BishopAccountability.org
	Deadline Sought for Abuse Claims A Motion in the Davenport Diocese Bankruptcy Case Proposes That Victims Speak up by July 16 By Erin Jordan Des Moines Register [Davenport IA] February 8, 2007 http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070208/NEWS/702080391/-1/ENT06 Victims of clergy sex abuse in the Davenport Diocese would have to come forward by July 16 to be compensated as part of the diocese's bankruptcy proceedings, according to a proposal from attorneys for the diocese and victims. Claim deadlines are common in bankruptcy proceedings, but advocates for sex abuse victims said setting such a deadline in this type of case is wrong because victims often take years to realize they have been abused and have legal options. "To force deeply wounded individuals to somehow 'expedite' this process for the convenience of complicit church officials is outrageous," said David Clohessy, national director of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. Richard Davidson, bankruptcy attorney for the diocese, said that without a deadline, "there would never be a distribution because you wouldn't know how many claims you have." The motion, filed last week in U.S. Bankruptcy Court, includes a list of 21 priests and former priests named in abuse claims as a way to spark the memories of other Catholics who may want to file claims. The list will go out with notices in media outlets across the country. The diocese's decision to file for bankruptcy on Oct. 10 came a month after the diocese was ordered to pay $1.5 million to an abuse victim. Bankruptcy Judge Lee Jackwig is expected to rule on the motion after Feb. 20. Reporter Erin Jordan can be reached at (319) 351-6527 or ejordan@dmreg.com
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.