Wisconsin DOJ Receives Over 100 Reports of Clergy Abuse

Wednesday, July 14th, 2021 -- 9:01 AM

(WBAY) The Wisconsin Department of Justice says it has received more than 100 reports of abuse by clergy and faith leaders since opening a statewide inquiry in April.

The reports involve clergy and faith leaders from multiple organizations. Some reports have claims against multiple abusers. The reports have concerned clergy and faith leaders of multiple religious organizations as well as some reports of abuse not related to any religious organization.

Some reports include claims against multiple abusers. The inquiry is led by the DOJ with support from district attorneys, survivor groups, and crime victim services.

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul said he is not shocked by the number of reports already received, but he is saddened by them. Kaul said the reports are coming in from all over the state, some for the first time with survivors talking for hours.

Survivors, friends and family are encouraged to report abuse at https://supportsurvivors.widoj.gov/ or by calling 1-877-222-2620. All reports are confidential. The DOJ says some survivors have spoken at length about abuse with a DOJ victim services professional.

Survivors can choose how much information they want to share. Each report will be reviewed by a team of law enforcement, victim services and prosecutors. The DOJ will reach out to victims for consent should a case be referred to a district attorney for prosecution.

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