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	Now President Calls for Fundamental Reform to Stop Clergy Sexual Abuse National Organization of Women May 27, 2010 http://www.now.org/issues/violence/clergyabuse_statement.html "Law enforcement authorities need to step up their investigations of sexual abuse in religious organizations because it is apparent that many church officials will not act in a prompt and responsible manner," National Organization for Women President Terry O'Neill stated. "In addition, state laws must clearly define the role of a priest or pastor as one involving a 'fiduciary duty' between a licensed caregiver and a client -- like those accorded psychiatrists or physicians. Sexual relations in those instances should be grounds for appropriate civil as well as criminal sanctions." Recent reports from European and other countries about physical and sexual abuse of children by Catholic priests and cover-up by those in authority demand swift and effective action. The emerging facts about the church's behind-the-scenes actions are appalling: allowing the sexual exploitation of girls and women, including nuns; procuring abortions for those who became pregnant and intimidating them into silence; and using church officials to "wipe down the crime scene." "When an all-male church hierarchy poses as unquestioned authority, the potential for abuse and cover-up is great," O'Neill said. "Religious organizations without a strong laity or democratic governance have failed to take the necessary steps. Church members, abuse survivors and their advocates must demand accountability." "In addition to stepped-up legal recourse, fundamental reform of the male-dominated Catholic Church is needed if children and women are to be protected from predatory priests -- and if the church is to regain some modicum of moral authority," O'Neill said. "The best reform would begin with bringing women into positions of power. Until that happens, with its current track record of sexual exploitation, the church is in no position to make pronouncements on the roles or rights of women." NOW's membership is speaking out against clergy sexual abuse. Not only are children --girls as much as boys -- the victims of sexual exploitation, but adult women also are at risk. Reports of the latter cases are slow to surface, perhaps because of the shame felt by the victims and efforts by church leaders to keep reports from becoming public. A number of studies in the U.S. show that adult women are even more likely than children to be targets of clergy who use their positions of trust for sexual exploitation. A Ford Foundation-Baylor University survey in 2008 found that one in 33 women had experienced sexual abuse by their priest or pastor. These are not "relationships" but rather the abusive exercise of power. The outcomes can be devastating. Clinical reports indicate high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder, other anxiety disorders, depression, physical illness and suicide, according to the FaithTrust Institute.
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