Sex Abuse Victims In Wilmington Vote For Diocesan Bankruptcy Plan
WILMINGTON, Del. (CBS) - Victims of sexual abuse in the Diocese of Wilmington voted for the Diocesan bankruptcy plan, bringing years of legal arguments one step closer to ending. Eyewitness News has learned 150 abuse victims voted for the plan.
The Diocese filed bankruptcy in October of 2009, the night before a series of civil abuse trials were set to begin. Since then, abuse victims have waited for some sort of outcome, and they say this is a step in the right direction.
At Holy Rosary Parish in the Diocese of Wilmington, Mary Dougherty says the sexual abuse she suffered at the hands of a priest began when she was 13 years old.
"It doesn't become an everyday thing, but you don't ever forget what they did to you," says Dougherty.
She says the emotional scars linger to this day. Dougherty is one of about 150 abuse victims who voted for a Diocesan bankruptcy plan, bringing years of legal wrangling one step closer to ending.
"We are all fighting for this to never happen again," says Dougherty, "ever."
Watch the video...
Eyewitness News has learned nearly 2,000 Diocesan lay employees also voted for the plan. Under the agreement, abuse victims will split about $77 million, and the Diocese will release secret documents about priest sex abuse accusations. But appeals could delay the two year process even more.
"We're not there yet," says Steve Neuberger, an attorney for 99 of the abuse victims. "We don't believe that we're there until we have legal documents and the checks are cashed."
The Diocese of Wilmington declined to comment on the bankruptcy plan. The plan now goes to a judge for approval.
"This isn't a game of winning or losing," says John Vai, a survivor who has already been to court for the abuse he suffered. "It's all about accountability and responsibility."
Votes on the bankruptcy plan will be officially tallied by next Wednesday. The confirmation hearing before the judge is scheduled for next Friday.
