AUSTIN, Texas — Six women are suing the Catholic Diocese of Austin, claiming sexual abuse by a priest in the church.
- Six women are suing the Catholic Diocese of Austin
- Claim a priest made unwanted sexual advances
- Lawsuit says when the women complained, the diocese failed to act
According to the lawsuit, these six women complained to the diocese, but the women claim the diocese failed to act. The women believe this is an instance of institutional failure and are seeking change for themselves and other survivors who may still be out there.
The women, who aren’t identified in the lawsuit because they are victims, all belong to the same Catholic Church in Austin. They name one priest and describe his alleged predatory behavior. The suit says he regularly made “unwanted and uninvited kissing and touching,” “isolated and held women against their will,” and “offered sexual propositions, comments and advances.”
According to the lawsuit, the confessional was this bishop’s common place of abuse, and he purposefully targeted women who were alone and vulnerable.
In the suit the women claim the dioceses swept it under the rug and told some of the women to stay quiet or they would face legal action.
The suit goes on to say the diocese moved the bishop around to other parishes. The lawsuit claims that started the abusive process over again.
The person in question has been named in the lawsuit, but we are choosing not name him because he has not been charged.
Below is a statement from the Catholic Diocese of Austin which reads, in part:
The Diocese of Austin was made aware this afternoon that a lawsuit was filed today in which unnamed plaintiffs make allegations against [names redacted] and the Diocese of Austin. The Diocese of Austin is currently reviewing a copy of the lawsuit.
It is difficult for the diocese to respond to the allegations because of the lack of specificity in the lawsuit. A response at this time would require the diocese to make assumptions about the allegations and the unnamed plaintiffs. Out of respect for all those involved, the diocese will respond to the allegations in its answer to the court after it is formally served with the lawsuit and had a reasonable time to investigate the claims.