Rebecca was a sweet 14-year-old little girl in the 8th grade when she was violently raped and sexually assaulted. The sexual abuse and rape happened while she was in school at St Peter Clavers Catholic School in Baltimore. They told her that the church sexual abuse was her fault.
Life has been very challenging for our client. She had to fight internal demons her entire life just to get from one day to the next. She didn’t realize until recently that the abuse she sustained as a young girl was not her fault.
Sadly, Rebecca carried the trauma of her childhood sexual abuse throughout her life, like many other survivors. Now, 50 years later, she has hired The Yost Legal Group to file a claim on her behalf against the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
Rebecca is standing up and speaking out by writing poems about the abuse. She is extremely shy but has found her voice through her writings. Here is a poem Rebecca wanted to share.
The Catholic Church allowed the sexual abuse of thousands of children.
Rebecca’s Poem, A Survivor’s POINT OF VIEW
It was such an honor serving next to God’s right-hand man.
They taught us all we know about being a devoted Catholic.
We served as altar boys. We did folk masses and then the long-awaited confirmation.
But through it all, you taught us something else.
You said we should be honored to be selected.
At first, you touched us. You knew what to do and where to touch.
You said we know you were doing the right thing because it feels good.
We were confused. What is this you are doing? How could this be right?
But you kept coming. You kept touching and exploring.
We complained. We don’t want to do this. But you insisted that we should be honored.
God chose us. We are special. But you can’t tell anyone.
Then you wanted us to touch you. This can’t be right.
But you know best. You’re an adult. You are next to God.
What do we know? We are just kids. You are here to take care of us, right?
Then it happens. We are violated in the ultimate way.
It hurts so bad. We beg you to stop. We cry to no avail.
Then it’s over. You tell us this is our little secret.
Little do we know you’ll be back for more and more.
Why do we feel so dirty and bad? We can’t stand to look at ourselves.
We can’t concentrate. How can we face our parents? If they knew, they would disown us.
This secret is killing us, but we can’t tell. We are wrong. We are bad.
We wish we could just disappear. We’re not fit to be in this world.
Life sucks.
Now we are older. The abuse has stopped, but the pain lingers on.
We haven’t told anyone. He got away with it.
He ruined our lives. We suffered unnecessarily, and for what, your pleasure?
We trusted you. We put our lives in your hands.
You hurt us in more ways than one, and you’re not even sorry.
You teach us to atone for our sins, to confess to God.
When will you? What penance will you do for your sins? 10 Hail Mary’s?
You were wrong. You owe us compensation and restitution for our pain and suffering.
You also owe us your solemn oath that this will not happen again.
All of you let this happen, but no more.
If the Catholic Church is for real, then they will take steps to ensure our safety and not cover up wrongdoing.
As for us, pray for us that we will heal. In fact, now that the secret is out, that is the beginning of healing.
We know now. We are not dirty. We are not bad.
We were victims but are now survivors and productive members of society.
We are united. You can no longer hurt us, and we are determined that you will not hurt anyone else.
We are strong, and we are one.
—- By Rebecca W.
Let The Yost Legal Group File a child sexual abuse claim on your behalf.
The church enabled the child sexual abuse of thousands of children over the last 75 years. At The Yost Legal Group, our church sexual abuse lawyers are fighting back for all survivors to seek justice and financial compensation.
Rebecca, along with many other men and women, has hired The Yost Legal Group to file a claim against the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Our sexual assault lawyers will fight back against the injustice of the church molestation.
It is time to come forward and tell your story. Because of the bankruptcy, time is running out for you to file a claim. If you were molested at church, our caring and compassionate child sexual abuse lawyers can help you.
By telling your story, you can help prevent other children from suffering abuse.
If you were sexually abused at church, in school, or at an after-school program connected to the Archdiocese of Baltimore, call us at 1-800-967-8529.
We are here to listen to your story and fight for the justice you deserve.
Free Legal Consultation to Discuss Church Sexual Abuse Claims.
It will NOT cost you anything to discuss your case. We do not charge anything upfront. In fact, you do not need to pay us anything until after we settle your case. And if there is no settlement, there are no fees or expenses due.
The Yost Legal Group is honored to represent Rebecca and all survivors of child sexual abuse by the church.
