Leaders of a Catholic order in New Jersey say 30 people have come forward alleging sexual abuse by the monks or lay faculty associated with a private school.

In a joint letter written to the community on July 20, the head of St. Mary's Abbey and the Delbarton School headmaster say the order has settled eight lawsuits with alleged victims.

Seven others are pending.

The abuse allegedly took place while many of the victims were students at Delbarton School in Morristown, which is managed by the Order of St. Benedict of New Jersey.

The letter says the reported assaults happened from 1968 to 1999 and involved 13 monks and one lay teacher.

They say settlement money has been paid through insurance, not donations, and that victims are free to speak.