Lawsuit Against Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston Can Move Forward

By Zach Hiner
SNAP Network
August 05, 2020

https://www.snapnetwork.org/lawsuit_against_wheeling_charleston_can_move_forward_aug20

A lawsuit against a West Virginia diocese can move forward after a request to dismiss filed by Catholic officials was denied by the circuit court. We are glad that this lawsuit can move forward and hope that it encourages other survivors to speak up and make reports to law enforcement.

We are very happy that the complaint filed by Michael Pirraglia will proceed and applaud him for his bravery in coming forward and taking action. According to the lawsuit, Pirraglia was abused by Fr. Victor Frobas and he alleges that diocesan leaders in Wheeling-Charleston were aware of Fr. Frobas’ history of abuse and did nothing to stop it. We hope that this case will inspire others who were hurt in West Virginia to speak up and make a report themselves.

When survivors have their day in court, it helps prevent future cases of abuse by exposing abusers and enablers and it also gives the victim a shot at justice. We applaud this decision by Circuit Judge David Sims and look forward to the transparency and truth that this lawsuit will bring out into the open.