An advocate for abuse survivors is urging victims to think twice before notifying Guam's Catholic Church of abuse.
Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica in Guam Photo: 123rf
The Church has issued a statement encouraging people with knowledge of sexual abuse by clergy members to contact its abuse response co-ordinator.
This is after the passing of a bill lifting the statute of limitations for lawsuits against child sex abusers and private institutions that may have protected them.
Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests spokesperson, Joelle Casteix, said the law would give victims accountability.
But she said they should be wary of the church as it won't want abuse exposed.
"Anytime anyone is abused do not call the Church, call law enforcement, because the Church will always try to protect themselves. Call the police, call a support group such as SNAP, call a lawyer. Don't rely on the Church to do the right thing because they haven't."
Joelle Casteix also said the Church would throw a lot of money into fighting abuse cases.