Readers of this website will recall that a few weeks ago in the section Something to Say, a source whom I called ‘Nicola’ wrote about a friend of hers who was still being beaten by her husband despite the fact that he had left the matrimonial home. With no child support or alimony, the abused woman turned to her parish priest who agreed to help her with paying her bills. According to the information I was given, however, the priest refused to continue helping her when she reported her husband to the police and urged her to reconcile with him instead.

I had asked the Curia to look into this, and Mgr Anton Gouder replied to me saying that the priest was denying all the allegations and that his version of the story was completely different. He asked whether the woman would release the priest from vows of confidentiality so he could state his version.

I passed on the Curia’s message accordingly, but, in the meantime, I was informed by ‘Nicola’ that the parish priest called the abused woman to talk. He claims there was a misunderstanding and that he only asked her to drop the report about the child support. She insists otherwise – she said he had told her that since she can afford to chase her husband in court, then she does not any financial need.

However, the priest has again offered to support her and help her with her needs at this time and has stressed with her that he always advises abused women to seek help…adding that she should not listen to everything other people tell her.

‘Nicola’ tells me that this last sentence was probably a clear reference to herself for urging the abused woman to stand up for herself.

My readers are free to come to their own conclusions about this story. From where I’m standing it is very clear, however, that had this not come out in the media, the priest would not have changed tack as he did.

I would also like to thank ‘Nicola’ who showed such incredible support by coming to me and asking me to make it public…it shows that when people stand up for their rights (and those of others) and refuse to be silenced, yes they CAN make a difference.

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS SUFFERING FROM DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, PLEASE CONTACT THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE UNIT BY PHONING THE SUPPORT LINE 179.