Settlement reached in Ursuline Academy sex abuse case

By Adam Painter
NBC Montana
February 03, 2015

http://www.nbcmontana.com/news/Settlement-reached-in-Ursuline-Academy-sex-abuse-case/31075596

ST. IGNATIUS, Mont. -

A settlement has been reached between 232 plaintiffs who were sexually abused by priests and nuns.

It happened from the 1930s to the 1970s at the Ursuline Academy in St. Ignatius, which is located about 40 miles north of Missoula.

The case began in 2011, and the settlement is for $4.45 million.  The agreement breaks down to less than $20,000 per victim.

We spoke with Vito de la Cruz, one of the attorneys who represented 35 percent of the plaintiffs.  He said, "Child sexual abuse is often hidden, and it often lies buried for many years.  For people to stand up and fight for their dignity, speak truth, and shine a light on this horrible, horrible occurrence to children is, for me, one of the most courageous things that victims can do."

We also spoke with one of the plaintiffs who wished to remain anonymous.  He wants people to know, "That these things do happen and try not to be judgmental, and put it out there as all we're all about is the money.  Because the money is the only thing that gives us our recognition, but it's not about the money, it's about just being brought to the light."

The Ursuline Nuns will fund the settlement through liquidation and the sale of property and other assets.

This settlement brings an end to the lawsuits filed against the Diocese of Helena and the Ursulines of Western Montana.