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	Abuse Victims Call Fairbanks Diocese Proposal "Second Rape" By Matthew Simon KTVA October 31, 2009 http://www.ktva.com/ci_13679523 ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTVA-CBS 11 News) A group of Alaska Natives, who survived Fairbanks Catholic Diocese sexual abuse, say a new settlement proposal makes them feel like they have been raped again. The dispute surrounds a new $11 million settlement plan from the Diocese which proposes to pay nearly 300 claims with settlements starting at $5500 per claim. St. Mary's Victim and advocate Elise Boudreau says, "It is unacceptable. It is devastating that our lives are worth so little to the Fairbanks Diocese. It is a second rape." "When I heard about the amount of money that was handed out, I said, Are we looked at in that value? I said no," says St. Michael Victim Margo Frances Small. Diocese Chancellor and Special Assistant Robert Hannon is calling the victims' allegations false and inflammatory, saying they may be the result of a misunderstanding. "They're focusing on the $5500 as if that's all that there is," Hannon says. "When, if fact, that's just to make sure everybody who filed a claim gets something. Then the rest of the $11 million will go to compensate victims." It appears the victims do not believe that is what will end up happening. "It's not about the money," St. Mary's Victim Rena Abouchuk Firey says. "To me, this about what everyone in the world needs to see about what happened. What needs to be known and heard." Diocese Legal Coordinator Ronnie Rosenberg tells CBS 11 News officials came up with the $5500 figure because they are confident other insurance money will be included in the settlement. Court proceedings have just started. If approved, payments could go out within a month depending if lawyers choose to fight the settlement. To contact the Newsroom, call 907-274-1111.
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