Netherlands Church Commissioned Report on Abuse Published, Vatican Radio, December 16, 2011

Netherlands Church Commissioned Report on Abuse Published

Vatican Radio
December 16, 2011

http://www.oecumene.radiovaticana.org/en1/Articolo.asp?c=546970

In the Netherlands, bishops and religious superiors have expressed their “shock, shame and sorrow” at the abuse of minors and the practices described in the final report of the Independent Commission of Inquiry into sexual abuse of minors in the Catholic Church in the Netherlands, published on Friday.

The Commission, known as the Deetman Commission, investigated complaints of abuse between 1945 and 2010. Commissioned by the national bishops conference and directors of the KNR (the Conference of Dutch Religious) investigations revealed mild, moderate and serious abuse of minors took place.

In a joint statement Church leaders have offered a "heartfelt apology" to victims” and stated: “The perpetrators are not the only ones to blame. Church authorities who did not act correctly and did not give priority to the interests of and care for these victims also share in this blame”.

The commission announced that a new complaints committee will be set up and it has also advised the bishops and the religious to appoint a single portfolio holder for safeguarding children. Conference president, Archbishop Wim Eijk has assured that there will a group of four people, including at least one bishop, appointed to the committee.

The bishops and religious note in their statement; “Times nor circumstances can excuse the terrible suffering caused to children and their families” adding that the Dutch Catholic Church . will “take all measures provided for under church and civil law when there is any suspicion of sexual abuse. The public prosecutor will be informed in accordance with Dutch law when there is any suspicion of a punishable offence”.

They conclude: “shoulder responsibility for providing help, restitution, openness and transparency for and toward the victims of sexual abuse and their families, now and in the future”.