Many heartbreaking case of sexual abuse became known in Massachusetts in 2001. Spotlight team from the Boston Globe conducted award winning long and thorough investigation into the clergy sexual abuse. This effort by the Boston globe spotlight team became an academy award movie in 2016. Los Angeles, California has recently reported their own problems.
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles revealed a list more than fifty (50) clergy members that have abused children. This number will certainly grow with time. Members of the clergy are mandated reporters. They are required by law to report any case of sexual abuse. The question is do they or have they? In situations where there’s suspicion or evidence of child abuse, it’s not just a moral obligation but a legal one to report to the authorities, highlighting the fight against DCF.
Sadly, sexual abuse didn’t stop when the news broke. In fact, more and more cases surfaced and even today, many years later, we hear similar scandals on the TV, news and radio that were once heard in Massachusetts. The stories haven’t changed. What has changed is the geography and victims. USA Today reported on August 19, 2018 in article called “Priest sexual abuse: Why the Roman Church still Struggles with sexual abuse scandals the article states that a priest admitted to being ‘aroused’ while tutoring a boy, hugging him and sharing sexually suggestive text messages with multiple boys (Mahon, Meyer, Wilson 2018).
This episode occurred years before the article was published, but the Catholic Church leaders did not communicate such information to authorities until six years after the fact in response to a grand jury subpoena. This raises the question of, would church officials have ever produce information if not for the grand jury subpoena? How many sexually abused children by the clergy have gone unknown by a lack of transparency?
Sexual abuse, especially by a trusted church authorities, is mortifying. The systematic silence and covering up of these numerous scandals worsens the problem ten-fold. There continues to be a failure by church officials who are not providing information about clergy sexual abuse. Many cases go unreported for various reasons and those reported are kept in the dark. Children are especially vulnerable to sexual abuse.
This begs the question: What needs to change to keep our children safe?
Clergy sexual abuse is a huge problem that will continue unless government and the church officials are more vigilant. There can be no more silence for those clergy who sexually abuse children. Silence by the church should not be tolerated. Regaining trust in the community can only occur if the church provides transparency. In the broader fight to protect children and uphold family rights, understanding what are my rights during a DCF investigation becomes crucial for anyone navigating through such difficult circumstances.
Similarly, knowing how to effectively engage in a DCF appeal process can empower individuals facing unjust situations, ensuring they have the necessary resources to challenge decisions and seek justice. Both steps are part of ensuring that all organizations, be they governmental or religious, adhere to policies and procedures that prioritize the safety and well-being of children and families.
Kevin Seaver is an experienced, trusted lawyer who successfully represents clients against DCF from Boston, Massachusetts. Call Kevin at (617) 263-2633 or request a Consultation online!
DISCLAIMER
You find yourself in this situation, it’s advisable to seek legal representation from a qualified attorney, like those at the Law Office of Kevin Seaver, who can advocate for your rights and guide you through the complex process of a DCF investigation.
Remember that the ultimate goal of DCF is to ensure the safety and well-being of children while supporting families in crisis.
Please note that this article does not create an Attorney-Client relationship between our law firm and the reader and is provided for informational purposes only. Information in this article does not apply to all readers.
Readers should not rely on this information as legal advice and should seek specific counsel from the attorney based on personal circumstances. Thank you.
Kevin Patrick Seaver is a Massachusetts DCF Defense Lawyer who represents parents against false child abuse allegations.
Massachusetts DCF Defense Lawyer Kevin Seaver has been successfully fighting false child abuse allegations since 1991.
