Monahan Law Practice, P.C.

Fighting for justice on behalf of crime victims throughout Pennsylvania

My goal is to assist individuals who suffer horrific harms and losses as a result of tragic accidents and to join them in the road to recovery through the legal process.

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Clergy Abuse Survivor and Client Phil DiWilliams Interviewed by Philadelphia Inquirer

September 21, 2015 By Dan

Survivors of clergy sexual abuse face many challenges so it takes a particular amount of courage to speak out, but client Phil DiWilliams is one such brave survivor who could tell his story.  This article appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer this week in anticipation of Pope Francis’ papal visit to Philadelphia.

A conflict for abuse victims

Julia Terruso and Jeremy Roebuck, INQUIRER STAFF WRITERS

Last updated: Thursday, September 17, 2015, 11:38 PM

Philip DiWilliams had mostly kept to himself what happened in a Roman Catholic High School counselor’s office in 1969. Years later, when he decided to seek therapy, he told his wife, but did not want to upset his children.

Now, as Philadelphia prepares to welcome Pope Francis with all the celebration a papal visit garners, DiWilliams has decided to share his story.

“I don’t understand why the mind works like it does. Why I can sit here years later and tell myself, ‘It wasn’t my fault,’ but it still bothers you,” says DiWilliams, 59, of Roxborough. “I think because you picture yourself then, a little kid, and it makes you angry still.”

For the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, slapped with scathing grand jury reports on clergy sex abuse in 2005 and 2011, followed by the unprecedented suspension of 30 parish priests, the papal visit is not only a celebration, it is in some ways a rebranding opportunity.

But for DiWilliams and others molested by priests, the popular pope’s arrival is difficult to celebrate without remembering the abuse suffered and the courtroom battles fought.

Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/news/pope/20150917_A_conflict_for_abuse_victims.html#oZXgZDdB0vooUYPj.99

Download a PDF of this article here.

Filed Under: News, News and Current Events, Sexual Assault and Abuse Claims

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Our Mission

Whether it is helping victims of tragic accidents with serious physical and psychological injuries or survivors of childhood sexual abuse, it is our mission to insure that these survivors obtain the help and services they need on the road to recovery, protect them from further harm and to join in the journey through the legal process to compensate them for their harms and losses.

All communications are strictly confidential and anonymous if requested.
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The Monahan Law Practice
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