Survey says abuse victims feel bishops' attitudes crucial to outreach

Published: 2005-12-01

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The attitudes of bishops and other church officials are crucial in developing successful outreach programs to victims of clergy child sex abuse, according to a survey of victims conducted by the U.S. bishops' Office of Child and Youth Protection. Almost 90 percent of those answering a question about "appropriate responses" said that "respectful and caring responses" are necessary, said a report on the survey findings. A consensus among victims' answers "focused on church officials' failure to believe the victims/survivors when they reported the abuse, as well as a lack of a prompt response to their needs," said the report, which was released Nov. 22. Respondents also listed a need for church officials to "listen without being judgmental and accusatory," but criticized officials who gave a "rapid but very empty response." Victims added that bishops should "offer justice and sincere care, not just a check in an attempt to erase memories."

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 The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in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 .