St. George’s and Victims’ Group Agree to Tap Former Ma Attorney General to Lead Investigation

GoLocalProv
January 12, 2016

http://www.golocalprov.com/news/st.-georges-and-victims-group-agree-to-tap-former-ma-attorney-general-to-le

Former MA AG Scott Harshbarger

In a joint press release from St. George's School and the victims of sexual abuse group (SGS for Healing), it was announced they have agreed to a lead investigator. The two groups have tapped former Massachusetts Attorney General and one-time candate for Governor Scott Harshbarger.

The release states:

The parties have agreed that Scott Harshbarger, Esq. of the Boston law firm Casner & Edwards has been jointly retained by the School and SGS for Healing as the Independent Investigator. Mr. Harshbarger, the former Middlesex County District Attorney and Attorney General of Massachusetts, is a recognized expert in in independent investigations.

The parties have agreed to a comprehensive and independent program for mental health assistance in cooperation with Day One of Rhode Island, a non-profit provider of clinical, treatment, intervention, education, advocacy, and prevention services t for victims of trauma. If an alumnus or alumna who was the victim of sexual abuse by faculty, staff, or students at St. George’s School needs crisis mental health assistance or a referral to a local mental health professional (to be paid for by the School), he or she may receive immediate help by contacting Day One. Any victim of sexual abuse by faculty, staff, or students at the School (whether or not affiliated with SGS for Healing) may avail him/herself of these services. The processing of payments to providers will be handled by an independent third-party administrator and the names of alumni receiving mental health assistance will not be revealed to the School or SGS for Healing.

Said Anne Scott of SGS for Healing: “These preliminary agreements represent further progress for alumni victims. While there is much more to be accomplished, we are working productively at the present time with the Board and new counsel for the School.”

Said Leslie Heaney, Chair of the School’s Board of Trustees: “The St. George’s School Board is committed to the truth and supporting alumni survivors who have been harmed by sexual abuse. Today’s announcement represents important steps toward healing for the survivors and the St. George’s community.”