News & Events

Apr 07, 2020: Vatican Reception of Cardinal Pell’s Overturned Child Rape Conviction Highlights Continuing Dedication to Self-Preservation

Australia’s highest court has overturned the criminal child sexual abuse conviction of Cardinal George Pell, the highest ranking Catholic official ever to be found guilty of child sexual abuse. Even though Cardinal Pell may have escaped criminal and legal accountability through the civil courts, Pope Francis and the Vatican should immediately conduct a thorough investigation of Pell, leaving no stone unturned. The full history of Cardinal Pell needs to be revealed and the information and investigation into Pell should be made public for full transparency and accountability.

Feb 28, 2020: Diocese of Buffalo Files Chapter 11 Bankruptcy: A Message to Abuse Survivors from Attorney Stacey Benson

I’m Stacey Benson. I’m an attorney with Jeff Anderson & Associates. Together, with the law offices of Steve Boyd we represent hundreds of survivors of sexual abuse in Western New York. Today the Diocese of Buffalo filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization. We are very disappointed in this announcement today, not only does it prevent the excavation of important information that‘s been held secret for decades, it keeps survivors of sexual abuse from having their day in court. This legal tactic is an attempt by the diocese to hide important information that survivors have been trying to obtain for decades – this information includes what the diocese knew and when they knew it.

Feb 21, 2020: What Does Boy Scouts of America Filing Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Mean for Survivors? Attorney Josh Peck Explains

I’m Josh Peck. I’m an attorney with Jeff Anderson & Associates. On February 18, 2020, the Boy Scouts of America filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. What that means for survivors is that any litigation, any lawsuits that are being handled in state courts get automatically moved over to the bankruptcy court. It does not mean that you cannot bring a claim. It does not mean that you can’t work with us to hold the Boy Scouts accountable and expose the information they kept secret for decades.

Oct 31, 2019: “In Bad Faith” Fault Lines; Puts the Pressure on Cardinal Dolan and NY Abuser Msgr. John Paddack; Honors Survivors’ Stories

On October 23, Aljazeera English released “In Bad Faith: Child Sex Abuse and the Catholic Church” (posted below). Part of their Fault Lines series, it is an unflinching investigation into survivors and perpetrators of Catholic clergy sex abuse in the Archdiocese of New York. This is an important piece of journalism for the child protection movement, told with the compassion, the scrutiny, and the urgency the Catholic clergy sexual abuse crisis requires.

Aug 09, 2019: New York Child Victims Act Window Opens Wednesday For Child Sexual Abuse Survivors

Child sexual abuse survivors in New York will have a new chance at justice and healing beginning Wednesday, August 14, when New York’s one-year window for survivors to take legal action against their perpetrators and the institutions that protected them takes effect. “This is a new day for survivors and a real chance at healing,” said attorney Jeff Anderson of Jeff Anderson & Associates, who represents hundreds of survivors who were sexually abused as children in New York. “These courageous survivors are holding perpetrators and powerful institutions accountable. They’re taking back power that was stolen from them as children.”

Aug 01, 2019: Track Coach’s Decades of Abuse Ended by Courageous Survivors’ Voices

As the news continues to unfold about serial sexual abuser Conrad Avondale Mainwaring, the former Olympian and track coach accused of sexually abusing dozens of boys and young athletes at locations across the United States, we are again seeing the stark reality of how dangerous one unchecked predator can be. However, we are also reminded of the power survivors’ voices can have in protecting children.