Child abuse and neglect is never acceptable. But because of social taboos, many sex abuse victims suffer silently through childhood and into adulthood. Consider that it took Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown years before he was able to tell his story in a recent memoir.
With that in mind, it was heartening to read that more than 30 plaintiffs who claim they were sexually abused as children by Montana clergy members sued the Catholic Church last week.
Their complaint, filed in Helena District Court, alleges “gross negligence” by the Diocese of Helena and asks for monetary compensation, according to an Associated Press report. It is also seeking the formation of a task force to monitor diocesan organizations and the publication of the names of all sex abusers in the diocese.
The lawsuit, which was filed by 34 plaintiffs ranging in age from 45 to 73, claims the abuse occurred in the Montana towns of Arlee, Missoula, and St. Ignatius between the late 1940s and the 1970s.
Child abuse and neglect can take many forms, including sexual abuse. If you or someone you love has been abused or neglected as a child, you may be entitled to compensation.