Baltimore, Md., Nov 12, 2018 / 13:26 pm
Two victims of clerical sexual abuse addressed members of the US bishops' conference Monday and shared how the bishops' action, or inaction, on the abuse crisis has shaped their lives.
Teresa Pitt Green, who identified herself a survivor of childhood sexual abuse by multiple priests, spoke first. She detailed how the abuse she suffered led her to leave the Church, but she has since returned as she believes steps have been taken better to ensure child safety.
"My story is only one story, and my healing is only one healing," she said Nov. 12. She considers herself to be one of the "lucky ones," as her family stood by her after she revealed her abuse. Despite this, she said her family was "bruised" by her abuse and suffered deeply as a result.
Abuse victims are portrayed as the "damaged goods of our age," and often suffer from drug addictions, problems with relationships, and other mental health issues, she said.