Advocacy Group Says Jesuit Sex Abuse Victims Should Still Speak up, Christine Kim, KTUU, December 8, 2009

Advocacy Group Says Jesuit Sex Abuse Victims Should Still Speak up

By Christine Kim
KTUU
December 8, 2009

http://www.ktuu.com/Global/story.asp?S=11638284

The group Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests encourages other victims to speak up about abuse.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- A deadline to file a claim against Jesuit priests has passed, but an advocacy group says victims still need to speak up.

Hundreds reported they were sexually abused by Jesuit priests in Alaska and across the Northwest.

But the group Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests says there are far more victims than those who reported abuse.

More than 500 people filed claims for a Nov. 30 deadline against the Oregon Province of the Society of Jesus.

That organization includes Jesuits in five states, including Alaska.

"What we learned over the years is that you can recover from these horrible, horrible crimes. But you can't do it if you stay silent," said David Clohessy, national director of SNAP.

And Father Patrick Lee, from the Society of Jesus, Oregon Province, says, "We pray that this legal milestone offers hope for all who have been hurt. The next step in the legal process is mediation to determine the appropriate financial compensation for claimants."

The bankruptcy filing lists the assets at $5 million and liabilities at more than $61 million.

ContactChristine Kim at ckim@ktuu.com