Pennsylvania’s Attorney General Touts Victory for Survivors of Sexual Abuse
Posted on: July 1, 2020 Catholic Church Sexual Abuse
Over the last couple of years Pennsylvania’s Attorney General Josh Shapiro and his office has been very busy, especially when it comes to protecting survivors of sexual abuse.
One area the office focused on was clergy sex abuse within Pennsylvania’s dioceses. Its grand jury report highlighted the extent of clergy sexual abuse in 6 of the 8 dioceses, including Allentown, Scranton, Erie, Greensburg, Harrisburg and Pittsburgh. The report’s release provided a push for law makers around the country to review their current sexual abuse laws and in some cases enact new legislation that gives more sexual abuse survivors the ability to file legal claims.
Shapiro states that after the two year investigation that lead to the Diocese Victim Report, “One of the profound things I saw firsthand during our office’s investigation into the horrific history of sexual abuse and cover-up in the Roman Catholic Church in Pennsylvania is that sexual abuse happens in the dark. Perpetrators exploit our trust through deception and secrecy to prey upon the most vulnerable.”
Josh Shapiro cites another victory regarding notification of convicted predators in communities. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned a decision and the commonwealth can now continue to notify the public of known predators in their communities.
Shapiro is proud of the work his office is doing. He asserts “…our office stood up for survivors, and all Pennsylvanians, to protect public safety. We’re proud to let you know the highest court in Pennsylvania agreed with us. I am proud that our team fought, and won, for the people in these cases. I am also grateful for all the partners who worked alongside us. But most of all, we owe a debt to survivors. Their stories make clear our duty to protect the health and safety of Pennsylvanians no matter what, and I’m proud to report that’s what the Office of Attorney General is doing for you.”
The entire article can be viewed here.
Pennsylvania Sexual Abuse & Assault Lawsuits
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