US: Hidden Predator Act 2020 - Part 2

Foul Play: A Historical True Crime Podcast

Shane L. Waters, Wendy Cee, Gemma Hoskins

History, True Crime, Society & Culture

4.5 • 992 Ratings

🗓️ 4 March 2020

⏱️ 60 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In a compelling deviation from its regular format, this episode presents an immersive audio experience direct from the legislative heart of Maryland. This episode departs from the familiar voices of Shane and Gemma, instead channeling the raw advocacy and powerful testimonies that resonated through the halls of Annapolis on February 20th, during the hearing for the Hidden Predator Act of 2020.

The episode captures the fervent arguments presented by survivors Teresa Lancaster and Jean Wehner, alongside other courageous individuals and specialists, who stand united on the legislative floor. Their voices echo the distress and determination of countless survivors seeking to overhaul the legal constraints that currently bar them from seeking civil justice for the abuses they endured. The act under discussion is a beacon of hope for many, promising a legal pathway to confront and expose their abusers without the impediments of time-barred legislation.

The hearing unfolds across three panels, with survivors and experts articulating their points before the state committee, punctuated by incisive questions from committee members that probe the depths of the issue. Jean Wehner, featured in the final panel, offers poignant insight into the personal and collective impact of the statute limitations on abuse survivors.

This episode is not just an account but proof of the ongoing struggle for legislative change. It's a chronicle of resilience and a call to action, urging for progress that would enable survivors to have their day in court, free from the tyranny of deadlines set by outdated laws.

For those moved by the cause or looking for more information, the full hearing can be accessed, and support found at itsfoulplay.com. As the series continues to spotlight the essential issues surrounding Sister Cathy's case and the broader fight against abuse, it remains a platform for awareness, change, and justice. Our Sponsors: * Check out Kensington Publishing: https://www.kensingtonbooks.com * Check out Mood and use my code SHANE for a great deal: https://mood.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcript

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0:40.0	I'm going to Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, Good afternoon members of the committee. My name is Theresa Lancaster. I'm an attorney. I'm the survivor and I'm an advocate for those abused sexual. I was
0:45.0	a used in 1970 through 1972 at Archbishop Keo High School by father,
0:48.0	Maskell. I was featured in the documentary The Keepers, which exposed a huge sex ring at Archbishop Hill High School.
0:58.0	I was unable to come forward about my abuse in the 70s because Father Maskel convinced me that no one would believe me,
1:07.6	and he threatened me with his gun, almost on every session he would have to go out on the table.
1:14.4	I feared for my life.
1:17.4	This is common among survivors.
1:20.8	The support group reign supports that 20% of survivors fear retaliation.
1:27.0	That is a reason for not coming forward.
1:30.0	I struggled with back.
1:33.3	Fuse was one that I trusted and he had respect of the entire community.
1:39.3	Survivors typically take years to cut forward.
1:44.1	The severe nature of the trauma endured,
1:47.2	coupled with high social positions often held by the abusers,
1:51.8	prevent survivors from coming forward earlier.
1:55.0	Other facts are compression and substance abuse.
2:00.0	Studies show the average age of disclosure is 52 and the reasons for the delay are specific to the individual.
2:10.0	In 1994, when Gene and I came forward and started our civil suit, we quickly realized the institution
2:17.8	we held our trust in would again betray us.
2:21.0	Cardinal Keeler, do, their case was credible, but he used the statute of limitations to make our case go away.
2:29.0	Betrayal of the trusted institution adds another difficult layer onto the trauma of abuse.
2:36.4	For these reasons, I urge the committee to issue a favoring report for House Bill 974.
	...

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