FOR

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Alice Black, Ph.D.
Communications and Mission Advancement Office
614-416-1020

STATEMENT OF THE DOMINICAN SISTERS OF PEACE RELATED TO CREDIBLE
ALLEGATION OF ABUSE BY ONE OF ITS MEMBERS

This is the statement to the media from the Dominican Sisters of Peace related to our report to the
Diocese of Columbus that a Dominican Sister of Peace was credibly accused of sexual misconduct.

“We sadly acknowledge that a credible allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor was made
against Sr. Lisa Zuccarelli, OP, by a former student, at Fisher Catholic High School, Lancaster, OH.
Sr. Lisa was a teacher there and lived at St. Mary Convent in Lancaster at the time,” Sr. Patricia
Twohill, Prioress of the Dominican Sisters of Peace said. “We consider this conduct reprehensible,
and we are deeply sorry for the pain it has caused. We have approached the situation with as
much transparency as possible, while being respectful of the privacy of the victim. We are doing all
that we can to support the healing of all involved.”

We encourage anyone who has experienced sexual misconduct by a member of the Dominican
Sisters of Peace to contact law enforcement, and they may also contact Sr. Patricia Twohill,
Prioress, at 614-416-1963.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

• The incident of abuse happened in 1982, when Sr. Lisa was assigned to Fisher Catholic High
School and residing at St. Mary Convent, Lancaster, OH.
• Upon learning of the allegation, in July, 2018, the congregation immediately reported it to
the Lancaster police department and to the Diocese of Columbus.
• A police report is on file.
• Sr. Lisa was removed from her ministry.

- MORE -

2320 Airport Drive | Columbus, OH 43219 | www.oppeace.org




BACKGROUND INFORMATION CONTINUED:

• Sr. Lisa was immediately restricted from unsupervised contact with any minor or former
student.
• An outside investigation was conducted in late October and it concluded that the
allegation was credible.
• The Congregation has reached out to the victim.
• Sr. Lisa is undergoing psychological assessment at a center that specializes in therapy for
religious and clergy.
• Her assignments were:
o 2003 to 2018 - University Educator, Salve Regina University, Newport, RI
o 1996 to 2003 – Faculty, Georgetown University School of Nursing, Washington, DC
o 1994 to 1996 – Faculty, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
o 1993 to 1994 - Post-doctoral Fellow, Georgetown University School of Medicine
Washington, DC
o 1988 to 1993 - Study/Research, New York University, New York, NY
o 1987 to 1988 - Teacher, Albertus Magnus College, New Haven, CT
o 1985 to 1987 - Student, New York University, New York, NY
o 1980-1985 - Teacher, Fisher Catholic High School, Lancaster, OH
o 1978-1980 - Teacher, Catholic Central High School, Steubenville, OH
o 1975 to 1977 - Teacher, DeSales High School, Columbus, OH

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2320 Airport Drive | Columbus, OH 43219 | www.oppeace.org