Statement from Romanucci & Blandin Partner Martin D. Gould regarding the May 2023 report from Illinois Attorney General detailing extensive new information on sexual abuse of children within the Catholic Church

“We are proud of our many Romanucci & Blandin clients who provided painful and compelling testimony to the Illinois Attorney General’s office as part of this important investigation. Their testimony and the testimony of countless other courageous survivors has helped shed light on the shocking scale of child sexual abuse and exploitation that has plagued so many dioceses across Illinois and have further exposed the culture of secrecy and coverups that protected perpetrators and allowed most to escape criminal prosecution and accountability. We hope the Attorney General’s report will not only lead to policy and culture change that ensures religious institutions prioritize the safety of children above all else, but also lead to an acknowledgement from these Dioceses to do the right thing and apologize to victims, accept responsibility for wrongs committed, and fairly compensate them. It’s the only way to move forward, and the victims and their families deserve that.” 

Read coverage of the report here.