Sisters speak out about abuse by a PA priest

 

 

 

What to look for on Smart Talk Monday, September 17, 2018:

Of all the stories to come out of the Grand Jury report on sexual misconduct by those associated with the Catholic Church in Pennsylvania last month, the one that got the most attention was that of five sisters from one family who were sexually assaulted, abused and molested by a priest in Dauphin County.  The Grand Jury found that 300 priests and others associated with the Church had abused more than a thousand children over a 70-year period.

The Fortneys were devout Catholics who welcomed Rev. Augustine Giella into their home on numerous occasions. The Fortney sisters’ parents were completely unaware that Giella was assaulting their daughters — sometimes even when they were in the room. The girls didn’t tell anyone about the abuse until they were a little older.

The abuse began when one sister was only18-months-old. The others were five, 10 and 13 years old.  

Giella eventually was arrested for sexual misconduct involving another girl but died before he went to trial.

The Fortneys are speaking out and appear on Monday’s Smart Talk.  Also, joining us is Pennsylvania Victim Advocate Jennifer Storm, 1-888-538-8541.