Lawsuit filed to prevent further abuse at Honolulu diocese

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Suit filed to prevent abuse at Honolulu diocese

HONOLULU (AP) — A Big Island farmer and five others who say they were sexually abused by clergy are suing the Catholic diocese in Honolulu and other related religious institutions to pressure them to change policies to prevent future abuse.

A lawsuit filed Thursday is asking for more than just money. Greg Owen and others want the church to release victims from confidentiality requirements in past abuse settlements, create a phone hotline for victims, and encourage others to come forward and report abuse.

Owen says he was 8 when he was sexually abused by Catholic priests while serving as an altar boy at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Kailua. He said he knew it was wrong but felt he couldn't tell anyone.