PHILIPPINES
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Prests
For immediate release: Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015
Statement by Joelle Casteix of California, SNAP Southern California director (949-322-7434, jcasteix@gmail.com)
A priest who abused in Los Angeles is now accused of molesting a Philippine presidential candidate.
Fr. Mark Falvey, a Jesuit, was accused in 2002 & 2003 of sexually abusing at least three LA-area kids. But this week, Rodrigo Duterte disclosed that he too had been molested as a boy by Fr. Falvey in the Philippines, as had some of Duterte’s classmates. We commend Duterte for his courage.
We call on Catholic officials in LA and the Philippines – and China and Washington state, where Fr. Falvey also worked – to aggressive seek out and help others who were assaulted by this predator priest.
Fr. Falvey is deceased. But the pain of his victims remains. And some who he hurt, we believe, are still suffering in shame, isolation and self-blame. They deserve consolation. Catholic officials must use their vast resources to reach out to those who are in pain because of these horrific childhood assaults and betrayals.
We beg anyone who may have seen, suspected or suffered crimes by Fr. Falvey or cover ups by Catholic officials to speak up, protect others, expose wrongdoers, and start healing.
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