According to the recent National Public Radio article, “Survivors Of Sexual Abuse By Nuns Want Greater Visibility For Their Accusations”, acknowledgment by survivors of sexual abuse by religious sisters is increasing. With the growing awareness around priest molestation of children, many survivors who were sexually abused by nuns are now coming forward.
Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) has seen an increase in calls about such abuse and has started a virtual support group and offering more resources for survivors of molestion by nuns.
Pope Francis Issues New Decree Including Nuns
Many diocese compensation programs for sexual abuse survivors has only accepted victims of parish priests. Church leadership has historically treated misconduct by diocesan priests as separate from claims against nuns or monks. Claims against nuns or monks have usually been dealt with by their respective orders. Because there has been a lack of awareness about sexual abuse by nuns, it has been harder for survivors to report such abuse.
On May 9, 2019, Pope Francis changed the Catholic Church’s position of treating allegations against nuns as separate from that of diocesan priests, and issued a new decree to require that allegations against members of male and female religious orders be reported to church leadership. This goes into effect June 1.
Are You a Survivor of Abuse?
The trial lawyers at Lamothe Law Firm have substantial experience pursuing these claims and are passionate about finding justice and the best possible results for the victims. If you or a loved one was sexually abused as a child, please contact us today for a confidential meeting to discuss your claim, your right to compensation, and ways to hold the abuser accountable.
