Victims of Priest Abuse Offer Aid to Alleged Cosby Sex Targets

By Debbie L. Sklar
My News
October 9, 2015

http://mynewsla.com/hollywood/2015/10/09/survivors-of-priest-abuse-offering-aid-to-alleged-cosby-victims/

Actor Bill Cosby speaks at the National Action Network’s 20th annual Keepers of the Dream Awards gala in New York April 6, 2011. Photo by REUTERS/Lucas Jackson

Comparing the power wielded by Bill Cosby with that of an order of Catholic priests, a member of Survivors Networks of those Abused by Priests said Friday her group is offering support to women allegedly abused by the comedian.

“We know there’s many, many of them,” Esther Miller said outside the County Courthouse in downtown Los Angeles.

The entertainment industry, like the Catholic and Mormon churches, yields “power, dominion and control over someone’s mind, body and soul,” Miller said.

Cosby, 78, was scheduled to appear for a deposition today in a lawsuit filed by Judy Huth, who claims he sexually assaulted her at the Playboy Mansion in 1974, when she was 15 years old. Cosby has denied any wrongdoing.

The location of the deposition has not been made public.

Miller said Jesuit priests were able to use their strong position within the Catholic church to molest young parishioners, and said Cosby similarly has “influence, power and charm, just like the Jesuits.”

Miller, holding signs stating SNAP’s support for Cosby’s alleged victims, said many are too ashamed to go public about their experiences with the comedian.

“It’s a difficult thing to come forward and say, ‘Yeah, me too.”‘ Miller said.

SNAP members have been “treating for a long time” and the organization offers community-type support that is a “fresh approach to traditional talk therapy,” according to Miller.