ORANA (TIMOR-LESTE)
Union of Catholic Asian News (UCA News) [Hong Kong]
March 10, 2025
By Justin Wejak
It can be tackled by integrating faith-based values with strong legal protections and community involvement
On March 7, UCA News published a report highlighting a strong warning from Timor-Leste’s Education Minister Dulce de Jesus Soares to teachers who engage in the sexual abuse of students.
It underscored the government’s commitment to fostering a safe school environment in Catholic-majority Timor-Leste.
The warning followed a report on recent cases of sexual abuse at two public schools, with school directors as the primary suspects. This represents a serious breach of trust. The directors involved are facing immediate suspension from their teaching roles and positions.
Recently, two high-profile Catholic clergy members drew global attention.
In 2021, a foreign priest from the US, Richard Daschbach, was convicted of sexually assaulting four minors at the orphanage he managed. He was a close associate of Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao.
In 2022, former Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo was warned about potential sanctions from the Vatican for having abused children for over 20 years.
UNICEF has released a concerning report indicating that two out of three women aged 15-19 in Timor-Leste have experienced physical and sexual violence.
Even more troubling is the fact that incidents of sexual violence continue to be under-reported. This raises the question.
Why is sexual abuse under-reported?
Reports, including those from UNICEF, indicate that sexual abuse cases in Timor-Leste are under-reported due to entrenched cultural and societal factors. The country has a patriarchal society where traditional gender roles and expectations discourage victims — especially women and children — from coming forward.
Many survivors fear shame, stigma, and social ostracism if they report abuse, as such cases are often viewed as dishonouring the family. Additionally, there is a pervasive culture of silence in which communities prefer to handle issues privately rather than involving law enforcement, further discouraging the reporting of sexual violence.
Another significant barrier is the absence of trust in the justice system and the restricted access to legal support. Many victims fear retaliation from perpetrators, particularly in situations where abusers hold positions of power or influence in their communities.
Law enforcement agencies often lack the necessary training and sensitivity to handle sexual abuse cases properly, leading to victim-blaming and discouraging victims from pursuing legal action.
Furthermore, the judicial process in Timor-Leste can be slow and inefficient, making it challenging for survivors to seek justice. In many instances, perpetrators remain unpunished, reinforcing the belief that reporting abuse will not result in any meaningful consequences.
Poverty and a lack of resources also contribute to under-reporting, as many victims do not have the means to access legal aid, medical care, or psychological support. In rural areas of Timor-Leste, where a significant portion of the population lives, there are even fewer services available for survivors of sexual violence.
Many victims depend financially on their abusers, making it even more difficult to come forward and seek help. Moreover, the lack of comprehensive sex education and awareness campaigns means that many individuals, particularly in remote areas, may not fully understand their rights or recognise abuse when it occurs.
All these factors create a hostile environment for survivors, discouraging them from reporting sexual abuse and seeking justice.
Importance of awareness campaigns
Encouraging the public to report suspected sexual violence in Timor-Leste requires tackling deeply ingrained cultural and societal barriers through education and awareness.
Public awareness campaigns should aim to dismantle the stigma surrounding the reporting of sexual abuse, highlighting that it is not merely a personal issue but a violation of human rights.
These campaigns can be carried out through community gatherings, radio broadcasts, and social media, ensuring that people in urban and rural areas receive the message.
Engaging religious and traditional leaders who possess considerable influence in Timorese society can also help shift public attitudes by reinforcing the moral and legal obligation to report abuse.
Enhancing trust in the justice system is essential for improving reporting rates. Many individuals in Timor-Leste are concerned about retaliation or doubt that reporting sexual violence will lead to justice.
To change this perception, the government must strengthen legal protections for survivors and ensure that law enforcement officers receive proper training to handle sexual violence cases with sensitivity and professionalism.
Setting up confidential reporting mechanisms, like anonymous hotlines or local support centres, can offer a safer and more accessible way for victims and witnesses to report abuse without fear of repercussions.
Community involvement is vital for fostering a supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to stand up against sexual violence. Local organisations, activists, and women’s rights groups can be crucial in offering support services such as counseling, legal assistance, and safe shelters for survivors.
Encouraging men and boys to discuss gender equality and respect can help transform harmful norms and promote shared responsibility. Schools should also include education on consent, healthy relationships, and reporting mechanisms to ensure that younger generations understand their rights and feel confident in seeking help when needed.
By encouraging a culture of accountability and support, Timor-Leste can make considerable progress in motivating the public to report suspected sexual violence and safeguard vulnerable individuals from harm.
Certainly, establishing a safe and secure environment for schoolchildren in Catholic-majority Timor-Leste necessitates a strong commitment from the government, religious institutions, and communities to avert sexual abuse and ensure the well-being of children.
Given the influential position of the Catholic Church in society, religious leaders and educators can significantly contribute to advancing child protection policies, cultivating a culture of respect, and shattering the silence surrounding abuse.
Collaboration between the Church, government, and civil society organisations can help establish support networks for survivors and create awareness campaigns that reinforce the message that sexual abuse will not be tolerated.
By integrating faith-based values with strong legal protections and community involvement, Timor-Leste can aim to become a nation where schoolchildren are safe, respected, and free from the threat of sexual violence.
*The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official editorial position of UCA News.