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D.C. Launches Clergy Child Sex Abuse Hotline

Survivors will be able receive victim services and pursue charges if warranted.

Washington, D.C., now has its own hotline for residents to report child sex abuse by members of the clergy, U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu announced Monday. The District of Columbia U.S. attorney’s office’s Victim Witness Assistance Unit and the Superior Court Division’s Sex Offense and Domestic Violence Section have launched a hotline and an email for “survivors... who wish to share their experiences and/or those who have knowledge of such abuse.” The Clergy Abuse Reporting Line is open to those who have allegations against staff at a “house of worship, school, or other location” in the D.C. area. According to the release, all reports “will be reviewed and a team of experienced criminal investigators, prosecutors, and victim advocates” can determine if charges can be pursued or if victim services can be provided. Some reports, if warranted, will be passed along to law enforcement or the D.C. Attorney General’s office for “potential criminal investigation and prosecution, as a part of the Office’s Superior Court Division intake process.” D.C.’s Cardinal Wuerl recently resigned amid criticism of his handling of abuse during his time in Pennsylvania. On Monday, the D.C. archdiocese also released the names of 31 clergy members who have been “credibly accused” of abuse.

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