Woman Raped by Priest Speaks out

By Joe Vigil
KOB
February 23, 2012

http://www.kob.com/article/stories/S2508681.shtml?cat=516

[with video]

Mary McCarthy Stanton

Mary McCarthy Stanton, who said she was molested and raped by a priest in the 1960's, felt compelled to speak out after seeing recent TV coverage of the death of former Santa Fe Archbishop Robert Sanchez.

Sanchez stepped down from his post, in part, after failing to take action against priests accused of sexually abusing children.

Stanton said she was bothered by how easily people were willing to forgive Sanchez when he died.

"Forgiveness is granted in the sacrament of reconciliation, after we admit wrongdoing after we tell the truth, not before," Stanton said.

She said the rape and molestation nearly destroyed her. She said the shame, and accompanying depression, led to her abusing alcohol and prescription pills. She explained that it resulted in more than one overdose that could have killed her.

Stanton is telling her story hoping that others abused by priests will confide in at least one trustworthy person with their story, if they have kept it bottled up. She said telling someone will help with the healing process. She wants others to know that healing and moving on with life is possible.

In response to our story the Santa Fe Archdiocese told KOB Eyewitness News 4 that the church does offer counseling to sexual abuse victims. A spokesperson said the church also has a policy for the prompt reporting and handling of all allegations, along with nationwide criminal background checks.

The church also holds sexual abuse training classes, including for those who volunteer at schools and churches.

Below is a statement released by the Archdiocese of Santa Fe:

"Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan, along with bishops from across the country, have acknowledged a sad reality of modern life: protecting children from sexual predators is not easy and cannot be taken for granted. To address this issue, the Archdiocese of Santa Fe has a Victims Assistance and Safe Environment Coordinator who oversees programs for children and adults to make everyone aware of how serious we are about protecting our children. "

"The Archdiocese of Santa Fe has established and implemented codes of conduct, policies and procedures for the prompt reporting and handling of all allegations, safe environment training, and nationwide criminal and sex offender background checks. The 2006 revised edition of the policy reiterated the “Zero Tolerance” policy regarding sexual abuse and reinforces the archdiocese’s commitment to treating any and all claims of sexual misconduct as serious and investigating all concerns thoroughly."

"The Children and Youth Protection classes are healthy child protection programs that are age appropriate and ongoing throughout our parish religious education programs and schools. The programs are designed to empower children to say “no” to those who would take advantage of them. The Archdiocese of Santa Fe offers counseling services to victims of sexual abuse. Our efforts will always continue and grow."

Copies of the policy relating to sexual misconduct including sexual harassment have been sent to all pastors, parishes and Catholic schools. The policy has also been posted online on the Archdiocese of Santa Fe web site www.archdiosf.org.