Former Catholic school student awarded millions in sexual abuse case against principal
Former Catholic school student awarded millions in sexual abuse case against principal 13WHAM-TV
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Brighton, N.Y. (WHAM) — Former Siena Catholic Academy Student Awarded $5.4 Million Verdict for Sexual Abuse
A former student of Siena Catholic Academy has been awarded a $5.4 million verdict in a case of alleged sexual abuse. The plaintiff, referred to as “LG 55 Doe,” testified that he was sexually abused by Father Joseph Grasso, the school’s former principal, for over a year starting in 2002 when he was 12 years old. Grasso served as the school administrator at the now-closed academy from 1998 to 2004.
Statute of Limitations Extended for Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse
In 2019, the New York Child Victims Act extended the statute of limitations for survivors of child sexual abuse to take their cases to court. This extension allowed survivors like “LG 55 Doe” to come forward and seek justice.
Abuse Allegations and Legal Proceedings
“LG 55 Doe” alleges that Father Grasso groomed him and then sexually assaulted him multiple times. The abuse took place in the sacristy of the adjacent St. Thomas More Church. According to court documents, Father Grasso threatened the victim with damnation if he disclosed the abuse.
The defense presented an email from a former altar boy at St. Thomas More, who expressed disbelief in Father Grasso’s capacity for abuse. The altar boy stated that he believed Father Grasso avoided being alone with students. In another email, Father Grasso maintained his innocence and expressed shock at the accusations.
The victim, now in his 30s, testified that he sought an apology from Father Grasso throughout the legal process, but the defendant refused to apologize. The sexual assaults had a devastating impact on the victim’s life, leading him to even attempt suicide.
Verdict and Message
Jurors have awarded “LG 55 Doe” $5,450,000 for medical expenses, lost wages, and damages. Attorney Amy Keller hopes that this verdict sends a clear message that those who sexually assault children will be held accountable in a significant way. She emphasizes the importance of supporting survivors and ensuring justice is served.
Response from Defense and Diocese of Rochester
Defense attorneys did not provide any comments in response to requests for comment. Additionally, the Diocese of Rochester, which operated Siena Catholic Academy until its closure in 2020, has not yet responded to inquiries.
Father Grasso currently serves as a chaplain at the VA Hospital in Albany.
Additional Reading
- Former Rochester priest ordered to pay $95 million to sexual abuse victim
- New proposal could offer financial help for school districts dealing with Child Victims Act lawsuits
- Former gymnastics coach in Brighton sued under Child Victims Act
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The article discusses a case of sexual abuse, which is a violation of human rights and directly relates to SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. It also relates to SDG 16, which focuses on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres.
- Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
The article highlights the sexual abuse experienced by a former student, who was a minor at the time of the abuse. This aligns with Target 5.2 of SDG 5, which aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls, including sexual abuse. Additionally, it aligns with Target 16.2 of SDG 16, which aims to end all forms of violence against children.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for Target 5.2: Number of reported cases of violence and abuse against women and girls.
- Indicator for Target 16.2: Number of reported cases of violence and abuse against children.
The article mentions the case of sexual abuse and the verdict awarded to the survivor. This indicates that there was a reported case of violence and abuse against a minor, which can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards Target 5.2 of SDG 5 and Target 16.2 of SDG 16.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres. | Number of reported cases of violence and abuse against women and girls. |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children. | Number of reported cases of violence and abuse against children. |
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Source: 13wham.com
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