IOWA
Des Moines Register
By SHIRLEY RAGSDALE
REGISTER RELIGION EDITOR
June 11, 2005
Some victims' advocates are criticizing changes in the Dubuque Catholic Archdiocese's sexual misconduct policy that makes optional the reporting of allegations of child sexual abuse by clergy to civil authorities.
The archdiocese review board announced Friday that it was "adjusting" its policy for the protection of minors because it was preventing some victims from getting help.
Joyce Connors, director of the diocesan office of child protection, said in a written statement that when victims called to report abuse, some hung up when she or other victim assistance coordinators said the case would be reported to civil authorities.
"This was putting a roadblock in front of victims," Connors said. "This requirement was becoming counterproductive because victims were not getting the help they needed. By requiring that their case be made public seemed to some to be the church victimizing them all over again."
Under the new policy, no report will be made to civil authorities if an adult reports he or she was sexually abused as a minor by church personnel, if the statute of limitations has expired and the individual signs a request that the case not be reported. This does not preclude a diocesan investigation.
"Why am I not surprised?" said David Clohessy, national director of Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. "Calling police about suspected crime is what every citizen is taught to do since grade school. It is disturbing to see church officials backpedal on this basic public safety step."
Steve Theisen of Hudson, co-founder of North East Iowa SNAP, said he is "appalled" by the policy change, which he believes reflects the Dubuque review board's exclusive membership.
Posted by kshaw at June 11, 2005 07:49 AM