A St. Paul lawyer that is suing the Catholic Church will soon begin
airing television commercials in Wisconsin, looking for more victims of
sexual abuse by clergy as some criticize the Milwaukee Archdiocese of
using bankruptcy law to try and stop victims from coming forward.
“They suffer in secrecy, in silence and shame,” said Anderson.
Jeff
Anderson already represents dozens of alleged victims of a system he
claims is designed to protect its own. Now, he said it’s a legal game to
beat the clock.
After battling with the Milwaukee Archdiocese
for more than 25 years over abuse allegations, Anderson said he is
convinced that there are still hundreds -- if not thousands -- of
victims.
“There is a moral and legal imperative to reach as many survivors as is possible,” he said.
Anderson
is already suing the Archdiocese in Milwaukee, claiming among other
things that one of its now-deceased priests molested as many as 200 deaf
boys between 1950 and 1974.
However, now that the church has
filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, the window for victims to
come forward will be coming to a close.
So, beginning soon,
Anderson will begin a media blitz using print and TV ads -- even social
media -- in an attempt to try to get other possible victims to break
their silence.
“If we don't reach them, they'll never have a
chance to bring that claim and be a part of bringing the Archdiocese to a
day of reckoning,” Anderson said.
Many other dioceses have paid millions to settle civil claims, but Anderson said these cases are about more than just money.
“We and the survivors with whom we work are demanding that they come clean,” Anderson said.