Murphy Battista LLP has filed a proposed class action against the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver alleging systemic sexual, physical and psychological abuse of parishioners by individuals who, at all material times, were employees, agents or servants of the Archdiocese – including cardinals, bishops, archbishops, priests, deacons and lay ministers (“Clergy”). The claim covers abuse that took place in parishes as well as parish schools.

Who does it affect?

The plaintiff brings this action on behalf of a proposed class of persons who attended parishes in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver and who were subjected to sexual, physical, or psychological abuse by Clergy. The claim includes present-day abuse and historical abuse dating back to at least the 1950s.

Content of the claim

The claim alleges that the Archdiocese was systemically negligent and in breach of the fiduciary duty it owed to class members by failing to have in place management and operations procedures that would reasonably have protected class members from sexual, physical and psychological abuse by Clergy. The claim also alleges that the Archdiocese is vicariously liable for the abuse perpetrated by Clergy.

The Archdiocese was aware of the abuse and allowed the abuse to continue by failing to reasonably address allegations of abuse by Clergy. The Archdiocese was complicit in silencing survivors and failed to warn class members of the risk of abuse. The Archdiocese also silenced Clergy, who faced strict penalties – including excommunication – for publicly revealing details of allegations of sexual abuse by priests.

As a consequence of the Archdiocese’s acts and omissions – and the acts and omissions of Clergy – class members suffered sexual, physical, emotional, and psychological harm.

Intent of the claim

The class action provides access to justice for survivors and avoids the need for survivors to publicly litigate their claims as individual cases. In this sense, the action gives a collective voice to survivors while maintaining a safe environment to share their experiences. The goal of the class action is to obtain monetary compensation for survivors and, hopefully, non-monetary benefits including counselling.

What to do next

Learn more about the class action and how to participate here: Archdiocese Abuse Class Action.

For additional information about this class action you can:

Email [email protected]

or

Call Murphy Battista’s Vancouver office at (604) 683-9621 or Toll Free at 1-888-683-9621, and ask to speak to a member of the legal team handling the Archdiocese Class Action. Our Reception will transfer your call to someone who can help you.

Please be assured that when you contact us ALL INFORMATION WILL BE TREATED AS PRIVATE.