AUSTRALIA
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Royal commission hears how Jehovah’s Witnesses covered up child sex abuse dating back to 1950s
CANDACE Conti was just 9-years-old when she was shunned by her family and everyone she knew after she was sexually assaulted.
A member of the Jehovah’s Witness church, Ms Conti was a victim not only of her abuser, but of a system that covered up abuse, by enforcing a “two witness” rule, meaning any child who couldn’t verify their story by another witness was punished for their claim.
Ms Conti, now an adult, has spoken out about her experience. She says the cruel rule enforced by the church has helped keep a history of child sexual abuse covered up.
“They have a ‘two witness’ rule,” the American told The Guardian earlier this year.
“Anyone who accuses an adult of abuse must have a second witness.
“If there is no second witness, the accuser is punished for a false accusation — usually by ordering that no witness may talk with or associate with the “false” accuser.
“This is called dis-fellowshipping. For a kid raised only with other Witnesses, it was horrifying.
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