Canada - Priest Acquitted on Sex Charges, SNAP Responds

SNAP
February 24, 2014

http://www.snapnetwork.org/canada_priest_acquitted_on_sex_charges_snap_responds

Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those abused by Priests (314 862 7688 home, 314 503 0003 cell, SNAPdorris@gmail.com)

An Ontario judge says he believes two women may have consented in a sexual misconduct charge against a former priest. The priest has been acquitted.

[sunnewsnetwork.ca]

Gabriele DelBianco pled guilty to 16 offenses involving teenage girls in the 1980s. He has a long track record of sexual misconduct. We do not believe these women consented. It is inherently problematic - and in some places, illegal - when clergy have any sexual contact with congregants. There can be no true "consent" given the power difference between the individuals.

Even though this ruling came out in favor of the former priest, we hope this case will help others who were hurt by what may have initially seemed like “affairs” but were in fact crimes. We hope those victimized by clergy at any age will find the courage to step forward, get help, call police, expose wrongdoers, protect others and start healing.