Fourteen different states and territories have opened investigations into priest sex abuse in the Catholic Church, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia just added Washington to that list. According to WTOP, They have opened a civil investigation to look into clergy abuse in the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, a nonprofit.
While the U.S. Attorney’s Office is holding the details of the investigation confidential, they have made a statement that a civil investigation has been launched, and that the District’s Nonprofit Act may have been violated is the Archdiocese covered up allegations of sexual abuse against minors. The Archdiocese responded with a statement reiterating their zero tolerance policy, and a further statement that suggested there has been no sexual abuse of minors by priests within the past twenty years.
Concerns Abound
The U.S. Attorney’s investigation comes on the heels of a number of concerns about sex abuse in the church. After the Pennsylvania sex abuse report, many became very concerned about what may be happening in the church. Just a few weeks ago, the Washington Archdiocese released the names of twenty-eight priests against whom credible accusations had been made. In light of all of the recent problems, the U.S. Attorney’s office has posted a variety of ways victims can report sex abuse by priests including phone numbers and web links. The list also included those who are mandated reporters.
A Growing Problem
Priest sex abuse has been a problem for decades, and many victims are just coming forward with allegations dating back decades. While this is a growing problem for the church, it is a turning point for victims who deserve justice and healing. If you or someone you know has been a victim of priest sex abuse, please contact Paul Mones today.