Schools
'Our Hearts Break:' Portsmouth Abbey Reports Investigation Confirmed Sexual Abuse
In a letter to the school community posted on the school website, Portsmouth Abbey acknowledges "shameful news" about two monks.
PORTSMOUTH, RI—In a letter to the school community posted on the school website, Portsmouth Abbey school leaders have acknowledged "shameful news" about two monks. According to an investigation by Debevoise & Plimpton LLP of New York City, "credible allegations" have been made about "sexual abuse by two former members of the Monastery: Father Bede Gorman and Father Geoffrey Chase '48."
According to the letter, "the known instances of abuse by these men took place thirty-five to fifty-eight years ago; that is, between 1959 and the early 1980s." Neither is at Portsmouth Abbey today. "Fr. Bede died in 1985, and Fr. Geoffrey is in his late eighties and quite ill; he has not resided at the School since 2002."
The complete report is also posted on the school's website and delves into additional information about corporal punishment which occurred at the school in the past.
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Related Story: Portsmouth Abbey Teacher Resigns after Allegations of Relationship with Former Student
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