Audit: Abuse Claims Still Plague the Catholic Church, KOMO, April 11, 2011

Audit: Abuse Claims Still Plague the Catholic Church

KOMO
April 11, 2011

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/119659114.html

SEATTLE -- The Catholic church can't afford to relax its standards in fighting child sex abuse, according to a new audit.

The new report by U.S. bishops says allegations of sexual abuse by priests continues to plague the church as several hundred victims came forward for the first time last year.

This audit was commissioned by the church, which settled lawsuits against it last year, paying victims a total of $124 million.

Just last month, hundreds of victims in the Pacific Northwest got the vindication they sought when their lawsuit settled.

"I'm saddened that we were victims, but I'm proud to be here today to speak on behalf of us," said Clarita Vargas, one of hundreds of victims of sexual and physical abuse by priests who just settled a lawsuit with the Jesuits.

Vargas' abuser, Father John Morse, is still alive and living in Eastern Washington. But he cannot be prosecuted as the statute of limitations has run out.

"And if there are cases that are beyond the statute of limitations, I would call upon the Legislature to change the law, as others have for years," said Seattle attorney Tim Kosnoff who represents victims of priest abuse. There is a bill barely hanging on in the Legislature that would remove the statute of limitations on certain sex offenses.

According to the new audit report, close to 700 alleged victims came forward for the first time in 2010. The report also detailed dozens of dioceses that received warning notices for not doing enough to protect children.

The Seattle Archdiocese did not receive a warning.

Kosnoff, who represents victims of abuse, says that number of victims is way too high and more needs to be done.

"It's clear that the bishops are unable to police themselves," he said.

The church says it is policing itself. In all but a few of the cases reported last year, the alleged sexual acts took place decades before. The Seattle Archdiocese admits it had a handful of those types of reports here.