PFAU COCHRAN VERTETIS AMALA
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PFAU COCHRAN VERTETIS AMALA

Father G. Barry Ashwell

Perpetrator Alert: Father G. Barry Ashwell, a priest for the Archdiocese of Seattle who allegedly sexually abused children throughout Western Washington.

PCVA is alerting the Seattle, Bellevue, Bremerton, Vancouver, Federal Way, and Oak Harbor areas about sexual abuse reportedly perpetrated by Father G. Barry Ashwell from the 1970s through the 1990s.

If you or someone you know was sexually abused by Father Ashwell or has information pertaining to Father Ashwell, our attorneys are here to listen and help. Learn more about how we help sexual abuse survivors or schedule a free, confidential consultation with one of our lawyers by completing our online form or by calling us at  (206) 536-2850.

This article provides information about the allegations against Father G. Barry Ashwell and frequently asked questions about claims of sexual abuse.

What are the allegations against Father G. Barry Ashwell?

Father G. Barry Ashwell served as a priest for the Archdiocese of Seattle from 1969 through the 2000.  During his thirty-one years of priesthood, Father Ashwell allegedly sexually abused minors at various parishes throughout Washington.

In 2001, Father Ashwell was accused of sexually abusing an altar boy in the 1970s at St. Joseph’s in Vancouver.  Four years later, in 2005, three other men accused him of sexual abuse.  After those additional accusations, Father Ashwell was laicized.

By 2022, there were six individuals who publicly accused Father Ashwell of sexual abuse.

Where did Father G. Barry Ashwell serve as a priest?

Father G. Barry Ashwell was assigned to following seminaries and parishes in Washington:

  • 1963-1969: St. Thomas Seminary, Kenmore, WA
  • 1969-1970: Sacred Heart, Bellevue, WA
  • 1970-1971: St. Pius X, Mountlake Terrace, WA
  • 1971-1975: Our Lady Star of the Sea, Bremerton, WA
  • 1975-1976: St. Joseph, Vancouver, WA
  • 1976-1978: St. Vincent de Paul, Federal Way, WA
  • 1978-2000: St. Augustine, Oak Harbor, WA

Has PCVA previously represented individuals who were sexually abused by priests?

Yes.  Not only has PCVA represented hundreds of individuals who were abused by priests, PCVA also represents adults who were sexually abused as children by Father Ashwell. PCVA’s familiarity with Father Ashwell’s personnel file, access to past court documents and records, and knowledge of the critical witnesses provides PCVA with a unique and invaluable advantage in future litigation involving Father Ashwell.

How can sexual abuse impact its victims?

Even if there is no outward injury to the body, sexual abuse of a child can have serious psychological effects.

The effects of sexual violence can include:

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Flashbacks
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Dissociation
  • Panic attacks
  • Substance abuse
  • Disordered sleep
  • Sexual dysfunction

These are serious issues that can harm a person’s ability to work, study, maintain relationships, and enjoy their lives.  Treatment for sexual abuse-related damage can take a long time and become very expensive.

What is the current statute of limitations for child sex abuse in Washington State?

In certain circumstances, survivors in Washington can file lawsuits decades after the abuse ended.  If you have any questions about the statute of limitations for your potential case, please contact us directly.

Can I come forward or sue anonymously if I’m worried about my privacy?

Most likely. The law usually allows attorneys to file lawsuits on behalf of survivors of childhood sexual abuse using a pseudonym, like “John Doe” or “Jane Doe,” or a person’s initials.  It also may be possible to resolve your case privately without filing a lawsuit or going to court.

How can survivors receive damages for sexual abuse?

Our attorneys have been involved in some of the most complicated and concerning sexual abuse cases in the country, and we are often consulted by other law firms for guidance and expertise when representing abuse survivors.  We take a trauma-informed approach to our representation that acknowledges the sensitive nature of each person’s case.

Every case is different and results – which depend on the facts of the case – cannot be guaranteed.  However, we will fight to hold negligent institutions and individuals accountable.  Through our efforts, we have helped recover hundreds of millions of dollars in damages on behalf of abuse survivors.  While no amount of monetary compensation can erase the trauma, the financial assistance can help pay for necessary expenses to allow the healing process to begin.

How much do you charge?

Our work is done on a contingency basis.  This means that you do not pay us on an hourly basis, and we advance the costs of litigation.  If we help you resolve your case, we receive a percentage of the amount you receive, and you reimburse us for the costs we advanced on your behalf.

Our case results

PCVA has a lengthy history of pursuing damages from youth-serving organizations that employed individuals who abused their positions of authority to sexually assault children, including religious organizations, school districts, foster care agencies, boarding homes, and hospitals.  See below for links to some of our case results involving such entities:

 

Sexual Abuse Survivors

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse at the hands of Father G. Barry Ashwell, our attorneys are here to listen and help. Learn more about how we help sexual abuse survivors or schedule a no obligation consultation with one of our lawyers by completing our online form or by calling us at (253) 948-3199 or (206) 536-2850.