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| Abuse survivors call on Attorney General Dave Yost to investigate Ohio Catholic dioceses |
Advocates for survivors of clergy sexual abuse are calling for a comprehensive investigation into Ohio's six Catholic dioceses, pressing the state's Attorney General, Dave Yost, to take action. The plea comes from various organizations, including the Ohio chapters of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), Ohioans for Child Protection, and the Greater Cincinnati Voice of the Faithful. In an open letter addressed to Attorney General Yost, these advocacy groups draw attention to previous abuse investigations conducted in other states, urging him to emulate those efforts and address the growing concerns within Ohio's Catholic Church.
The impetus behind this call for a thorough investigation is the recurring allegations of clergy sexual abuse and the perceived inadequacy of past inquiries. Daniel Frondorf, a representative of SNAP's Cincinnati chapter, highlighted the revelations that emerged from abuse investigations in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Maryland. Shockingly, these reports implicated 49 priests with connections to Ohio who were accused of sexually abusing children. Frondorf argues that the existing sporadic investigations are insufficient, and a more comprehensive approach is warranted to uncover the full extent of the issue.
Frondorf emphasizes the success of recent investigations in other states and underscores the potential benefits of a more robust, overarching inquiry. He points to the fact that the insights gained from sporadic investigations thus far only scratch the surface, further underscoring the necessity of a more thorough investigation by a dedicated body. Frondorf's personal experience as a survivor of priestly abuse while in high school fuels his determination to shed light on this grave issue.
The advocates' concerns were publicly voiced during a news conference held at the Ohio Statehouse on August 16. Speakers at the conference expressed their awareness of instances where allegations of sexual abuse had not led to criminal investigations or charges being filed. These instances underscore the urgency of a comprehensive investigation to ensure that justice is served and survivors' voices are heard.
However, Attorney General Yost's office responded with a statement explaining that Ohio law currently limits his ability to investigate such matters. The office indicated that the General Assembly holds the power to amend the law, but for now, concerns raised by SNAP should be directed to local prosecutors. This response sheds light on the complexities of pursuing justice within the framework of existing legislation.
Representatives of the Catholic Conference of Ohio remained unavailable for comment regarding the advocates' letter, leaving the public and survivors waiting for an official response from the Church. Meanwhile, Rebecca Surendorff, co-chair of Ohioans for Child Protection, stresses the need for accountability within the church. She cites the recent convictions of five Ohio priests on various sexual abuse charges as evidence that the problem is ongoing and requires immediate attention. Surendorff argues that the issue at hand is not confined to the past but poses a current safety concern.
Advocates insist that a statewide investigation is essential to address the complexities of the problem comprehensively. They believe that examining cases in Ohio, coupled with insights from reports released in other states, will paint a more accurate picture of the issue's extent. The advocates are not solely seeking to address past wrongs but are also concerned with safeguarding the wellbeing of children in the present and future.
This letter to Attorney General Yost is the latest in a series of efforts by SNAP and other survivor advocacy groups to spur action in Ohio regarding the Catholic Church's handling of clergy sexual abuse cases. Claudia Vercellotti, representing SNAP's Toledo chapter, recalls a similar plea made in 2018 to then-Attorney General Mike DeWine, who is now Ohio's governor. Despite repeated calls, previous attempts to instigate investigations have yielded limited results.
Vercellotti suggests that Yost's office explore the possibility of conducting a review of the dioceses under Ohio law, which governs the operation of charitable trusts or nonprofit organizations. This approach, in coordination with local prosecutors, could potentially lead to the filing of charges when warranted. Vercellotti passionately asserts the urgency of action to protect children from sexual abuse, emphasizing the vital importance of this issue in the year 2023.
In a climate where conversations surrounding child safety and abuse are more crucial than ever, advocates continue to press for a thorough investigation into Ohio's Catholic dioceses. The call for justice and accountability resonates not only with survivors but also with the broader public, who recognize the importance of ensuring a safe environment for the most vulnerable members of society.
