Effects of child sex abuse wide-ranging, says priest

Published: 2005-02-09

LOS ANGELES (CNS) -- The effects of child sex abuse by clergy on its victims are wide-ranging and long-term, a priest who is an expert on dealing with sexual traumas told diocesan officials working in outreach programs for victims. Experiencing abuse can adversely effect psychological, physical, social and sexual behavior, said Jesuit Father Gerard McGlone, visiting psychology professor at Jesuit-run St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia. It also can erode a victim's educational and job performances, he said. Father McGlone spoke at a national symposium in Los Angeles for diocesan officials from across the country who work with victims who as minors were sexually abused by clergy. The Jan. 25-26 symposium was sponsored by the U.S. bishops' Office of Child and Youth Protection and attended by 65 victims' assistance coordinators. The abuse has a ripple effect like "a pebble in a pond," extending beyond the victim, Father McGlone said. Secondary victims include the victim's family, the faith communities of the offender and the victim, and the clergy who are innocent of any wrongdoing, said Father McGlone. Working with victims involves being a good listener as victims tell their story of abuse, trauma and pain, he said. "It is the survivor's experience. This is our focus, our lens of understanding," Father McGlone said. Child sex abuse is not limited to the church nor is it less prevalent elsewhere, he said. "It happens in every aspect of society and takes many forms," he added.

Copyright (c) 2005 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .