Church leaders never contacted victim New Orleans priest confessed to abusing

Keith Flores says he never heard from Catholic church superiors to whom the priest reported his transgressions in 1999

• This article contains descriptions of child abuse

Keith Flores was surprised to learn that he was named in a statement in which a priest who once worked at his New Orleans school confessed to abusing children while on duty.

Flores said he never heard from any of the superiors to whom the priest, Lawrence Hecker, reported his transgressions in 1999.

In the US, call or text the Childhelp abuse hotline at 800-422-4453. In the UK, the NSPCC offers support to children on 0800 1111, and adults concerned about a child on 0808 800 5000. The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (Napac) offers support for adult survivors on 0808 801 0331. In Australia, children, young adults, parents and teachers can contact the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or Bravehearts on 1800 272 831, and adult survivors can contact Blue Knot Foundation on 1300 657 380. Other sources of help can be found at Child Helplines International