Project Stand - Faces of Rape & Sexual Abuse Survivors

Arthur Austin

Arthur Austin, 53, Braintree, MA

Sexually and emotionally abused by the Rev. Paul R. Shanley when he went to the priest for counseling after his first gay relationship ended when he was 20. Shanley drove Austin to a cabin in the woods and molested him. The abuse continued for six years until Austin found the strength to escape. He still battles depression, but has found the courage to speak out in the hopes of helping other survivors. The photo of Austin was taken when he recently returned to the cabin where he was abused. To Austin, the handprints on the wall represented Shanley's other victims, and he wept as he reached out to touch them.