Church Settles First Abuse Suits - Payments go to Charles Sylvestre's Oldest Victims; Amount Undisclosed

April 7, 2007

By: Windsor Star

Beckett Personal Injury Office's Scales of Justice's article image

Windsor native Vivian Dobbs flew home to British Columbia Friday a "whole new person" after she accepted a settlement from the diocese of London for the sexual abuse she suffered at the hands of a priest, said her lawyer.

Dobbs had triumphed over her childhood oppressor and felt free, said Robert Talach, a lawyer representing 24 of 59 women who have sued the diocese over the sexual abuse committed by convicted sex offender and pedophile priest Charles Sylvestre, who died in January.

Dobbs, 65, is one of four women who will receive an undisclosed sum of money in a settlement reached Thursday with the diocese.

The other victims who will receive money include another 65-year-old Windsor woman who was abused in 1954, a 56-year old victim who attended St. Thomas Aquinas parish in Sarnia and a 44-year-old victim who attended St. Ursula's in Chatham. At least two women reported the sexual abuse to authorities, which resulted in the diocese transferring Sylvestre to another parish, according to a news release issued by the Ledroit Beckett law firm in London.

"We are not disclosing the amounts because the women don't want them known and it complicates future settlements," Talach said. These four cases were fast-tracked partly because they involve some of the oldest victims, but also because of the fragile health of some of the women, Talach said.

After the settlement was reached Dobbs told Talach that the colours around her looked different and brighter.

Dobbs, a Sacred Heart parishioner, was in Grade 7 in 1954 when Sylvestre molested her on a picnic.

"She was in a play Sylvestre had written and as a reward to cast members they went on a picnic with him," Talach said.

The Steps to Proving Negligence in a Personal Injury Claim

December 18, 2024

The Steps to Proving Negligence in a Personal Injury Claim

Proving negligence is often one of the main requirements in personal injury claims. Negligence refers to a failure to act with the reasonable care that a person or entity owes to others. In this blog, we’ll discuss the four requirements needed to prove negligence and receive compensation in a personal injury claim.

Read More
Addressing the Impact of Clergy Sexual Abuse: A Path Toward Healing and Accountability

December 12, 2024

Addressing the Impact of Clergy Sexual Abuse: A Path Toward Healing and Accountability

Clergy sexual abuse is a grave and deeply troubling issue that has impacted countless individuals and communities worldwide. The abuse of power and trust by religious leaders has left scars that are not easily healed. In the wake of these crimes, both the victims and society as a whole must grapple with the consequences of such profound violations. Addressing the impact of clergy sexual abuse requires not only acknowledging the pain it has caused but also taking actionable steps toward accountability, justice, and healing for all involved.

Read More
How to be Successful at Mediation

December 11, 2024

How to be Successful at Mediation

Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution. It is a means for people to settle disputes or lawsuits outside of court. Most people don’t want to go to court. A neutral third party—the mediator—helps the disputing parties look for a solution that works for them. Mediators, unlike judges, do not decide the case. The mediator's role is simply to help the people involved in a dispute to negotiate with each other in a constructive manner, to gain a better understanding of the interests of all parties, and to find a resolution based on common understanding and mutual agreement.

Read More