Abuse Victims File for Compensation from Church, Jailed Priests and Mssp

By Karl Stagno-Navarra
Malta Today
December 6, 2012

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/courtandpolice/Abuse-victims-file-for-compensation-from-Church-20121206

The Archbishop's Curia is being called upon to liquidate damages suffered by 12 victims of sexual abuse at the hands of two former priests who ran St. Joseph's Home in Hamrun

Just days after two former priests were sent to jail for their role in abuse on a number of victims at St. Jospeh's Home in Hamrun, 12 victims have filed for financial compensation from the Archbishop's Curia, the two priests who were jailed and the Missionary Order of St. Paul (MSSP).

The victims have called for a meeting to be held within a week in order to quantify the damages.

In their letter, victims Lawrence Grech, Joseph Magro, Leonard Camilleri, Jason Camilleri, David Cassar, Noel Dimech, Angelo Spiteri, Raymond Azzopardi, Charles Falzon, Oliver Goodram, Paul Cauchi and Joseph Mangion, claimed that the authorities knew that the people who were supposed to be looking after them were abusing them, but did nothing to stop it.

Defrocked priests Godwin Scerri and Carmel Pulis were left to keep their positions at the home, holding absolute control over their victims.

The victims said they suffered damages because they could no longer lead a normal life.

Lawyers Patrick Valentino and Franco Vassallo signed the letter, which was also addressed to the Prime Minister, the Education and Family ministers and the Attorney General.