Church Sets up Therapeutic Evaluation Board to Help Child Victims of Sexual Abuse

Times of Malta
October 15, 2012

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20121015/local/church-sets-up.441185


The Church has set up a Therapeutic Evaluation Board for victims of sexual abuse.

The decision was taken by Archbishop Paul Cremona and Bishop Mario Grech in agreement with the superiors of religious orders.

The Curia said the service is considered part of the Church's pastoral and spiritual role and is without prejudice to its position in civil cases and without the Church renouncing its rights to defence.

The board is composed of psychologist Anthony Gatt, psychiatrist Anthony Dimech and social worker Julian Xuereb.

The board will evaluate and determine the therapeutic assistance which victims of sexual abuse may require and direct the victims to the people who could provide such help.

The service will also apply to adults who were abused when they were minors.

The board will become involved only in cases decided definitively by the Ecclesiastical Tribunal, the Civil Court of the Church's Response Team.