Woman Says Catholic School Ignored Sex Abuse by Teacher, Coach

WCVB
August 3, 2016

http://www.wcvb.com/news/woman-says-catholic-school-ignored-sex-abuse-by-teacher-coach/41024144

John Phelan/Wikicommons

A woman is filing a lawsuit claiming a former teacher sexually assaulted her for years, and claims school administrators knew it was happening and did nothing to stop it.

According to the lawsuit, the unidentified victim claims former Marian High School physical education teacher and sports coach Diane Ryszewski sexually abused the then 14-year-old girl between 1975-1977.

The victim claims the assaults occurred daily, according to the lawsuit.

Shortly after the victim started high school Ryszewski, who was her coach, took a strong interest in her and eventually arraigned for the victim to live with her at her Hopkinton home, the lawsuit said.

During the time Ryszewski allegedly provided the victim with alcohol and drugs and engaged in continuous acts of sex abuse and rape.

The lawsuit claims that administrators, teachers and students knew of previous claims of abuse against Ryszewski before she allegedly abused the victim.

Also, the lawsuit said, it was well-known by administrators, teachers and students that the victim was living with Ryszewski, because the two of them rode to and from school together on a daily basis, were always together and they were referred to publicly as girlfriends.

The lawsuit also claims that Principal Ellen Powers was personally aware that the victim was living with Ryszewski, but took no action to protect her and end the relationship.

In addition to the teacher, principal and school, the archbishop of Boston is also named in the lawsuit, claiming the abuse was known and nothing was done to stop it.