Here’s another example of the civil justice system aiding victims of crime, even when other institutions fail them. This morning, Cardinal Francis George and the Chicago Archdiocese announced it would settle lawsuits filed by 16 people abused as boys by 11 different priests. One victim explained what settlements like this mean for victims:
"After all these years burying it deep inside, suicide attempts, I know that is wasn't my fault," said Bob Brancato, who was abused by [James] Steel, his priest at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Wheeling, when he was 12 and 13. "I now can have a life without the fear and shame that surrounds the abuse that we victims have gone through."
If you search our blog history for the Archdiocese's Cardinal George, you’ll find that he last appeared on our blog in November '07. There was a lot talk then about legislation that would allow child abuse victims to file lawsuits after their statute of limitations expired. Back then, Cardinal George upset basically every sex abuse victim and advocate in the state when he had the audacity to argue that the legislation was motivated by money and wouldn’t protect any children. He has since changed his tune. This from the Tribune:
Cardinal Francis George said he hoped the payouts would help bring closure for the victims.
“My hope is that these settlements will help the survivors and their families begin to heal and move forward,” George said. “I apologize again today to the survivors and their families and to the whole Catholic community.”
"We must continue to do everything in our power to ensure the safety of the children in our care."
So how about your stance on that legislation now? Let's do everything we can to hold criminals accountable and protect more children from similar abuse.
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