Clergy Sex Abuse Articles

6.17.19 SFNM – 340 People file claims against Archdiocese of Santa Fe

“Many, many more children were abused than ever came forward. This may provoke reflection or realization that what happened to them did impact their life in a negative way. It may cause others to come forward, if not with claims, but dealing consciously and openly, because that’s the only way you can deal with these things. Like anything else, the more you talk about stuff that is hidden or suppressed, the healthier it gets.” ~ Merit Bennett

“This was an interstate conspiracy that each one of these dioceses willingly joined to harbor a known pedophile,” said Merit Bennett.

“This is the worst of the worst,” he said. “They allowed him to roam free — church to church, diocese to diocese, children to children. Not one of them picked up the phone and dialed 911, including Denver.” ~ Merit Bennett

TELEGRAM & GAZETTE – By Bronislaus B. Kush, Telegram & Gazette Staff

“There are just so many people out there who have been abused by these sick priests,” Mr. Bennett said. “It’s amazing that nobody had reported what had been going on for years.”

“The damage done to him is very insidious,” Bennett said of his client. “He is in therapy and has been for the last couple of years.”Since the early 1990s, Bennett said, he had handled 100 to 150 cases in which people alleged molestation by priests or other adults while they were children. Each one was settled before going to trial, but the victims were scarred for life, he said.”I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who’s recovered from it,” Bennett said.

ALAMOGORDO DAILY – By Milan Simonich

“It’s a huge tragedy.” ~ Merit Bennett”I know of no other behavior that causes more damage than childhood sexual abuse. It’s probably the worst thing that could happen to a child.” ~ Merit Bennett

“The stories of abuse were unbelievably shocking.” ~ Merit Bennett

PALM BEACH POST – By Dan Moffett

“The rural nature of New Mexico played a part in making the problem worse here. Priests have more power than any other authority in these rural places. There is a reluctance to question or report any weird behavior.” ~ Merit Bennett

Lawsuits Filed Against Priests

By Wheeler Cowperthwaite SUN Staff Writer | Sep 25, 2017

Ex-priest accused of raping boy to be confined at home

By Rebecca Moss | Feb 15, 2019

Bennett agreed that the movie could bring up painful memories, but he said it also could help many victims. He said he has anecdotal evidence that “many, many more children were abused than ever came forward,” and they are nonetheless feeling shame and guilt and are trying to suppress the memories. “This may provoke reflection or realization that what happened to them did impact their life in a negative way. It may cause others to come forward, if not with claims, but dealing consciously and openly, because that’s the only way you can deal with these things. Like anything else, the more you talk about stuff that is hidden or suppressed, the healthier it gets,” he said.

Going to the depths of your being “is sometimes positive and sometimes tragic. But at least they get to take the journey — if they get help,” Bennett added.