Monday, August 09, 2010

Abuse by priests, nuns alleged at South Dakota orphanage

Two dozen former residents of a Catholic Church-run American Indian orphanage in South Dakota are suing the Sioux Falls diocese, alleging sexual and physical abuse by priests and nuns decades ago.

Some of the victims, who are identified only by their initials, were as young as 4 during the alleged assaults at the Tekakwitha Orphanage in Sisseton between the 1940s and 1970s.

They alleged that nuns fondled both male and female victims during bath time, priests and nuns engaged in sexual contact with the kids and a mother superior forced them to simulate sex acts with a doll.

Diocese spokesman Jerry Klein says the diocese has been reaching out to abuse victims for years and wants to continue helping where it can.

SIC: KSFY