INDIANAPOLIS (IN)
Indianapolis Star
By Robert King
robert.king@indystar.com
A national support group for victims of abuse by priests said Wednesday that the Indianapolis Archdiocese's use of a lawyer to field molestation claims was a "deceptive" practice that could work against victims who take the church to court.
The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, or SNAP, called on Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein to replace victim assistance coordinator Suzanne L. Yakimchick with someone "more appropriately and pastorally trained."
"The worst-case scenario is that a victim who pours out their heart and soul in hopes of getting a molester suspended or their therapy paid for may unwittingly give away information that makes a legal case for them impossible," SNAPAbuse Tracker Director David Clohessy said.
The archbishop's office defended Yakimchick's role, saying she does not defend the church in lawsuits.