Archetypes of San-Francisco: 395 million euros in damages awarded for child abuse

• The San Francisco Archdiocese was ordered to pay $395 million in damages for failing to report allegations of abuse
• The court found that the church concealed information about the abuse and, as a result, prevented victims from seeking justice
• The verdict also requires the archdiocese to pay $530 million, while the remaining amount is still being appealed

The San Francisco Archdiocese was ordered to pay $395 million in damages for failing to report allegations of abuse involving more than 500 victims, according to the court’s ruling. The plaintiffs claimed that the church concealed the abuse and transferred priests to other parishes.

In addition, the judge found that the archdiocese had failed to act despite repeated warnings and that it had effectively enabled the abuse to continue.

The court also ordered the archdiocese to pay an additional $530 million, which was reduced to $745 million due to the statute of limitations. The archdiocese said it would appeal the decision.

Advocate Jeffrey Anderson, who represents the plaintiffs, said that the ruling confirms that the church prioritized protecting its own interests over protecting children. “Today’s decision sends a message that the church cannot hide behind bureaucracy when children are harmed,” he said.

According to NBC Bay Area, the archdiocese had previously argued that it could not be held responsible because the alleged abuse occurred decades ago and the statute of limitations had expired. The judge rejected this argument.

In a separate statement, the archdiocese said it would appeal the verdict and continue to fight the decision.

According to the court, the church’s actions caused harm to victims and prevented them from receiving justice for years.

In total, the judge ordered damages of $745 million, and the archdiocese must pay the amount while appeals are ongoing.

Tags: Crime/Well-being/USA