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In Reply to: OK, so you didn't have to go to court to be validated posted by Curious on June 12, 2002 at 18:00:25:
Hi again curious. Thanks for the questions!
Yea that is pretty much it. The church was looking at over 600 living testimonies gathered together under representation by competent lawyers. In reality, with the level of evidence, historical documents and sworn multiple complaints with many similarities in manner and identity of the abusers the Government and the Church really had little choice. In addition the press gave it worldwide coverage and Catholics in general were outraged.
We settled because the time and level of pain for victims was getting very costly. Previously there were many suicides and ruined lives and we wanted to go on and heal. Large numbers of victims were in prison and needed immediate help. If they were not ready to settle we would have gone through a very long trial without hesitation.
I totally accept that SGA's were abused, emotionally, physically and sexually. I have no doubts about it. I would not be suprised if the numbers are very high as a percentage of the total numbers of SGA's in and out of the family.
Not only is there a form of validation by peers but also by us old FGA farts. I left when I saw the Davidito book. I should have gone bonkers then and really spoke up but I was too screwed up to act.( no excuse intended! )
If you know SGA's that have been victims encourage them to seek help. A therapeutic SGA support group would also help I think. Document what happened with no emotion or spin on it. The facts are heavy enough on their own! Collect evidence in large numbers. Seek out an advocate within the child advocate community or some similar organization. Get the government's ear. Secure a supportive lawyer or articling law student getting ready to pass the bar exam. If you know where abusers are document that too. As a citizen we all have a right to make complaints of a criminal nature. There is no statute of limitations on sexual abuse of children. The abuse happened to me when I was a boy.
It is a dirty painful buisness and we all need to support each other to make healing and recovery happen. In these matters you have to be patient and persistent. For myself and other victims validation was a legal term that ended up to also be an emotionally comforting term. To gain such validation from the family or society in general may require some form of legal action and press attention. There is strength in numbers. Use the press, kick butt and take names! (ha! a little humorous relief). If I can be of assistance I can be contacted at my Email address above.
