SNAP Speaks about Possible Dismissal of Sex Abuse Claims

WISN
February 7, 2012

http://www.wisn.com/r/30401671/detail.html

A support group for victims of priest abuse is speaking out against plans to ask for the dismissal of several claims against local clergymen.

The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, or SNAP, held a news conference Tuesday.

The group said more than 550 victims came forward to file claims of sex abuse over the last nine months.

Now, there are reports that the attorneys for the archdiocese plan to ask a judge to dismiss 95 percent of those claims during a hearing Thursday.

SNAP said the motion argues that the cases fall outside of the state's statue of limitations.

The vice chancellor of the Milwaukee archdiocese also attended Tuesday's event and said he agrees with SNAP that the cases should move forward in court.

"If the dismissal of the vast majority of the claims is the intention of the archdiocese, and especially if this strategy had been the intention all along, then shame on all involved," the Rev. Jim Connell said.

"This isn't just about victims receiving restitution, this is about child safety, this is about accountability for fraud and cover up. So it is imperative for us that these claims proceed through the federal court," SNAP spokesman Peter Isely said.

WISN 12 News contacted the archdiocese for a statement about the request from SNAP.

In a statement, a spokeswoman said, "While we were bound under the bankruptcy rules to cast a wide net for potential claimants, it is the court that determines which individual claims are eligible for financial compensation. That's why the archdiocese has asked to establish a therapy fund that would assist abuse survivors of diocesan priests regardless of whether or not their claim is allowed by the court."