Sexual Abuse Victims File Compensation Claim

By Chris Mangion
Malta Today
May 24, 2013

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/courtandpolice/Sexual-abuse-victims-file-compensation-claim-20130524

Lawrence Grech, one of the victims, led the legal battle against the two defrocked priests

The victims of sexual abuse committed by two priests at the St Joseph's Home for Boys in Santa Venera are to file a compensation claim in court today.

Lawrence Grech, who was the man who broke the silence and led the victims' legal battle against the priests today filed the claim together with nine other victims.

The victims are claiming that since the two priests were sentenced to jail, the victims should receive compensation, however stopped short of demanding a specific amount.  

In November, defrocked priests Carmelo Pulis and Godwin Scerri were sentenced to six years and five years imprisonment respectively.

The judgment was confirmed on appeal by Mr. Justice Scicluna on the basis of clear evidence of lewd and lustful acts which were committed by the two on 11 'passive victims'.

The victims compensation claim was filed against the Curia, government, the Attorney General, Carmel Pulis, Godwin Scerri, the Archbishop, the St Paul Missionary Society, and others.