Statement by Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro on Victims Compensation Fund Proposal

November 8, 2018 | Topic: Criminal

HARRISBURG – Attorney General Josh Shapiro issued a statement today as Catholic Church leaders in Pennsylvania proposed a compensation fund for victims of sexual abuse by clergy within the church.

“It’s now clear that the Dioceses acknowledge the Grand Jury accurately unearthed horrific and extensive abuse and cover up and, as a result, victims deserve compensation no matter when their abuse happened,” Attorney General Shapiro said. “However, the Grand Jury recommended that victims deserve their day in court – not that the church should be the arbiter of its own punishment. These undefined compensation funds do not give a pass to lawmakers – the Legislature should return to Harrisburg, do their jobs and pass the Grand Jury’s four reforms.”

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