BishopAccountability.org
	Diocese Honored Victim's Wishes Des Moines Register [Des Moines IA] April 27, 2007 http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070427/OPINION04/704270354/1035/OPINION After working hard to make sure we provided accurate and clear information to the Register, I was dismayed to find a headline that not only was misleading, but could encourage people to refrain from coming forward with allegations of sexual abuse of a minor by priests. "Diocese Withheld Details of Abuse, Critics Say," April 18, suggests that in some way the diocese was trying to protect itself. That suggestion would be completely inaccurate. Yes, the diocese withheld information that would identify a victim at the victim's request. In fact, even the school president was quoted as saying he did not know details of the allegation. This is a testament to the extent to which the diocese honored the victim's request. However, readers weren't told until the seventh paragraph that the diocese withheld information at the request of the victim. The diocese has been as up front as possible with information that could be provided about cases of alleged abuse. At the same time, the diocese has tried to be as sensitive to the needs of victims as possible. In this case, the words "at the victim's request" should have been in the headline or at least the subhead. Readers had only half the information unless they continued to paragraph seven. To anyone who has experienced sexual abuse as a minor by a priest, report it to law-enforcement authorities. If the abuse occurred in the Catholic Diocese of Des Moines, report the allegation to our victim-assistance advocate so an investigation can begin. Our goal is to make church environments safe for children. - Anne Marie Cox, director of communications, Diocese of Des Moines, Des Moines.
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