Report On Catholic Church Sex Abuse A 'Milestone' For Spain's Democracy

 

Concerning information about more than 200,000 children who are thought to have been sexually abused by Spanish Catholic clergy has been brought to light by an independent panel. The 700-page report was the result of an open investigation by the Ombudsman, which was mandated by the Congress last year.

In a poll of 800,000 people, it was discovered that 0.6% of adults had experienced sexual abuse as children at the hands of clergy. When institutions governed by the Church were taken into account, the number increased to 1.13%, or more than 400,000 persons.

The study demands that victims be recognized publicly, that a state fund be established to pay compensation, and that the Catholic Church assist victims in their rehabilitation efforts, enact changes to stop future abuse, and pay compensation.

The statistics, according to Ombudsman Angel Gabilondo, were consistent with similar reports from other European nations. Based on questionnaires, a French investigating panel concluded that over a 70-year period, church employees had assaulted over 330,000 youngsters.

Gabilondo criticized the Church for its delay and efforts to conceal or refute the charges while speaking about the “devastating impact” on victims. There are people who “have never put their lives back together” and “what has happened have been made possible by that silence.”