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	Clergy and the Law Guam News Watch April 14, 2010 http://guamnewswatch.com/201004141782/Local-News/Clergy-and-The-Law.html GUAM - In the midst of sexual assault awareness month, Guam News Watch reveals that two powerful institutions are actually united with the legal and emotional support you may need to name your perpetrators and work through the pain of the past. The Catholic Church and the Attorney General's office both stand opposed to crimes against the innocent. The two agree that when it comes to the sexual abuse of children, members of the clergy are not above the law. However, there's very little law enforcement can do unless victims come forward. In a recent interview, Guam's Attorney General, Alicia Limitiaco, told News Watch that "in order for it to be a legal investigation we will need the assistance of the victim or victims involved." We also spoke with Deacon Jeff Barcinas, Spokesman for the Archdiocese of Agana. Barcinas explained that "being on Guam, you know, often many of the victims have held it for a long, long time. And they may have not come forward because of the culture on Guam and the way people are. But, you know, we only hope that if those credible allegations are there, you know, that we within the Church can help the victim recover, you know, to a normal life." The Catholic Church on Guam and the Attorney General agree that victims deserve their civil rights, their justice, and their peace of mind. The church is now reaching out to anyone who may have been abused by Guam Priests or Catholic teachers. This, in order to own up to any possible abuse cases and provide spiritual support through church workers who are worthy of victims' trust. Now victims and their families must find the courage to come forward if they hope for resolution.
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