In light of recent reports of sexual abuse by Catholic priests in Pennsylvania and other persons in positions of authority, the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office is taking new steps to make sure abuse cases get reported.
Doug Peterson says his office will now start receiving reports directly from the Child Abuse Hotline. "We have asked Health and Human Services, who manages that service, to direct the clergy cases to our attention and to local law enforcement."
Peterson says a member of his staff with years of experience investigating sexual abuse cases will take a fresh look at each and every report, no matter how long ago it happened. Peterson says anyone who's been sexually abused, particularly by clergy, coaches, or other persons of authority, will have their case examined, even if authorities declined to prosecute before.
If you have been a victim of sexual abuse by a clergy member or other adults in positions of authority you can call:
Nebraska Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-652-1999
Nebraska Crime Stoppers Tip Line: 1-800-422-1494 or leave a tip online
Also, if you are not a victim but have reason to believe abuse of a child has occurred, or a child is at risk, you are required by law to report it to the appropriate authorities. State law requires any person who suspects a child has been physically or sexually abused or neglected to report it promptly to one of the numbers provided above or to a law enforcement agency.