Catholic Church Admits It Failed Sex Abuse Victims, in Submission to Victorian Government Inquiry

News.com.au
September 21, 2012

www.news.com.au/national/catholic-church-admits-it-failed-sex-abuse-victims-in-submission-to-state-government-inquiry/story-fndo4cq1-1226478959122

In a submission to a Victorian Government inquiry, Archbishop Denis Hart says the Catholic Church has been open "about the horrific abuse that has occurred"

THE Catholic Church has admitted it failed victims of sexual abuse, and says it has upheld 620 cases of criminal child abuse by clergy in the past 16 years.

Four Victorian dioceses combined to make a submission to a State Government inquiry into the handling of child abuse by religious and other non-government organisations.

Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne Denis Hart said in a statement the submission, titled Facing the Truth, was open about the church's failings.

"In Facing the Truth we have been open about the horrific abuse that has occurred in Victoria and elsewhere," he said.

"The submission shows how the Church of today is committed to facing up to the truth and to not disguising, diminishing or avoiding the actions of those who have betrayed a sacred trust."

Catholic Church spokesman Fr Shane Mackinlay said the church had fostered a "culture of silence" regarding child abuse in the past.



He said the church had been "too slow to react" when the first complaints of abuse emerged, instead believing offenders' claims that their actions would not be repeated.

"We for many years lacked insight into understanding child abuse, understanding both what sort of abuse this was in terms of offenders and also the devastating and life-lasting impact that it has on victims," he said.

"We took too long to respond decisively and effectively ... we were slow to believe victims when they first started to come forward.

Facing the Truth is signed by Archbishop Hart, Ballarat Bishop Peter Connors, Sale Bishop Christopher Prowse and Sandhurst Bishop Les Tomlinson, and the state and national heads of Catholic Religious Orders, Sister Helen Toohey and Sister Annette Cunliffe.