At least four women have filed a lawsuit against the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland over child abuse allegations at Parmadale Children's Village, run by Catholic Charities. 

According to the complainants, they suffered abuse from the staff and clergy assigned to the orphanage. 

Child Abuse Allegations Against Catholic Diocese

The four women allege they were assaulted as children while in the care of the former Parmadale Family Services. One of the plaintiffs in these cases is the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland.

When it opened in 1925, Catholic Charities used its massive campus along Parma's State Road to house needy children. The campus was originally called Parmadale Children's Village.

According to FOX 8 News, the women claim they were abused by Parmadale employees and Catholic clergy appointed to the institution, as detailed in the newly filed cases.

Atty. Bruce Taubman testified that four ladies still suffer from the effects of their childhood trauma at Parmadale.

During the 1970s, a woman filed a complaint alleging that a priest had sexually abused her at his cottage on the Parmadale property and invited other men to see the assault. The Diocese of Cleveland claims that the priest, who is only identified in the case as "Father Leahy," passed away in 2005.

Meanwhile, the diocese released a statement saying that allegations of child abuse by those entrusted with their care are taken extremely seriously by the diocese. They also said that the diocese provided counseling to anyone who reported abuse at Parmadale and reported the incident to the proper authorities.

"The Diocese of Cleveland is committed to creating a safe environment for children and fostering healing for those who have experienced abuse," Fox 8 News quoted the diocese saying. 

Clergy Sexual Abuse

Clergy sexual abuse is when a religious leader or figure utilizes their position of power to engage in sexual harassment, exploitation, or sexual behavior with a subordinate or vulnerable congregation member. 

AbuseLawsuit.com reported that it is no secret that the Roman Catholic Church is responsible for the widespread scandal of sexual abuse of children.

In many cases, senior church leaders hid the truth about these crimes. These cover-ups have, in some instances, allowed the abuse to continue in other churches.

Clergy sexual abuse has been documented in every single US state. The alleged victims are in the thousands, and the abuse spans decades. 

Per the report, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) documented 4,228 claims of sexual abuse against minors in 2021. From July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020, 3,924 victims of abuse submitted formal complaints.

About the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland

So that all people may be saved and spend eternity in God's presence, the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland spreads the good news of Jesus Christ, observes His sacraments, and carries out His works of charity. 

As stated on its website, on April 23, 1847, some 10,000 Catholics prompted the formation of a diocese.

Bp. Edward Malesic is now the Catholic church leader in Northeast Ohio's eight counties, which includes 613,000 people.

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