WHAT:
After disclosing and discussing a new child sex abuse lawsuit against a Catholic priest, clergy sex molestation victims will hand out flyers to businesses and passers-by seeking information about the cleric and a church-run “pregnancy counseling center” where a girl was molested by the priest
WHEN:
Friday, Sept. 30, 1:30 p.m.
WHERE:
In Legion Park across from the clinic at the corner of Biscayne Blvd. and N E 66th in Miami
WHO:
Three sex abuse victims, including the "Jane Doe" who is filing this lawsuit (wearing wigs and sunglasses) and a St. Louis man who is the national director of a support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
WHY:
In 1970, as a confused and frightened a 14 year old girl, Doe was pregnant and intended to give her unborn baby up for adoption. She went to a now closed archdiocesan-affiliated clinic where a priest “counseled” her, pulled her pants and underwear down, and then penetrated her vagina with his fingers.
A nurse walked into the room, and interrupted the abuse. Jane left the facility severely traumatized, considered suicide, and concealed her pregnancy for several months. Later, Jane’s family forced her to have an abortion. The procedure left her unable to have children.
The leaflets encourage anyone with information about the “clinic” or the cleric to contact police. They also urge anyone else who was victimized at the facility to seek help through therapy.
The civil case is being filed in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court and seeks a jury trial and more than $10 million in damages. Doe is represented by attorney Jeff Herman (305 931 2200).
It names the archdiocese and Catholic Charities as defendants. The priest is not named because the victim doesn’t know his identity.
CONTACT:
David Clohessy,SNAP National Director, 314 566 9790
Judy Rakestraw, SNAP Miami Director, 305 926 5858
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