Scranton Priest Arrested, Victims Respond

SNAP
April 4, 2014

http://www.snapnetwork.org/pa_scranton_priest_arrested_victims_respond

A Scranton priest, Fr. Philip Altavilla, has been arrested for giving alcohol to a minor and assaulting her. We are grateful for this brave victim for having the courage to report to police. More children will be safe because of her bravery.

[thetimes-tribune.com]

We hope, although it is unlikely, that this was an isolated incidence. Predators rarely attack only once. It’s not enough for Bishop Joseph Bambera to simply suspend this priest and express anger. What children and victims need now is action.

Bambera should aggressively seek out any other people who may have been hurt, using his bully pulpit and parish bulletins. He should personally go to each parish where Fr. Altavilla worked and beg victims, witnesses and whistleblowers to speak up and call police.

We hope that anyone who saw suspected or suffered abuse will contact law enforcement.