New Orange County nonprofit seeks to end child sexual abuse

Abuse survivor uses OC Diocese settlement monies to launch nationwide awareness campaign.

An Orange County sex abuse survivor has launched a new national nonprofit organization, using the money she received in a 2007 child sex abuse settlement against the Diocese of Orange.

Elaina J. Kroll, founder and CEO of The Innocence Mission, realized that even in light of new civil and criminal laws to protect children from sexual abuse, there is still a great deal of misunderstanding that allows the crime to continue to thrive.

“Sexual abuse is a crime of shame and secrecy,” Kroll said. “That is why, even now, one in six boys and one in four girls are sexually abused by the time they are 18. And even despite most education efforts, kids are being abused in schools, churches, and even while they are working at Starbucks. I believe that we have the ability to do a great deal of good and help protect children from abuse through education, awareness and outreach.”

Kroll was one of four women who settled with the Diocese of Orange in 2007 for sexual abuse. Kroll was abused my former choir director Albert Schildknect, who molested Kroll while she was a member of the St. Timothy Parish choir in Laguna Niguel. Diocese officials knew of the abuse at the time and did not report to the police. Schildknect was convicted in 2009 after Kroll filed her civil suit.

“I realized that I am one of very few sexual abuse victims to see their perpetrator convicted,” Kroll said. “I needed to use my settlement to make sure that what happened to me never happens to another child. With my background, I realized that launching this nonprofit was the best way to make a difference and help keep our children safe.”

The Innocence Mission will operate as a fundraising organization to support programs that achieve the Mission’s key goals. Fundraising on a grass-roots level has already begun, Kroll said, and the organization has an inaugural gala planned for December 4, 2009 at the DIsney Grand Californian.

For more information about The Innocence Mission, please visit The Innocence Mission

Contact:
Elaina J. Kroll, founder and CEO, 949-355-3771
Joelle Casteix, vice president, board of directors, (949) 322-7434