SNYDER (NY)
WIVB
June 1, 2018
By Shannon Smith
Another person has come forward — accusing a former Buffalo priest of sexual abuse. He’s named Donald Becker as his abuser.
Friday, June 1st is the deadline for victims of alleged sexual abuse to file for compensation from the Buffalo Catholic Diocese.
“I literally sat in my office and cried. And that point I knew I had to do something,” said John Polvino.
For months, John Polvino watched several people come forward with sexual abuse allegations against many Buffalo priests. He says something clicked when he saw Michael Whalen, who spoke with News 4 in March, share his story.
“So courageous, so brave, that he shouldn’t be – you know, I needed to pay it forward. He saved my life by coming out,” said Polvino.
So, after 43 years, Polvino finally revealed he was sexually abused at 13-years-old. Something he’s never shared with anyone, even his wife.
He’s since filed a report with the Buffalo Catholic Diocese against former priest Donald Becker. Becker is listed by the Diocese as one of 42 priests accused of sexually abusing minors.
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