UNITED KINGDOM
Independent
The Catholic Church has systematically tried to discredit and silence sex abuse survivors, while forgiving the perpetrators
Phil Johnson
Unless you have been a victim of childhood sexual abuse it is difficult for people to understand the often life-long impact that it can have. Survivors suffer low self-esteem, guilt, shame and often have mental health problems which can lead to addiction and even suicide.
When that abuse is committed by a priest, it is compounded by the abuse of power as well as being linked to the victim’s faith. This often leaves survivors conflicted and more vulnerable to being exploited by church authorities who seem to be prone to forgiving the abusers and blaming the victims.
The vast majority of children do not report their abuse at the time, most of those who disclose or seek help do so well into adulthood. When they do report abuse to the churches they are often branded a liars or fantasists and in many cases little real action is taken.
Both major churches, Roman Catholic and Anglican, have consistently demonstrated that they are more interested in protecting the status and reputation of the institution, than in protecting children and the vulnerable, and there is little pastoral or counselling support for the victims.
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