Sexual Abuse: Nun Plans to Launch Hunger Strike

New Indian Express
March 3, 2015

http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/Sexual-Abuse-Nun-Plans-to-Launch-Hunger-Strike/2015/03/03/article2695178.ece

KOCHI:The nun who was expelled from her congregation after she reportedly resisted sexual abuse by a priest and registered complaint against him is planning to intensify her agitation. Sr Anita, who has found shelter in the Janseva Sisubhavan, Aluva, is all set to launch an indefinite hunger strike in front of the Sisters of St Agata Convent at Thottakkattukara.

Sr Anita, a native of Kannur district, became a nun at the Sisters of St Agata on January 15, 2007. She was entrusted with the job of teacher at the Providence Convent HS, Pachore,  Madhya Pradesh. According to her, the congregation authorities turned hostile towards her after she complained about an alleged attempt of sexual harassment by a priest in 2011.

She was  transferred to the Mother House,  Italy, in May 2012. She allegedly faced physical and mental harassment in Italy also.

“There were days when they refused to give me food. After a series of torture, I was thrown out of the convent on February 19. When I sought shelter in another convent, with the help of another nun, the congregation authorities bought air ticket to Kochi and asked me to leave Italy. When I reached the convent at Thottakkattukara, I was denied entry. My luggage was thrown out and I was asked to leave the convent . “It was the local people who took me to the Janaseva Sisubhavan,’’ Sr Anita said.

She said she would continue her fight until the Church authorities makes clear the reason for expelling her. She is also demanding compensation. The Kerala Catholic Church Reformation Movement has come out in support of the nun.