John Jay Study reveals ‘nature, scope’ of sexual abuse by clergy

The response from the Diocese of Dodge City to the John Jay Study Survey reported allegations of sex abuse against six priests and payments of approximately $11,000 for therapy, counseling or education to those claiming abuse during the period covered by the study (1950 to 2002). An allegation was made after the survey was submitted June 25, 2003, and media reports citing no subsequent allegations are incorrect.

No allegations of abuse, either past or current, have been made against any priest now serving in the diocese. The priests against whom allegations have been made are now either deceased or are no longer in active ministry and residing outside the diocese. These events are alleged to have occurred between 10 and 40 years ago.

The study was conducted by the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City to determine "the nature and scope of the problem of sexual abuse of minors by clergy within the Catholic Church in the United States."

Allegations were made against 4,392 of the 109,694 Catholic clergy serving during that time period. There were 10,667 claims of abuse.

These claims were either substantiated, found to be unsubstantiated, or not investigated because the accused were deceased.

The diocese adopted its original sexual abuse policy in 1993. The diocese further established the "To Protect God's Children" program in 2003. Current claims are being handled pursuant to diocesan policies which comply with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People which was adopted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in November 2002.

If you or someone you know may have been a victim of sexual abuse by clergy or any employee of the Diocese of Dodge City, you are asked to contact Mr. Dave Snapp, Fitness Review Administrator: (620) 225-5051 work, (620) 225-2412 home, or e-mail at dsnapp3@starrtech.net. You always have the right to directly contact SRS. Their hotline number is 1-800-922-5330.