What
A demonstration calling on Bishop Robert Deeley and the Diocese of Portland, Maine, to cease their re-victimization and retraumatizing of clergy sexual abuse victims by lobbying against the opening of the statute of limitations in the State of Maine, which allow sexual abuse victims to have their day in court.
When
Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 11:30. Press conference at Noon.
Where
On the public sidewalk in front of the headquarters of the Diocese of Portland, Maine, 500 Ocean Avenue, Portland, Maine 04103
Who
Robert M. Hoatson, Ph.D., co-founder and President of Road to Recovery, Inc., a non-profit charity based in New Jersey that assists victims of sexual abuse and their families, including several victims in the State of Maine. He may be contacted at 862-368-2800 or roberthoatson@gmail.com.
Attorney Mitchell Garabedian, Boston, MA, whose contact information is: (617) 523-6250 – office; (617) 388-5252 – cell
mgarabedian@garabedianlaw.com.
Attorney Garabedian represents many Maine sexual abuse victims and was portrayed by actor Stanley Tucci in the 2016 Academy Award-winning Best Picture “Spotlight”
Attorney Garabedian will appear by Zoom. See the link below.
Why
For many decades, the Diocese of Portland, Maine, has covered-up claims of sexual abuse against diocesan priests, religious priests, nuns, and other Church personnel. The “playbook” of the Church was followed exactly; namely, don’t welcome any allegations of sexual abuse, send victims away without justice, support, or empathy, and keep all allegations secret and hidden in the archives of the Diocese. In one case, Robert Hoatson held a press conference during which he proved that five (5) Portland Diocesan Bishops covered up the same priest’s sexual abuse. Now, civil leaders have taken the responsibility to hold abusers and their enablers accountable for sexual abuse and its coverup.
In 2021, Maine lawmakers removed the statute of limitations to allow victims with current or older claims to file civil litigations. However, once again, it is the Catholic Church, Bishop Robert Deeley, and his attorneys who are attempting to do block the legislation, citing the unconstitutionality of the lifting of the statute. Once again, the needs and concerns of victims take a back seat to the Church’s image of being a legitimate religious entity and their protection of their assets. Following the money is paramount in this fight by the Diocese of Portland to close it deep pockets and deny victims what they deserve.
The demonstration will call on Portland Diocesan Catholics and citizens to support the lifting of the statute of limitations so justice, which has alluded victims for decades, may finally be applied to innocent victims.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8793639574?pwd=S09NS240NEhoL09JMjIxRFErQXV2UT09
13 WGME
Protester calls for Portland diocese to stop contesting sexual abuse lawsuits
by Ted Homer, WGMEWednesday, January 18th 2023
Click on Link for Video and Article
