Author: noaker

Patrick Noaker discussing sexual assault of people with disabilities.

Protecting people with intellectual disabilities from sexual assault

April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month Pat Evans, KARE 11 GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn – People with intellectual disabilities are sexually assaulted at a rate seven times higher than the general population, yet assaults go undetected and unreported. Nationally recognized sexual assault/abuse attorney Patrick Noaker talks about warning signs and tips for drawing out information, seeking…
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Tips for caregivers who suspect sexual abuse of a person with disabilities

For caregivers who suspect sexual abuse of a person with disabilities

This video reviews the do’s and don’ts for social workers, personal care attendants, home health aides or others who care for persons with intellectual disabilities, if they suspect that the person being supervised has been sexually assaulted or abused. Key takeaways: Don’t try to determine whether there was an assault. Let social services and law…
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Survivor of child sexual abuse on challenges for victims to speak out

Survivor of child sexual abuse on challenges for victims to speak out

By Spectrum News NY1 Stephen Jimenez — a survivor of child sexual abuse and the co-founder of advocacy group New Yorkers Against Hidden Predators — sits down with “In Focus” Host Cheryl Wills to talk about his story of abuse. He discusses trauma victims suffer, and why it is so difficult for many to come…
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Deadline for Diocese of Rockville Centre Compensation Fund Fast Approaching

Deadline for Diocese of Rockville Centre Compensation Fund Fast Approaching

The Independent Reconciliation Compensation Program (IRCP) for the Diocese of Rockville Centre is quickly coming to a close. The Diocese established the IRCP to provide assistance to survivors of child sexual abuse by Diocese priests. The deadline for submitting a claim through the IRCP is April 30, 2018. According to attorney Patrick Noaker, “it is…
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Report Issued on Albany Diocese Abuse Allegations

Report Issued on Albany Diocese Abuse Allegations

By Spectrum News Staff  [watch the news story] A new report has been released detailing allegations of sexual abuse by priests in the Albany Diocese, including the locations they were assigned. Forty-two priests are named in the report titled “Hidden Disgrace Three,” released by attorneys in the group ‘Lawyers Helping Survivors of Child Sex Abuse.’ They…
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Priest-Abuse Survivor Backs State’s Child Victims Act

Priest-Abuse Survivor Backs State’s Child Victims Act

Courageous Noaker Law Firm Client Pushes for New York Child Protection Law By Chris McKenna, Times Herald-Record [read full story] Lex Filipowski was a 7-year-old altar boy at Holy Cross Church in Wawayanda, alone with the pastor as they changed into their robes before Mass, when the Rev. George Boxelaar pulled him close and began kissing him…
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Noaker Law Firm Releases “Tell Someone”

Noaker Law Firm Releases “Tell Someone”

People with intellectual disabilities are sexually assaulted at a rate seven times higher than the general population. Please share this video with everyone.

Sexual Abuse Can Happen to Anyone

Sexual Abuse Can Happen to Anyone

Most people have a picture in their head of what a sexual abuse survivor looks like. And, if they were never abused, they surely don’t think that picture looks like them. It is common to try and put distance between tragic and traumatic events and our own lives.  “It could never happen to me because…
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Reform Must Come From Outside the Catholic Hierarchy

Reform Must Come From Outside the Catholic Hierarchy

The recent report that Pope Francis was aware that there was a report that Chilean Bishop Juan Barros was complicit in his mentor’s sexual abuse of a boy, is clear evidence that reform of the Catholic Church will have to come from outside the Catholic hierarchy. The recent report indicates that Pope Francis received a letter where…
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National Public Radio examines the sexual abuse of people with disabilities

National Public Radio examines the sexual abuse of people with disabilities

By Marianne Combs and Manda Lillie, NPR People with intellectual and physical disabilities are more vulnerable to sexual assault than the average person. Joseph Shapiro is taking a hard look at why this happens and what’s being done to keep vulnerable populations safe in a series of reports for National Public Radio. He joined guest host Marianne…
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Clergy Abuse Advocates Fear Pope Francis Is Making It Harder For Victims To Speak Up

Clergy Abuse Advocates Fear Pope Francis Is Making It Harder For Victims To Speak Up

By Carol Kuruvilla When Joelle Casteix heard Pope Francis accuse sex abuse victims in Chile of slander, the pontiff’s words hit close to home. Francis told reporters Thursday that he hasn’t seen any convincing evidence against Chile’s Bishop Juan Barros Madrid, whom victims claim protected a pedophile priest. “The day someone brings me proof against Bishop Barros,…
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Report says 48 priests accused of child sex abuse worked in Queens, but diocese questions its accuracy

Report says 48 priests accused of child sex abuse worked in Queens, but diocese questions its accuracy

By Robert Pozarycki, QNS.com Four dozen priests who worked at Queens churches over the last half-century were accused of child sex abuse, according to a report released by a legal group representing victims. The Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens, however, charged that the report isn’t completely accurate. Lawyers Helping Survivors of Child Sex Abuse issued “Hidden Disgrace,” a…
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