A lawsuit has been filed by a 57 year-old man that has recalled sexual abuse via his priest, from when he was approximately 11 years-old, which has left him with personal injuries, as reported by The Kansas City Star.
The victim has claimed that for most of his life he had repressed the memories of sexual abuse by Rev. J.W.
J.W. died a year ago, at the age of 73.
The suit alleges that the abuse occurred in the late 1960s while J.W. had been assigned to both the St. Gabriel and St. Patrick parishes, located in Kansas City.
The suit further alleges that J.W.'s inappropriate sexual conduct with children was known by the diocese, yet they failed to do anything about it or report his conduct to the authorities.
On September 13 the diocese stated that J.W. had been removed from the ministry in June of 1994. His removal was the direct result, according to the diocese, of an allegation of sexual misconduct with a boy in the 1970s.
However, the diocese said, "The diocese received no allegation of sexual misconduct by (J.W.) prior to 1994."
The suit states that R.W. was associated with two other members of the ministry that have both been accused of sexual abuse in lawsuits: Monsignor T.O. and Rev. T.R. Both priests have since retired from the ministry.
The plaintiff is not identified in the suit.
In the suit, the plaintiff reported that the two first met at a public swimming pool. From their initial meeting the plaintiff felt that J.W. took a particular interest in him, which developed into a closer bond.
The suit further details that R.W. asked the boy to go with him on trips and outings, many times, and some of the trips were either church-sponsored or church-affiliated events.
The suit states, "During these outings, plaintiff was repeatedly molested and sexually abused." In one recalled instance, when the victim complained how hard it was to sleep on a gymnasium floor, R.W. took him to a motel room – and raped him. Following the rape, the victim remembers that R.W. prayed over him and then warned him "to tell no one of what happened since it was special."
Raised as a Catholic by his family, the plaintiff said that he had always been taught to hold the highest regard and respect for the church – and its clergy.
All of his memories of abuse returned in late 2010.
As a result of the abuse, the plaintiff claims that he has suffered in his personal relationships with other people and in the workforce. He has also suffered with depression and has had thoughts of committing suicide.
Plaintiff seeks a trial by jury, damages are unspecified.
If you have been abused by a member of the clergy, whether recalled from decades ago or more recent, contact a personal injury lawyer to file your lawsuit. A monetary award may be due for your pain and suffering.