuit court judge in Milwaukee, denied the Archdiocese of Milwaukee’s attempt to have a sexual abuse case thrown out on the time limits. James (Jim) Essenberg filed the case in June of 2008 alleging that the Archdiocese of Milwaukee defrauded him. The decision yesterday was a huge victory for Jim and for all those people that were sexually abused in Wisconsin by trusted authority figures.
Essenberg only learned of the Archdiocese’s fraud because of the settlement of a case in California where the Archdiocese was forced to turn over documents about the perpetrator, Franklyn Becker. Those documents contained numerous reports of abuse, admissions by Becker of sexually molesting kids, and Becker being diagnosed as a pedophile.
What is truly frightening is that Franklyn Becker is still in the Milwaukee community with access to children. Some of the documents and news reports about Becker are located at Jeff Anderson and Associates - http://www.andersonadvocates.com/CaseListing.aspx?ID=2, at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel pages - http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/29488339.html, and on Bishop Accountability - http://bishop-accountability.org/priestdb/PriestDBbylastName-B.html.
Jim Essenberg is a champion for children. He is a courageous man that stood up and spoke out about his abuse. His courage means that many terrible secrets about authority figures sexually abusing children will see the light of day. I encourage anyone that was harmed like Jim was to speak out in your own way. This does not mean filing a lawsuit or putting your name in the paper. Just telling a close friend, talking to a therapist, putting the horrors down on paper, can all help ease some of the pain you are carrying.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Milwaukee judge green lights for trial another church child sex abuse fraud case
Milwaukee judge green lights for trial another church child sex abuse fraud case
Jury will be able to see documents, hear witnesses in Fr. Franklyn Becker cover-up
Statement by Mike Sneesby of SNAP Milwaukee
CONTACT
Peter Isely, SNAP Midwest Director, 414.429.7259
--Link to church documents in Becker case below statement--
Judge Timothy Wikowiak ruling against Bishop Callahan and the Milwaukee archdiocese today sends another hopeful signal that clergy predators and church officials in Wisconsin who covered up their crimes are going to be held accountable to victims and citizens through our courts and the rule of law. Just as Judge Cooper ruled in another case last month in Milwaukee, Wikowiak dismissed motions today by the archdiocese to keep a jury from hearing the witnesses and seeing the evidence of decades of fraud by Milwaukee bishops concerning their priest child sex predators. Today’s ruling concerns Fr. Franklyn Becker of Mayville. Becker is one of the most prolific and well documented of the archdiocesan pedophile priests. For over thirty years, Becker was caught molesting children and transferred from parish to parish, including a transfer for one year to California and back, where he assaulted children there as well.
Criminal and civil law, which has for too long given special protection to the wrong class of citizens in Wisconsin—pedophile clergy and their bishops instead of children and their parents—is showing some clear signs of finally reforming, especially as judges and prosecutors learn more and more about the vast nature and extent of the sex abuse cover-up in Wisconsin. Last month in Waukesha County, prosecutors arrested the 19th clergy sex offender since the scandal reemerged. Victims have long argued that this is the solution to the problem of clergy sex crimes: put clergy and bishops and church officials under the same civil laws as every other person, profession and institution and prosecute crimes against children in churches, congregations and synagogues just as vigorously as you prosecute them wherever else they occur.
(To access previously secret church documents in the Becker case: http://www.bishop-accountability.org/news2008/01_02/2008_01_31_Rhode_DocumentsDetail.htm)
SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is the nation’s oldest and largest self help organization of clergy sex abuse survivors with over 8,000 members in 82 chapters (SNAPnetwork.org)
Jury will be able to see documents, hear witnesses in Fr. Franklyn Becker cover-up
Statement by Mike Sneesby of SNAP Milwaukee
CONTACT
Peter Isely, SNAP Midwest Director, 414.429.7259
--Link to church documents in Becker case below statement--
Judge Timothy Wikowiak ruling against Bishop Callahan and the Milwaukee archdiocese today sends another hopeful signal that clergy predators and church officials in Wisconsin who covered up their crimes are going to be held accountable to victims and citizens through our courts and the rule of law. Just as Judge Cooper ruled in another case last month in Milwaukee, Wikowiak dismissed motions today by the archdiocese to keep a jury from hearing the witnesses and seeing the evidence of decades of fraud by Milwaukee bishops concerning their priest child sex predators. Today’s ruling concerns Fr. Franklyn Becker of Mayville. Becker is one of the most prolific and well documented of the archdiocesan pedophile priests. For over thirty years, Becker was caught molesting children and transferred from parish to parish, including a transfer for one year to California and back, where he assaulted children there as well.
Criminal and civil law, which has for too long given special protection to the wrong class of citizens in Wisconsin—pedophile clergy and their bishops instead of children and their parents—is showing some clear signs of finally reforming, especially as judges and prosecutors learn more and more about the vast nature and extent of the sex abuse cover-up in Wisconsin. Last month in Waukesha County, prosecutors arrested the 19th clergy sex offender since the scandal reemerged. Victims have long argued that this is the solution to the problem of clergy sex crimes: put clergy and bishops and church officials under the same civil laws as every other person, profession and institution and prosecute crimes against children in churches, congregations and synagogues just as vigorously as you prosecute them wherever else they occur.
(To access previously secret church documents in the Becker case: http://www.bishop-accountability.org/news2008/01_02/2008_01_31_Rhode_DocumentsDetail.htm)
SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is the nation’s oldest and largest self help organization of clergy sex abuse survivors with over 8,000 members in 82 chapters (SNAPnetwork.org)
Friday, August 21, 2009
Court Battle Over Repressed Memories of Child Sexual Abuse
By Patrick Noaker
http://www.indystar.com/article/20090821/NEWS02/908210340/Priest+abuse+hearing+hinges+on+decades-old+memory
We are off to Indianapolis, Indiana to argue the case for the right of those survivors who have, out of self preservation, repressed the horrors of their abuse and later recovered those memories. At times, when an event is too painful to bear, a person’s mind will play a trick and remove any memory of the event from the person’s mind. This leaves gaps in the person’s memory that are difficult to explain. This condition is commonly called a repressed memory. Sometimes these memories return later in life when something queues the memory, other times the memory never returns. When a memory returns, that is called a recovered memory. For more information see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Repressed_memory or http://www.jimhopper.com/memory/.
This issue is definitely one of the top issues that defendants are focusing on while defending sexual abuse lawsuits. Despite decades of scientific research and almost a thousand scientific studies supporting repressed memories in diverse trauma victims such as combat vets, holocaust survivors, car accident victims, Cambodian refugees, and victims of childhood abuses , there are still those who refuse to accept repressed memory. For the most part, most of the controversy about repressed memory is not about whether it happens, most of the controversy is about what causes it. This is true of most medical and psychiatric conditions. We don’t know what causes most illnesses.
Generally, people who are not exposed to trauma victims are unaware how painful the recovery of memories of childhood sexual abuse are. At times, those unfamiliar with trauma symptoms write off the loss and recovery of traumatic memories as an attempt by the trauma victim to “pull one over” so to speak. Nothing could be further from the truth. In most cases, the recovery of memories of childhood sexual abuse causes incredible pain. Are these memories real? How could this have happened? If these memories are real, what else am I not remembering about my childhood? How do I tell my parents that their pastor was a child molester?
Often the recovered memories carry with them an incredible wave of emotions of fear, anger, and anxiety. It is not uncommon for a person who recently recovered memories of sexual abuse to completely fall apart and even require inpatient hospitalization. Even after stabilizing, if the survivor pursues legal action, he or she is torn to shreds and made to feel that he or she are somehow defective and crazy.
Fortunately, there are some incredibly courageous survivors who have bravely pursued legal action against his or her perpetrator and those who protected him. One of those survivors has made it possible for us to fight for the right for access to the courts. He will be right there with me in court and I couldn’t be more proud to stand side-by-side with him in this battle.
http://www.indystar.com/article/20090821/NEWS02/908210340/Priest+abuse+hearing+hinges+on+decades-old+memory
We are off to Indianapolis, Indiana to argue the case for the right of those survivors who have, out of self preservation, repressed the horrors of their abuse and later recovered those memories. At times, when an event is too painful to bear, a person’s mind will play a trick and remove any memory of the event from the person’s mind. This leaves gaps in the person’s memory that are difficult to explain. This condition is commonly called a repressed memory. Sometimes these memories return later in life when something queues the memory, other times the memory never returns. When a memory returns, that is called a recovered memory. For more information see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Repressed_memory or http://www.jimhopper.com/memory/.
This issue is definitely one of the top issues that defendants are focusing on while defending sexual abuse lawsuits. Despite decades of scientific research and almost a thousand scientific studies supporting repressed memories in diverse trauma victims such as combat vets, holocaust survivors, car accident victims, Cambodian refugees, and victims of childhood abuses , there are still those who refuse to accept repressed memory. For the most part, most of the controversy about repressed memory is not about whether it happens, most of the controversy is about what causes it. This is true of most medical and psychiatric conditions. We don’t know what causes most illnesses.
Generally, people who are not exposed to trauma victims are unaware how painful the recovery of memories of childhood sexual abuse are. At times, those unfamiliar with trauma symptoms write off the loss and recovery of traumatic memories as an attempt by the trauma victim to “pull one over” so to speak. Nothing could be further from the truth. In most cases, the recovery of memories of childhood sexual abuse causes incredible pain. Are these memories real? How could this have happened? If these memories are real, what else am I not remembering about my childhood? How do I tell my parents that their pastor was a child molester?
Often the recovered memories carry with them an incredible wave of emotions of fear, anger, and anxiety. It is not uncommon for a person who recently recovered memories of sexual abuse to completely fall apart and even require inpatient hospitalization. Even after stabilizing, if the survivor pursues legal action, he or she is torn to shreds and made to feel that he or she are somehow defective and crazy.
Fortunately, there are some incredibly courageous survivors who have bravely pursued legal action against his or her perpetrator and those who protected him. One of those survivors has made it possible for us to fight for the right for access to the courts. He will be right there with me in court and I couldn’t be more proud to stand side-by-side with him in this battle.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
School District Held Accountable for Teachers' Sexual Harassment of Student
By Kathleen O'Connor
Today an article appeared in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune about one of our clients, Alex Merritt, who was harassed by two of his teachers based on his perceived sexual orientation. Alex’s name is being made public upon his express request. It is the policy of this office to keep the identity of our clients strictly confidential unless the client consents to the disclosure of his or her identity, as in Alex’s case.
It should be noted that Alex, who is not homosexual, courageously brought an action against the school district to account for the consequences of the egregious actions of the teachers. Alex paid the price for his courage when his fellow students ostracized and retaliated against him for reporting the teacher’s harassment to the school district. The district failed to address this retaliation and ostracization, forcing Alex and his family to move out of the community where Alex had lived his entire life.
Alex, his mother Jodi and his family are to be commended for standing up to the district and holding it accountable not only for its inadequate response to the harassment of Alex, but also in protecting future students against harassment based on perceived or actual sexual orientation. As part of the settlement agreement , the school district agreed to have the Minnesota Department of Human Rights review and approve its policies addressing the district’s obligations under the Minnesota Human Rights Act, and to submit training materials related to student harassment, its complaint process, and sexual orientation as a protected class.
It is our hope that Alex’s courage in standing up will help others who are suffering in silence and shame to come forward, speak out and not tolerate sexual harassment in our schools. Schools should be a place for children to learn and to feel safe and secure and free from harassment, particularly from those who are doing the teaching.
For more details about the harassment that Alex endured, visit www.humanrights.state.mn.us and click on “Case of the Month”.
Today an article appeared in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune about one of our clients, Alex Merritt, who was harassed by two of his teachers based on his perceived sexual orientation. Alex’s name is being made public upon his express request. It is the policy of this office to keep the identity of our clients strictly confidential unless the client consents to the disclosure of his or her identity, as in Alex’s case.
It should be noted that Alex, who is not homosexual, courageously brought an action against the school district to account for the consequences of the egregious actions of the teachers. Alex paid the price for his courage when his fellow students ostracized and retaliated against him for reporting the teacher’s harassment to the school district. The district failed to address this retaliation and ostracization, forcing Alex and his family to move out of the community where Alex had lived his entire life.
Alex, his mother Jodi and his family are to be commended for standing up to the district and holding it accountable not only for its inadequate response to the harassment of Alex, but also in protecting future students against harassment based on perceived or actual sexual orientation. As part of the settlement agreement , the school district agreed to have the Minnesota Department of Human Rights review and approve its policies addressing the district’s obligations under the Minnesota Human Rights Act, and to submit training materials related to student harassment, its complaint process, and sexual orientation as a protected class.
It is our hope that Alex’s courage in standing up will help others who are suffering in silence and shame to come forward, speak out and not tolerate sexual harassment in our schools. Schools should be a place for children to learn and to feel safe and secure and free from harassment, particularly from those who are doing the teaching.
For more details about the harassment that Alex endured, visit www.humanrights.state.mn.us and click on “Case of the Month”.
Jeff Anderson and Associates applaud the courage of Alex Merritt
Jeff Anderson and Associates applaud the courage of Alex Merritt and his family for standing up and speaking out on behalf of kids bullied because they may be different.
We represented young Alex who was bullied while in school by the teachers because some may have thought he was gay when in fact he was very straight. He also knew that what had happened to him was wrong and he didn’t want that to happen to others so he came to us. With the help of The Human Rights Department and his mother Jodi and through the Human Rights Department received a measure of justice and validation. Part of the story appears in the Star Tribune today. Kathleen O’Connor was the lead attorney on this case and happy to comment on this and there is more to the story. Kudos to Alex, Jodi and his family for finding their voice, speaking up and making a difference.
http://www.startribune.com/local/north/53083997.html?elr=KArksUUUoDEy3LGDiO7aiU
We represented young Alex who was bullied while in school by the teachers because some may have thought he was gay when in fact he was very straight. He also knew that what had happened to him was wrong and he didn’t want that to happen to others so he came to us. With the help of The Human Rights Department and his mother Jodi and through the Human Rights Department received a measure of justice and validation. Part of the story appears in the Star Tribune today. Kathleen O’Connor was the lead attorney on this case and happy to comment on this and there is more to the story. Kudos to Alex, Jodi and his family for finding their voice, speaking up and making a difference.
http://www.startribune.com/local/north/53083997.html?elr=KArksUUUoDEy3LGDiO7aiU
Deaf Abuse Survivor Sues
By Mike Finnegan
Today a deaf man who was raped as a child by a serial perpetrator in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee is taking action. I applaud his courage and commitment to making sure that this doesn’t happen to other children. He can’t undue what happened to him as a child but his action today ensures that children will be safer. He is also reaching out to other survivors who are suffering in silence and shame.
Dean Weissmuller was a deaf child at St. John’s School for Deaf in Milwaukee when he met Fr. Lawrence Murphy. Murphy was the director of the school and a larger than life presence at the school. Dean was only a 9-12 year old child at the time. Murphy sexually abused Dean on numerous occasions at the school.
Documents recently uncovered from the Archdiocese show that Dean was not alone. A psychological professional did a three day evaluation of Murphy. In that evaluation there is an estimate that Murphy sexually molested at least 200 deaf children. My heart goes out to these survivors. These children were already silenced by their disability and then silenced even more through the horrendous acts of sexual abuse. These children were among the most vulnerable in our society. Children that already lacked a voice and had difficulty communicating were further silenced.
All of this begs the question - Could all of this abuse been prevented?
Shockingly, newly uncovered documents reveal that the answer is YES it could have been prevented. Secret documents show that in the late 1950’s a priest reported to the Archbishop that Murphy was molesting children at the school for the deaf. The Archdiocese left Murphy there for almost two decades after this report and countless deaf children were sexually abused by Murphy. More information about Murphy and some of these secret documents can be found on http://www.bishop-accountability.org/assign/Murphy_Lawrence_C.htm. There is also information about Murphy and other cases available on http://www.andersonadvocates.com/
Today a deaf man who was raped as a child by a serial perpetrator in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee is taking action. I applaud his courage and commitment to making sure that this doesn’t happen to other children. He can’t undue what happened to him as a child but his action today ensures that children will be safer. He is also reaching out to other survivors who are suffering in silence and shame.
Dean Weissmuller was a deaf child at St. John’s School for Deaf in Milwaukee when he met Fr. Lawrence Murphy. Murphy was the director of the school and a larger than life presence at the school. Dean was only a 9-12 year old child at the time. Murphy sexually abused Dean on numerous occasions at the school.
Documents recently uncovered from the Archdiocese show that Dean was not alone. A psychological professional did a three day evaluation of Murphy. In that evaluation there is an estimate that Murphy sexually molested at least 200 deaf children. My heart goes out to these survivors. These children were already silenced by their disability and then silenced even more through the horrendous acts of sexual abuse. These children were among the most vulnerable in our society. Children that already lacked a voice and had difficulty communicating were further silenced.
All of this begs the question - Could all of this abuse been prevented?
Shockingly, newly uncovered documents reveal that the answer is YES it could have been prevented. Secret documents show that in the late 1950’s a priest reported to the Archbishop that Murphy was molesting children at the school for the deaf. The Archdiocese left Murphy there for almost two decades after this report and countless deaf children were sexually abused by Murphy. More information about Murphy and some of these secret documents can be found on http://www.bishop-accountability.org/assign/Murphy_Lawrence_C.htm. There is also information about Murphy and other cases available on http://www.andersonadvocates.com/
Thursday, July 30, 2009
For He Has Sinned......
McGuire was convicted in Walworth County, Wisconsin in 2007, beginning the unraveling of his long career as a pedophile. He was convicted in federal court in Chicago this year. This story is about another lawsuit against him and his Jesuit superiors, this one stemming from his time in San Francisco.
http://www.sfweekly.com/content/printVersion/1609327
http://www.sfweekly.com/content/printVersion/1609327
St. Paul Attorney receives prestigious national award for his efforts on behalf of victims of childhood sexual abuse
For Immediate Release Contact: Jeff Dion 202-467-8717
July 30, 2009
(Washington DC) St. Paul Attorney Jeff Anderson was the recent recipient of the prestigious Frank Carrington Champion of Justice Award given by National Crime Victims Bar Association; National Center for Crime Victims, at their annual summer meeting in Washington DC. The award was presented for his extraordinary efforts to pursue justice for victims of crime through litigation around the nation.
Jeff Anderson has been an indefatigable advocate for victims of crime, and has demonstrated the highest level of passion and commitment in this practice in St. Paul, Minnesota. He has set the standard for the representation of victims of childhood sexual abuse by clergy, taking on the institutions that harbor the abusers and facilitate their abuse at all levels, including the Holy See, where he overcame challenges brought by the Holy See‘s team of attorneys in the Ninth Circuit. He has encouraged and inspired attorneys all over the country to take child abuse cases, and has personally advocated for many child abuse survivors on a pro-bono basis.
Mr. Anderson was named a Top 100 Lawyer in Minnesota, the 2003 Lawyer of the Year by Minnesota Lawyer, and one of the Top 40 Personal Injury Lawyers by Minnesota Law & Politics. He was also recognized by William Mitchell College of law as among the 100 Who Made a Difference. In 2008, he received the prestigious Steven Sharp Public Service Award by the American Association of Justice and was a finalist for Trial Lawyer of the Year for the Public Justice Foundation for his advocacy in representing hundreds of survivors in southern California. Most recently, he established a nonprofit organization to combat and prevent child abuse.
Jeffrey Anderson is an inspiration in the legal arena and has given a voice to victims of abuse everywhere. His leadership has resulted in institutional change in the Roman Catholic Church and legislative changes throughout the country.
The National Crime Victim Bar Association is proud to recognize Jeffrey Anderson as a Champion of Justice, and applauds his contributions to the legal profession and victims of crime.
Photo of Jeff Anderson available from John@JohnWodele.com
Jeff Anderson contact: 651.227.9990
John Wodele
Wodele Creative Enterprises
8009 34th Avenue South
Suite 1100
Minneapolis, MN 55425
612.987.6203
www.JohnWodele.com
John@JohnWodele.com
July 30, 2009
(Washington DC) St. Paul Attorney Jeff Anderson was the recent recipient of the prestigious Frank Carrington Champion of Justice Award given by National Crime Victims Bar Association; National Center for Crime Victims, at their annual summer meeting in Washington DC. The award was presented for his extraordinary efforts to pursue justice for victims of crime through litigation around the nation.
Jeff Anderson has been an indefatigable advocate for victims of crime, and has demonstrated the highest level of passion and commitment in this practice in St. Paul, Minnesota. He has set the standard for the representation of victims of childhood sexual abuse by clergy, taking on the institutions that harbor the abusers and facilitate their abuse at all levels, including the Holy See, where he overcame challenges brought by the Holy See‘s team of attorneys in the Ninth Circuit. He has encouraged and inspired attorneys all over the country to take child abuse cases, and has personally advocated for many child abuse survivors on a pro-bono basis.
Mr. Anderson was named a Top 100 Lawyer in Minnesota, the 2003 Lawyer of the Year by Minnesota Lawyer, and one of the Top 40 Personal Injury Lawyers by Minnesota Law & Politics. He was also recognized by William Mitchell College of law as among the 100 Who Made a Difference. In 2008, he received the prestigious Steven Sharp Public Service Award by the American Association of Justice and was a finalist for Trial Lawyer of the Year for the Public Justice Foundation for his advocacy in representing hundreds of survivors in southern California. Most recently, he established a nonprofit organization to combat and prevent child abuse.
Jeffrey Anderson is an inspiration in the legal arena and has given a voice to victims of abuse everywhere. His leadership has resulted in institutional change in the Roman Catholic Church and legislative changes throughout the country.
The National Crime Victim Bar Association is proud to recognize Jeffrey Anderson as a Champion of Justice, and applauds his contributions to the legal profession and victims of crime.
Photo of Jeff Anderson available from John@JohnWodele.com
Jeff Anderson contact: 651.227.9990
John Wodele
Wodele Creative Enterprises
8009 34th Avenue South
Suite 1100
Minneapolis, MN 55425
612.987.6203
www.JohnWodele.com
John@JohnWodele.com
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Legal Commentary - The New York Catholic Conference's Aggressive Bid to Stop Reform of Child Sex Abuse Laws
The New York Catholic Conference's Aggressive Bid to Stop Reform of Child Sex Abuse Laws
http://writ.news.findlaw.com/hamilton/20090729.html
Vatican defrocks notorious predator priest; Sex abuse victims respond
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 862 7688 home, 314 503 0003 cell)
The defrocking of this notorious predator will hopefully bring some comfort for those deeply wounded men he sexually assaulted as children. It does not, however, relieve the Catholic hierarchy of its moral duty to do everything possible to find and help more victims, and to urge those with information about Aguilar-Rivera's crimes to call police.
Kids are safer when pedophiles are jailed, not just defrocked. We are confident that Aguilar-Rivera has molested recently enough that he could still face criminal prosecution. So we urge anyone who saw, suspected or suffered his crimes to call law enforcement immediately. That's the best way to safeguard the vulnerable from this dangerous sex offender.
We also urge Catholic bishops - especiallyCardinal Mahony of Los Angeles and Cardinal Rivera of Mexico City - to use their considerable resources to aggressively reach out to others who've been hurt by Aguilar-Rivera, instead of passively sitting behind their large desks in their comfortable offices and hiding behind spokesmen and lawyers. These prelates know the right thing to do: follow Jesus' example in the parable of the lost sheep, and use parish bulletins, diocesan newspapers and church employees, to beg other victims to step forward, get help, and start healing.
Had church officials showed even the slightest concern for children's safety, Aguilar-Rivera would have been locked up years ago and perhaps dozens of kids would have been spared unspeakable agony. Sadly, this can't be un-done now. But church authorities can start to act like compassionate shepherds instead of cold-hearted CEOs. They can do more to help police and prosecutors pursue Aguilar-Rivera. We're not confident they will do this. Unless they take this action, however, their promises about their alleged 'reform' will continue to ring hollow
SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is the nation’s oldest and largest support group for clergy abuse victims. We’ve been around for 21 years and have more than 9,000 members across the country. Despite the word “priest” in our title, we have members who were molested by religious figures of all denominations, including nuns, rabbis, bishops, and Protestant ministers.
Our website is SNAPnetwork.org. Contact David Clohessy (314-566-9790 cell, 314-645-5915 home), Peter Isely (414-429-7259) Barbara Blaine (312-399-4747), Barbara Dorris (314-862-7688), Joelle Casteix (949-322-7434)
The defrocking of this notorious predator will hopefully bring some comfort for those deeply wounded men he sexually assaulted as children. It does not, however, relieve the Catholic hierarchy of its moral duty to do everything possible to find and help more victims, and to urge those with information about Aguilar-Rivera's crimes to call police.
Kids are safer when pedophiles are jailed, not just defrocked. We are confident that Aguilar-Rivera has molested recently enough that he could still face criminal prosecution. So we urge anyone who saw, suspected or suffered his crimes to call law enforcement immediately. That's the best way to safeguard the vulnerable from this dangerous sex offender.
We also urge Catholic bishops - especiallyCardinal Mahony of Los Angeles and Cardinal Rivera of Mexico City - to use their considerable resources to aggressively reach out to others who've been hurt by Aguilar-Rivera, instead of passively sitting behind their large desks in their comfortable offices and hiding behind spokesmen and lawyers. These prelates know the right thing to do: follow Jesus' example in the parable of the lost sheep, and use parish bulletins, diocesan newspapers and church employees, to beg other victims to step forward, get help, and start healing.
Had church officials showed even the slightest concern for children's safety, Aguilar-Rivera would have been locked up years ago and perhaps dozens of kids would have been spared unspeakable agony. Sadly, this can't be un-done now. But church authorities can start to act like compassionate shepherds instead of cold-hearted CEOs. They can do more to help police and prosecutors pursue Aguilar-Rivera. We're not confident they will do this. Unless they take this action, however, their promises about their alleged 'reform' will continue to ring hollow
SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is the nation’s oldest and largest support group for clergy abuse victims. We’ve been around for 21 years and have more than 9,000 members across the country. Despite the word “priest” in our title, we have members who were molested by religious figures of all denominations, including nuns, rabbis, bishops, and Protestant ministers.
Our website is SNAPnetwork.org. Contact David Clohessy (314-566-9790 cell, 314-645-5915 home), Peter Isely (414-429-7259) Barbara Blaine (312-399-4747), Barbara Dorris (314-862-7688), Joelle Casteix (949-322-7434)
Defrocking a predator-Vatican does too little, too late
The news that Nicholas Aguilar-Rivera has been defrocked by the Vatican is of little relief to those that have been wounded and those of us that have been advocating for the protection of children in Mexico and the U.S. It begs the questions: if the Vatican and church authorities, Catholic hierarchy can remove him now in 2009, why didn’t they remove him when the first report of rape in Tehuacan and throughout Mexico was made by the then Bishop of Tehuacan now Cardinal Rivera. Why did Cardinal Rivera with a long history of rape of children by Nicholas Aguilar simply move him and send him to L.A. where Cardinal Mahony received him and placed him in parishes? Why did Cardinal Mahony allow him to serve in parishes where he raped according to the L.A. Police Department investigation 22 kids in a period of nine months at two parishes in L.A.? Why did Cardinal Mahony and his lieutenants facilitate his hasty departure from L.A. once the police investigation and allow his return to Mexico where he’s been a fugitive since raping and pillaging the souls of innocent children throughout the land? I applaud the courage of survivor Joaquin Aguilar who first came to us several years ago and in whose name we brought suit both in L.A. and then did a press conference in Mexico. Since that time several other victims and survivors have come forward the most recent of which is a case that we filed with the firm of Kiesel, Boucher & Larson and Tony De Marco entitled Doe v. the Archdiocese. You can view the complaint at http://www.andersonadvocates.com/. If you have any information about the whereabouts of Nicholas Aguilar-Rivera who is still at large, please notify the police and let us know so we can facilitate the capture of this predator and those responsible for allowing him to remain a priest and predator at large.
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