Former Camden County Prosecutor to head panel Launches 800# to field abuse inquiries Urges that abuse allegations be reported directly to state and county officials Prosecutors asked to review sexual abuse allegations.
CAMDEN (April 11, 2002) The Diocese of Camden announced today a series of initiatives to respond to sexual abuse cases that include the creation of a special 800 number to field sexual abuse inquiries, and the formation of a panel headed by a former Camden County Prosecutor to review diocesan policies, procedures and programs related to the protection of children from sexual abuse.
The diocese has also asked local prosecutors to review sexual abuse allegations involving priests of the diocese. The diocese has asked Edward F. Borden, Jr. Esq., former prosecutor for Camden County, to head a panel to review diocesan policies, procedures and programs for dealing with prevention of abuse cases. The panel is composed of Catholic and non- Catholic judicial and law-enforcement officials, certified abuse counselors, and ministers from other faith traditions. A victim of clergy sexual abuse is also on the panel.
“The panel has not been convened to study the issue or simply to issue recommendations, but to ensure that the protection of children is a continuing priority in our parishes, schools and wherever children are in our care,” said Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Camden.’
In addition, the diocese has asked Laurence E. Rosoff, an independent attorney and former Camden municipal court judge to receive calls beginning April 22 at a toll free number (1-800-964-6588) to assist those who wish to report cases of sexual abuse by priests, religious, employees and/or volunteers. The number will inform callers of their obligation to report cases of child abuse to DYFS and law enforcement, and will provide contact information for DYFS and local prosecutors and referral numbers for counseling and support services.
“Our children are a sacred trust. They are the future of our Church and our society. The Diocese of Camden is committed to immediate, tangible steps to ensure these cases are responded to as promptly as possible and that we prevent new cases from arising,” said Bishop DiMarzio. “I am confident that these steps, in addition to the tough, comprehensive policies and preventive measures already in place, will ensure the protection of children entrusted to our care.”
In accordance with the law, the diocese has reported all credible cases of child sexual abuse to authorities when the victims were minors. These cases have been investigated and acted on by the Division of Youth and Family Services, prosecutors and/or local law enforcement. Since 1971, there have been seven such cases involving minors which have been brought to or handled by prosecutors and/or local law enforcement officials. None of these priests is in active ministry.
In 1993, the diocese updated its policies and procedures to further ensure that cases are acted on promptly and that the accused is removed from active ministry while an investigation is commenced. Its policy today is that those found to have committed sexual abuse are removed from ministry. “We know of no diocesan priest in any type of ministry who has been credibly accused of child sexual abuse,” said Bishop DiMarzio.
The diocese announced today that it has decided to submit to area prosecutors all substantiated allegations of sexual abuse, including the names of seven priests against whom substantiated claims of sexual abuse have been made by those who are no longer minors and which are past the statute of limitations. None of these priests is in active ministry.
Additionally, claims against 12 priests, some unsubstantiated and dating back 41 years, which are contained in the 1994 civil case now before the Superior Court of New Jersey in Atlantic County have been submitted. None of the priests who has been credibly accused is active in ministry.“This decision by the diocese to go beyond state reporting requirements is more than simple disclosure. It is hoped that this information, along with our longstanding willingness to assist and cooperate with prosecutors, will allow authorities to act on claims they believe may have merit, with the ultimate goal being the protection of our children,” said Bishop DiMarzio.
For this reason, the diocese urges anyone who has a complaint, new or old, to bring the case not only to the diocese, but first directly to DYFS or local law enforcement so that they may investigate.“We know that child sexual abuse is not a problem unique to the Church. In fact, most studies suggest that the problem is less prevalent in the Church than in the rest of society. Yet, we must also acknowledge that more is expected of the Church which, as a moral agent, is in a unique position to do the right thing and lead by example. The diocese believes sexual abuse of minors is a grave wrong and can never be tolerated. It is also a crime and must be reported, investigated and responded to so that victims are protected and the accused are removed from active ministry,” said Bishop DiMarzio.