An emotional group of victims of alleged abuse by the staff at Saint George’s prep school in Rhode Island spoke out on Tuesday. They want the school to acknowledge what they say happened to them decades ago.
Ann Scott is CEO of a non profit, a mother, and a sister. She’s also one of the victims of sexual abuse. She says you never get over it.
“I’ve never forgotten it you live with it your whole life.”
Ann says she was abused during the 70’s while she was a student at Saint George’s school. Her alleged abuser was a staff member. The abuse started when she was 15 and lasted 2 years. It lead to depression, an eating disorder and trust issues. On Tuesday, she stood strong along side former classmates in their Boston attorney’s office and talked about what she endured.
She says she had to come forward.
"What triggered me to come out today to speak was that I didn’t think the school community was getting the full information. I did believe there was a cover up and the schools response wasn’t good enough. And I feel that the other victims as well as the other great alumni from this school deserve the full information so they can make an informed decision about how the school should respond.”
Ann and her classmates are not alone. Attorney Carmen Durso announced that so far 40 victims have come forward in the past month. Durso expects there will be more. Ann had a message for them to stand their ground.
“Stay strong seek out and get help its not your fault and don’t be ashamed you’re a very strong person who can live a very happy and productive life.”
Durso says the students were allegedly abused by 7 staff members from 1974-2004. Some of the alleged perpetrators have died, but he named 2 who are still alive and may have access to children.
There may still be a chance for criminal prosecution in some cases. Durso says there’s no pending civil litigation and that other things are more important
“Our hope is that we’ll quick be able to set up something so that we can be sure everyone who needs mental help gets it. And that the school will acknowledge that its response previously is not what it should have been. Because that’s important for victims to know that the school acknowledges and takes responsibility.”
Ann Scott says its been a long road but she is proud of how far she’s come.
"Those things don’t go away you get better …you get better at understanding yourself and managing it and forgiving yourself.”
