By Canadian Press

Adult who accused Quebec cardinal of sexual misconduct breaks church-abuse stereotype

Aug 17, 2022 | 12:10 PM

MONTREAL — The woman who recently accused Quebec Cardinal Marc Ouellet of sexual misconduct has broken a stereotype about church abuse.

Université de Montréal religious studies professor Solange Lefebvre says the fact Ouellet’s alleged victim was an adult could open the door to more people coming forward with allegations against the church who aren’t children.

Lefebvre says that while sex abuse of children within the Catholic Church is well-documented, these new high-profile allegations could also create opportunities for prosecutors and police to look for potential victims among young women involved with the church.

A woman identified as “F.” in court documents tabled on Tuesday accused Ouellet of several incidents of sexual assault between 2008 and 2010, including sliding his hand down her back and touching her buttocks at an event in Quebec City.

F. is among roughly 300 alleged victims who have made sex-abuse claims against the church in two class-action lawsuits brought by Montreal-based law firm Arsenault Dufresne Wee Avocats and authorized by a judge.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

Lawyer Justin Wee says his firm’s class actions demonstrate that it’s not only young children — particularly young boys — who face sexual misconduct by clergy members but also adult women.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Aug. 17, 2022.

—

This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Meta and Canadian Press News Fellowship.

The Canadian Press