I have a healthy skepticism when it comes to anyone actually prosecuting the institutions that have made it a business practice to support and protect pedophiles that groom, sexually abuse and rape children within that institution. There is a risk calculation, no doubt, that guides these institutions to deny claims of abuse, attempt to discredit victims and protect the predators.
In the post prior to this one, I put out information released by the Foundation to Abolish Child Sexual Abuse (FACSA). They are looking for victims of sexual abuse to dial in, regardless of how long ago the abuse took place. It is imperative that we document the files on the institutions that protected predators and turned a deaf ear on victims.
The Attorney General’s office in Harrisburg has a Sexual Abuse Hotline, 1-888-538-8541. I called the number on Monday morning. I had a recording tell me that the line was not in service. I tried later in the morning and was surprised to have a live person answer the phone and take my information. She told me the name of the investigator looking into the Diocese of Scranton and said she would pass my information along. I will wait and see if anyone contacts me. If they do I will let you know. I do not expect much, but I would like to document the file against the Diocese of Scranton.
If you were the victim of sexual abuse as a child (under the age of 18) within the state of Pennsylvania, you should call the hotline and make a report. The person answering the phone will give you the name of the investigator for the Diocese(s) that are applicable to your particular circumstances.
Within the Dioceses in Pennsylvania there have been at least 292 credibly accused priests. That, to me, seems to be a low number. In my case, the Diocese of Scranton admits to only (!) four victims of my predator. I know that number is low. Ridiculously, insultingly low. These predators were prolific.
If you have a story to tell, now is the time to do so. Please call the number, 1-888-538-8541 and be heard.
I guess we shall see where, if anywhere, this will lead.
***Disclaimer: the misspelling of “Alltona” on the map was embedded in the .gif file I pulled from the Diocese of Harrisburg’s website.
Off My Knees - A Blog by Michael Baumann 
Would you like me to post this on my Survivors Facebook page? I’m working on list of states and what the SOL are for each.
Michael, Thank you for this e-mail, and that you sent on the 16th. I had posted 3 media links stating the AG investigation had officially spread to Pittsburgh. Funny, all 3 (Post-Gazette, & TV Channels 2 and 4 Pittsburgh) — neither included the AG Clergy Abuse Hotline # in their story. So I’m quite skeptical. Anyhow, if you ever wonder whether your e-mails are ever helpful — yes they are, Bubs. Thanks again Sincerely,Kenny Schneider ______
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
[…] would like to know why many survivors, including myself, who contacted the office responsible for conducting the investigation were never called in for an interview. As I wait to read the report, I know that no matter how […]