Over the past several years, information about rampant sexual abuse of minors by clergy in the Catholic Church has slowly begun to come to light. In August of this year, the Illinois Attorney General, Lisa Madigan, opened an investigation into this abuse following the release of a Pennsylvania grand jury report that identified at least seven priests with connections to Illinois.
The Illinois Attorney General’s Office has reviewed Church files from the dioceses within the state — including complaints of abuse, and policies and procedures for receiving and investigating allegations of abuse, including the Archdiocese of Chicago, Diocese of Peoria, Diocese of Rockford, and Diocese of Bellbellie. Since then, each diocese has disclosed additional names of Catholic clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse against minors.
Madigan recently issued a statement regarding the state’s ongoing investigation into this issue, noting that her “initial review has found the number of Catholic clergy in Illinois with credible allegations of sexual abuse against minors is more extensive than the Church previously has disclosed to the public.”
Passen & Powell is proud to represent survivors of sexual abuse, and strives to hold accountable those responsible — not just the perpetrators, but also those who encourage or enable the abuse. For a free confidential consultation with one of our top-rated attorneys, call us at 312-527-4500.