The Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, PA, the Diocese of Youngstown, Ohio, and the Franciscan Friars Third Order Regular of Pennsylvania continue their foot-dragging in clergy sexual abuse cases

Road to Recovery
July 22, 2014

http://www.road-to-recovery.org/

Mother of sexual abuse victim of Br. Stephen Baker, T.O.R., of the Franciscan Friars of Hollidaysburg, PA, to speak of harm done to victims and their families by continuing delays

What: A press conference announcing the disappointment and frustration of dozens of sexual abuse victims, their family members, and their advocates toward the Roman Catholic Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, PA, the Franciscan Friars of Hollidaysburg, PA, and the Diocese of Youngstown, OH because of their foot-dragging regarding the settlement of cases of sexual abuse by Br. Stephen Baker, T.O.R.

When: Wednesday, July 23, 2014 at 11:00 AM

Where: On the public sidewalk in front of the headquarters of the Diocese of Altoona- Johnstown, PA, 927 S. Logan Boulevard, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648 – 814-695-5579.

Who: Barbara Aponte, mother of Luke Bradesku, an alleged Ohio victim of Br. Stephen Baker, T.O.R., who took his life after suffering from the effects of allegedly having been sexually abused as a high school student at John F. Kennedy Catholic High School in Warren, OH; and Dr. Robert M. Hoatson, co-founder and President of Road to Recovery, Inc., a non-profit charity that assists victims of sexual abuse and their families.

Why: Religious leaders, including the Bishop of Altoona-Johnstown, Mark L. Bartchak, and attorneys representing the Franciscan Third Order Regular Friars of Hollidaysburg, PA; the Diocese of Youngstown, OH; and the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, PA have expressed hollow sentiments that they wish to settle in a timely fashion dozens of cases of sexual abuse by Br. Stephen Baker from Bishop Mc Cort High School, Johnstown, PA, the greater Altoona-Johnstown area, and the Youngstown, OH area. The victim/survivors have waited long enough. It is now time for settlements to occur. One mediation session in May, 2014, was cancelled as a result of foot-dragging, and Bishop Mark Bartchak has promised that cases would be settled in a timely fashion. Another summer has come and nearly gone, and victim/survivors continue to suffer. Barbara Aponte, mother of an alleged Br. Baker victim from Ohio, will speak about the devastating effects not only of the sexual abuse on families but of foot-dragging by church authorities. Because of these delays, victim/survivors are unable to reach closure and heal from the sexual abuse.

Contacts: Dr. Robert M. Hoatson, Road to Recovery, Inc. – 862-368-2800 Attorney Mitchell Garabedian, Boston, MA – 617-523-6250