Catholic Church’s Delay in Response to Child Sex Abuse Scandal Led to Further Harm
Despite swelling numbers from an active ministry abroad, child sex abuse scandals within the US, UK, and Australia have tarnished the religious institutions’ reputations. Allegations about priests abusing children have become a main staple of comedy, but the real results are more horrific: destruction of lives, desecration of bright futures, and a significant decrease in the public’s trust in religious leaders. Now, Pope Francis has admitted that the slow official response and soft tactics led to repeat offenders escaping consequences and more children being hurt.
More concern about reputation than reformation
Popularized by the film Spotlight, the Catholic Church had an informal but blanket policy of moving priests who had been accused of sexually abusing children from parish to parish, or even to internal “treatment” centers, but not of formally providing counseling or even admission of wrongdoing to victims.
While the idea of the burden of proof lying on the victim was a widespread misconception dating back to the mid-1900s, the scandals within the church continued well in the new millennium- long past a time when such thinking was standard. Indeed, it wasn’t until 2017 that Pope Francis met with his sex abuse advisory council, convened three years earlier, to hear recommendations on how to both prevent future occurrences. This policy of moving priests, rather than proving treatment or protecting children and communities was rooted in a concern over social impressions, and led to victims being blamed, claims being minimized, further trauma for survivors, and even suicide.
Sex abuse advisory council gives advice
Though criticized for not including any victims of clergy sexual abuse in its membership, the council has held workshops intended to educate church members around the world about sexual abuse of children by priests and others. The council had a clear list of common sense proposals for Pope Francis, intended at preventing pedophiles from entering religious orders and protecting children moving forward. Specific suggestions included:
- That sexual abuse cases not be subject to “pontifical secrets” provisions, which require both Church officials and victims to maintain secrecy regarding abuse, or risk excommunication.
- That victims be granted a right to information as their claims are processed through the Church’s official channels, including updates to status, and notification of decisions.
- That the present 20-year statute of limitations on sexual abuse be lifted entirely, considering many victims continue to come forward with abuses from 50 or more years ago.
- That an international survivor advisory panel be created, including speakers, to inform and educate Church members throughout the world of the experiences of clergy sexual abuse
Sexual abuse of a child, particularly at the hands of a religious leader, is reprehensible. Even years later, the repercussions on a life can be tragic. If you or a family member experienced sexual abuse from a clergy member, the law firm with a long history of validating and encouraging sexual abuse victims across Southern California is ready to help. Call Taylor & Ring today at 310.776.6390 or complete our contact form to schedule a consultation with a caring and determined Los Angeles sexual abuse lawyer.
David Ring is a nationally renowned plaintiff’s personal injury trial attorney and has obtained multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements on behalf of seriously-injured individuals or families who have lost a loved one in a tragic accident. For more than 20 years, he has represented victims of sexual abuse, sexual harassment, assault, molestation and sexual misconduct in cases against a variety of employers and entities, including schools, churches and youth organizations.
He prides himself on providing aggressive, yet compassionate representation for children who have been sexually abused and women who have been sexually harassed or assaulted. Read more about David M. Ring.