Victims React to Catholic Church Releasing Names of Clergy Accused of Abuse

By Corey Rangel
ABC 15
October 18, 2012

http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/region_phoenix_metro/central_phoenix/victims-react-to-catholic-church-releasing-names-of-clergy-accused-of-abuse

[with video]

The Catholic Church in Phoenix has taken a step to help with the healing for those sexually abused by priests.

The Catholic Diocese of Phoenix released a list of names of priests accused and convicted of abuse.

It has nearly 29 names on it and shows where the clergy members once served but it does not give details on what the priests and deacons are accused of doing.

Joe Baca, a victim of priest abuse, said it’s a step towards the church taking responsibility.

“I think what they're doing is they're cleaning up the damage. I think this is one of the steps to get to the acknowledgment,” said Baca.

Baca is the Arizona Director of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests , a support group for victims.

Baca himself was abused by a priest at the age of eight. He said it continued until he was 15.

“My abuse was horrible. Anything you can imagine happened to me,” said Baca.

Baca said he told both of his parents but nothing happened.

“My mother used to tell me ‘don't talk about priests. They're very holy. They don't do things like that,’” said Baca.

Baca said his life started to spiral downwards as he tried to cope with his feelings. “I rebelled with alcohol and drugs,” said Baca.

Eventually, Baca confronted his past and accepted it. He wrote a book about his experience and now counsels other survivors.