Attorney General Josh Kaul [Photo: Twitter]
A study shows that there have been 180 reports of abuse by leaders from multiple religious organizations and faith traditions in Wisconsin.
Attorney General Josh Kaul released the data Six months after launching a statewide initiative to review reports of abuse committed by clergy and faith leaders in Wisconsin.
“Thank you to the courageous people who have come forward to provide information about clergy and faith leader abuse,” said Kaul in a statement.
“This review seeks to help bring healing to survivors and to help stop future harm, and we continue to encourage survivors and others with information to report.”
With reports of abuse accounting for about 80 percent of the cases so far, the remaining reports detail how a religious institution responded to reports of abuse.
Those who filed reports ranged in age from 18 years to 75 years old.
According to Kaul, some reports include claims against multiple abusers.
The agency noted that alleged instances of abuse were reported from every Roman Catholic diocese in Wisconsin.
About 40 percent of the individuals who have reported to the clergy hotline have not reported to a law enforcement agency or a religious entity before.
Kaul however says so far, he’s happy with what has been accomplished.
“It’s really encouraging to see that so many people regard our reporting system as one that provides a safe and trusted place to report,” he said. “I’m very positive about how things are going.”
A newsmaker, reporter and anchor at Pearl Radio, Ndalilah Sharon is witty and savvy.
She is also a firm believer of Christ.