Tips THEY Don't Tell

Christ the Wall Hermitage

NEVER GO ALONE WHEN MAKING A STATEMENT

MAKING A STATEMENT WITH STATE POLICE:

1. Find an advocate or a mentor you can trust. I recommend Advocate Mary T. Jean of Leominster Massachusetts (978) 466-6823.

2. Never go alone! There is no law forbidding accompaniment.

3. If they present pre-designed questions already typed, DO NOT allow them to gather information by way of typing through a form of electronic media (ie., computer, etc., they can change that data if your "answers" are in an electronic format.)

4.Provide a written statement in regards to your alleged abuse.

5. Ask to have the interview digitally recorded.

6. Remember you are entitled to a copy of your statement after the investigative period is closed.

7. Under MGL (Massachusetts General Laws) Chapter 266 Section 10, if your name is on any governmental documents, you have a right to request copies of them under the Public Records Act.

8. If you were sexually abused you are the principal participant, you can request a copy immediately following making a statement.

9. Report it if you feel outnumbered, intimidated or coerced by the person(s) receiving the statement inquiry.

10. Have them come to you in your surroundings where you are comfortable. There is no law that says you have to report to their places of business.

11. Don't allow them to steer the conversation, STAY FOCUSED ON THE FACTS.

12. GO IN WITH AN ADVOCATE, I cannot stress this enough!

13. Remember your statement of allegation regarding a specific incident must be approved by the District Attorney or the prosecutorial authority in order to determine if action will be taken. The interviewer does not have the authority to have the case move forward.

14. Be careful of possible collusion where Church authorities can influence law enforcement agencies. (Not playing on level playing field.)

15. A Fresh Complaint Witness is the first person you disclosed the alleged sexual abuse to (usually within 24 hours of the crime, not in all cases). Legally this person can testify in court as supporting evidence for your case.

HERE IS WHAT CAN HAPPEN WHEN ONE IS NOT AWARE OF THESE TIPS. CLICK Burnor/ Abbey Case Complaints tab above:

Mary T. Jean

MAKING A STATEMENT TO HEALING AND PREVENTION OFFICE/DIOCESAN OR CHURCH OFFICE:

1. Find an advocate or a mentor you can trust. I recommend Advocate Mary T. Jean of Leominster Massachusetts (978) 466-6823. For more information go to her website on her link above:

2. Never go alone! There is nothing in the 2002 Dallas Norms forbidding you to have an advocate of your choice to accompany you.

3. If you are going to provide a statement, have it prepared and signed beforehand and submit it by way of US certified mail.

4. If contacted for an interview never allow yourself to be in a situation where you are outnumbered, intimidated or coerced. Ask ahead of time what services they have to offer and request in writing what services they plan on offering you.

5. In the interview DISCUSS POSSIBILITIES FOR SERVICES AND NEVER DISCLOSE INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR ABUSER IF YOU HAVE A CRIMINAL CASE PENDING!!!

6. You may request to have the interview digitally recorded.

7. Be cautious of being brought into any meetings on false terms. (ie., call to get housing services then find you are being questioned about the alleged abuser.)

8. Have them come to you in your surroundings or a public place where you are comfortable. There is nothing in the 2002 Dallas Norms forbidding you from meeting outside of their designated places of business.

9. Don't allow them to steer the conversation, STAY FOCUSED ON WHAT THEY ARE PROVIDING YOU FOR SERVICES.

10. GO IN WITH AN ADVOCATE, I cannot stress this enough!

11. Remember you are presenting your statement for a third party to present it to a closed meeting which will be discussed by the Sexual Abuse (or Pastoral Care) Committee. They make an assessment of your case. Be sure you want to subject yourself to this before submitting your statement.

12. NEVER SIGN A BLANK PAGE (which is usually attached to the end of a document.) Since you are submitting your own signed statement there is no reason for you to be signing anything. If for any reason they present a document for signing, ask to take the document with you for review and make sure if signing to make sure the signature is part of the body of the text and not a separate page. AS A RULE DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING!

13. No matter how holy one is perceived, KEEP IN MIND THEY DON'T WORK FOR YOU, THEY WORK FOR THE DIOCESE. THEY HAVE A JOB TO DO AND THEIR LOYALTIES ALWAYS LIE WITH THEIR EMPLOYER.

HERE IS WHAT CAN HAPPEN WHEN ONE IS NOT AWARE OF THESE TIPS. CLICK Burnor/ Abbey Case Complaints tab above:

SAMPLE

SIGN EVERY PAGE THIS WAY SO AS TO PREVENT ALTERING OF STATEMENT

"Transforming Victims into Victors"