Kansas Bureau of Investigation Begins Looking into Clergy Sex Abuse

By Zach Hiner
Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
February 5, 2019

https://bit.ly/2SwCden

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has opened an investigation into cases of clergy sex abuse and cover-up in the state’s four Catholic dioceses.

We are grateful that law enforcement is taking this much-needed step. We know that institutions cannot police themselves and that it is critical for independent professionals to get involved in order to understand the scope of the problem in Kansas and to prevent future cases of abuse and cover-up. 

SNAP recognizes that it is very tough for abuse victims to trust authority figures, especially those who have been assaulted by clergy and betrayed by bishops. Still, we encourage all survivors to come forward and make a report to the KBI. 

No matter when the abuse occurred, and even if it has been previously reported, anyone who has been hurt by a priest, nun, deacon, brother, bishop or any other church staff or official should make a report by calling 1-800-KS-CRIME or by sending an email to ClergyAbuse@kbi.ks.gov.

But the onus is not only on survivors. We believe it is also urgent to beg witnesses and whistleblowers to step forward as well. Often current and former church staff will provide helpful information if encouraged to do so. 

Church officials in Kansas can show their support for survivors and their desire to protect children by sharing information about the KBI’s investigation with their parishioners. They could also use their parish websites and bulletins to encourage victims, witnesses, and whistleblowers to come forward.