Boston Archdiocese outlines offer in new round of abuse settlements

Published: 2006-01-06

BOSTON (CNS) -- A new offer from the Boston Archdiocese would compensate victims abused by archdiocesan clergy from $5,000 to $200,000 each, based on an independent arbitrator's finding on the severity of the abuse they suffered, said a Dec. 30 archdiocesan statement. The arbitration process would be similar to the one employed in the 2003 settlement with more than 550 clergy abuse victims. The award is expected to average $75,000 per victim. Claims would be "arbitrated before a neutral arbitrator, without anyone other than the claimant or his or her representatives present," the statement said. Around 200 alleged victims have been assigned to one of three groups, based on available information, for purposes of the settlement program. Victims' attorneys called the offer "demeaning" and "offensive" because the average amount awarded to each alleged victim would be significantly less than the $155,000 median payment awarded in the 2003 settlement. Thomas Hannigan Jr., an attorney for the archdiocese, said the offer of the arbitration program is not meant to "demean or re-victimize survivors of sexual abuse" but to resolve the allegations of abuse in a way that is "just and appropriate."

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