Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests Response to upcoming Catholic information release of sex abuse figures
From Jim Biteman Director SNAP Seattle
Regarding the release of the national sex abuse figures:
I am appalled and disgusted by the numbers, but not surprised. The Catholic church has, in the past, been telling us that these numbers were far, far less. But now it's time for them to start explaining to the millions of U.S. Catholics why the Bishops , past and present, have allowed this to go on for so long. They have had full knowledge of the abuse for decades and have chosen, I repeat, chosen to cover it up. These Bishops need to be held accountable for the terrible things that they allowed to happen to young, innocent children. They let these children get raped and molested. They must be held responsible! Just like the Executives of a major corporation, they need to be brought to justice for the travesty that has occurred. Granted, much of this abuse actually took place many years ago, but I can tell you from first-hand experience, these victims and survivors are still paying a dear price for what was done to them. (numbers from CNN are below)
Regarding the Seattle Archdiocese filing to have "older" claims thrown out because the priest are dead and they have no way to defend themselves.
OPEN THE SECRET ARCHIVES!!!!!! The AD has record of all the past crimes of its priests right there at St. James in Seattle. All they have to do is OPEN THE SECRET ARCHIVES like they have done in Boston. If they would do that, then we would know for sure who is and is not being accused correctly. My guess is that there is no way they will do this because it would be far too incriminating for them to do so. Thought the Archdiocese will tell you it's to protect the identities of the victims...That is complete BS. They are only interested in covering their own assets. And they know WHEN that information is released that they will have even more back-stepping and explaining to do. I call on the news media to insist that these archives be opened! The media in Boston did...let's do the same here!
Please contact me directly with any questions on this, I would be happy to speak with you. 206-854-5175
According to CNN who has obtained a copy of the upcoming release of information by the Catholic Bishops, these are the numbers on sexual abuse by priests.
4,450 abusers
50% allegedly abused one kid
25% of whom abused 2-3 kids
13% abused 4-9 kids
3% abused 10+ kids
147 molesters supposedly victimized some 3,000 kids
reasons cited include
- insufficient accountability
- avoid scandal
- unqualified treatment center
- failure to understand the gravity of situation