Priest Abuse In Wisconsin

Wisconsin Clergy Abuse Lawsuits

Multiple priest abuse survivors in Wisconsin are exploring their legal options. Many survivors have filed lawsuits against their abusers. Some have also filed lawsuits against dioceses and religious orders that enabled abusive priests through negligence.

Archdiocese Of Milwaukee Bankruptcy

In 2011, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee filed for bankruptcy. The archdiocese had previously released the names of credibly accused priests and clergy members. They received more than 570 claims of sexual abuse in response. The sheer volume of lawsuits led to the archdiocese’s bankruptcy filing.

Since 2004, at least 28 Catholic dioceses nationwide have filed for bankruptcy. Collectively these dioceses have paid nearly $900 million in settlements to survivors.

Child Sex Abuse Statutes Of Limitations In Wisconsin

In most states, survivors of child sex abuse have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit against their abuser. This legal deadline is called a statute of limitations.

Civil Statute For Child Sex Abuse In Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, survivors of child sex abuse can file a civil claim against all defendants until they turn 35 years old.

Wisconsin also has a five-year discovery rule that is “applicable only to cases of incest.”

Criminal Statute For Child Sex Abuse In Wisconsin

Wisconsin has no criminal statute of limitations for “first degree sexual assault, attempted first degree sexual assault and engaging in repeated acts of sexual assault.” This includes cases of child sexual abuse.

For all other sexual offenses, a survivor can pursue criminal charges until the age of 45.

List Of Priests Accused In Wisconsin

The following list includes Wisconsin priests accused of abuse. Other clergy members and members of certain Catholic orders may also be included.

Diocesan volunteers and administrative staff facing similar accusations are not on this list. If you were abused by these individuals, you may still be able to file a lawsuit against the responsible diocese.

If you were abused by a clergy member in Wisconsin, you may have multiple legal options to explore.

History Of Wisconsin Clergy Abuse

In recent years, the priest abuse scandal has taken center stage in Wisconsin. Allegations of abuse within the Wisconsin Catholic dioceses date as far back as 1965. However, it was not until 2021 that a statewide investigation began.

2021 | Department Of Justice Launches Priest Abuse Investigation

On April 27, 2021, the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the beginning of a statewide investigation into priest abuse allegations. The investigation targeted historical cases in the following Wisconsin dioceses:

• The Dioceses of Green Bay 
• The Diocese of La Crosse
• The Diocese of Madison
• The Diocese of Superior
• The Archdiocese of Milwaukee

The Norbertines, a Catholic religious order at St. Norbert Abbey in De Pere, was also included in the investigation.

The state’s DOJ opened an online reporting system as part of the investigation. As of February 2022, survivors can still confidentially report names to the DOJ. This information will be reviewed as part of the investigation.

As of November 2021, the investigation had received approximately 180 reports of priest abuse, as well as allegations of cover-ups by church leaders. Two open cases were forwarded to the Brown County District Attorney for further investigation.

Although the targeted dioceses and Catholic orders initially acknowledged the investigation, they have since responded with reluctance and hostility. The Archdiocese of Milwaukee refused to cooperate with the state’s DOJ, calling the investigation “anti-Catholic bigotry.” According to Kaul, this will likely prolong the investigation.

However, recent developments have spurred some dioceses to become more cooperative.

2022 | Whistleblowers Deliver Cover-Up Documents To Attorney General

In January 2022, Nate’s Mission, a Wisconsin advocacy group for priest abuse survivors, handed documents over to Attorney General Josh Kaul. These documents recorded the cover-up of Green Bay priest abuse.

According to Nate’s Mission, the files list “almost twice as many names [of abusive priests] as those released to the general public.” Additionally, some of the documents detail tactics used by church leaders to avoid incrimination and conceal the abuse.

The documents focus on the Diocese of Green Bay. One day after the documents were announced, the Green Bay diocese announced its full cooperation with Kaul’s investigation.

Wisconsin Priest Abuse Victim Resources

If you are a survivor of sexual violence, you are not alone. Wisconsin has numerous statewide resources to help survivors on the road to recovery. Learn more about the resources near you.

Wisconsin Priest Abuse FAQs

What Is The Statute Of Limitations On Priest Sexual Abuse In Wisconsin?

Survivors of child sex abuse by a priest have until age 35 to file a civil lawsuit in Wisconsin. A discovery rule of five years also applies for victims of incest.

Learn more about child sexual abuse statutes in Wisconsin here >

How Do I Report Sexual Abuse By A Priest In Wisconsin?

Child abuse, including child sexual abuse, can be reported to the closest county or tribal agency of the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families.

After reporting abuse to local law enforcement or the Department of Children and Families, you may also consider notifying the relevant Catholic diocese.