Herman said he believes the lawsuits are the first against the Knights of Columbus to allege sexual abuse of children. Each lawsuit seeks more than $5 million in damages. "It broadens the whole issue of the sexual abuse crisis and frankly further damages the Catholic Church's reputation," said Chuck Zech, director of the Center for the Study of Church Management at Villanova University. The Knights of Columbus is a well-regarded, generous organization which runs a large insurance program, Zech said. "They have deep pockets," he said. One of the victims, 49-year-old Jim Dennany of Texas, identified himself in the lawsuit, while the other was filed as a John Doe. The Associated Press generally does not identify victims of sexual abuse, but Herman said Dennany believes using his name will help protect other children from abuse. "I brought this lawsuit today because I do not ever want another child to be hurt the way that I was hurt," Dennany said in a statement to the AP. "I do not want anyone else who is suffering and blaming themselves to hurt anymore. I feel that it is time for the Knights of Columbus to be held accountable for what happened to me." Dennehy said the abuse affected every aspect of his life. "I do not trust anyone, especially with my family members," he said. "I have lived most of my life feeling ashamed and dirty for what Julian Rivera did to me. My abuse has affected everyone around me. I am hopeful that today is my first step toward healing myself and those that I love." Dennany's lawsuit alleges Rivera sexually abused him at various locations throughout Texas and Mexico between 1973 and 1977. Dennany, who said Rivera plied him with alcohol and pornography, said the abuse led to guilt, shame, self-blame, depression and chemical dependency. John Doe, who lives in Kansas, said Rivera plied him with whisky, marijuana, pornography and a white pill that he said would help him relax. He said when
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2010 Media Report Villanova School of Business