In 1968 at the age of 19, while in studies for priesthood, I was abused by the priest who was my superior, the individual with the most input in evaluating my suitability to continue. He was well respected in the seminary community; I had Read more
Category: Survivor Story
Lifting Up Survivors’ Voices on All Survivors’ Day
This Saturday, November 7, is All Survivors’ Day, a day to recognize survivors of sexual abuse, bring their stories into the light, raise awareness of the widespread nature of the issue, and organize for change in the culture that allows sexual abuse to continue. Awake Milwaukee is proud to join the group of international organizations Read more
Survivor Story: After My Experience with David Haas, I Can’t Sing His Music
Margaret Hillman was 12 years old when she joined the choir at her parish in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. Within a few years, she began serving as a cantor, leading the congregation during Mass. And liturgical music became a family affair; Hillman’s mother soon joined the choir Read more
Survivor Story: Our Entire Family Has Been Affected
When a person is sexually abused, the trauma of the experience can deeply affect the victim’s family and friends. In fact, organizations such as the As One…… Read more “Survivor Story: Our Entire Family Has Been Affected”
Survivor Story: Six Things I Wish Catholics Knew About the Abuse Crisis
Today we revisit the important insights shared by Patricia Gallagher Marchant in one of our very first Survivor Stories, originally published on March 10, 2020. Patricia Gallagher…… Read more “Survivor Story: Six Things I Wish Catholics Knew About the Abuse Crisis”
Survivor Story: Even If You’re Not Hearing Survivors’ Voices, It Doesn’t Mean We’re Not Here.
In a recent post we discussed Awake’s commitment to acknowledging the abuse of adults in the Catholic Church. The post included insights from “Anne,” a victim-survivor of adult abuse in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Today we tell more of Anne’s story. Read more
Survivor Story: My Husband Kept His Abuse Secret for 33 Years of Our Marriage
Ken gave the basics of a story he had never before shared: In 1958, at age 12, he became an altar boy at a Catholic parish on Milwaukee’s South Side, where a much-loved priest was famous for his brief Saturday evening Masses. Read more
Survivor Story: How I Believe The Church Can Help Survivors Heal
As a teenager in the late 1960s, Jan Ruidl was abused by the priest who led the youth group at her home parish in Springfield, Massachusetts. Years later, she reported the abuse to the Diocese of Springfield and ultimately met with Springfield Bishop Timothy McDonnell, whom Read more
Survivor Story: A Letter to My Mom
I remember the first time you and Dad told me about your abuse. I told you that I already knew. I don’t know how I knew, other than it was just a child’s intuition. Your story of abuse by Read more
Survivor Story: Six Things I Wish Catholics Knew About the Abuse Crisis
Patricia Gallagher Marchant, MSW, LCSW, is a psychotherapist in private practice in downtown Milwaukee who has worked for almost 35 years with individuals and couples on issues including anxiety and depression, marital problems, grief, and sexual abuse recovery. Read more
