3.7: Clergy
- Page ID
- 215436
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Much has been said in the media in recent years regarding the sexual abuse of children perpetrated by clergy of different religious beliefs and denominations. It has been found that these clergy members may have gained unobstructed access and secrecy to their victims because of the societal standard the church leadership brings with it respect and often unquestioned authority. Previously, sexual abuse of children by entrusted clergymen was unthinkable. Different church bodies reacted differently to such situations; many simply transferred the suspected perpetrators to other communities or positions.
While sexual abuse by clergy members is in no way limited to the Catholic church, it is the Roman catholic church which has been especially criticized for this practice; this criticism resulted in the pope hosting a conference of cardinals and other leaders of the church worldwide in February, 2018. The pope stated that the church must do whatever necessary to protect our children.
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The lasting trauma and impact on any child who suffers sexual abuse is life altering; when the abuse has been inflicted by a clergy member, the fall-out may be even worse. Survivors often report losing their faith or any desire for spiritual life after being abused by a clergy member. They may feel that they are being punished, abandoned, or otherwise attacked by anyone affiliated with the church or faith. As an outcome of this abuse becoming recognized by the masses, many churches and other youth-serving organizations now require criminal background checks for anyone who will come in contact with children. The recognition and prevention of child abuse is becoming increasingly a part of adult leader training in education, youth groups, sports teams, churches, and anywhere else where children and adults may work together.
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Sexual Abuse in Child Care
Much like churches, parents used to be unsuspecting of any abuse perpetrated while their child was in the care of professionals in a child or daycare setting. Specific cases of abuse occurring in such childcare settings has been widely reported in recent years, and has led to parents and others being more aware of what happens in their childcare setting. When abuse does occur in a childcare setting, it may involve one offender and one victim, one offender with multiple victims, or multiple offenders with multiple victims. The few cases that have occurred have caused insurance rates to rise significantly; childcare facilities pass this cost on in their fees, making childcare beyond the financial reach of many parents. Well-meaning, un-abusive child care providers often relate to the children in a loving way with hugs, pats on the back at naptime, etc. Some childcare workers are fearful about demonstrating this type of caring touch now, because of fear that it may be misinterpreted by children or parents... this lack of touch can also be detrimental to young children's development. All childcare workers are considered mandated reporters and must undergo training for such.
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The internet is filled with news clips of sexual abuse cases occurring in childcares around the country. These report abusers in childcare centers, day care centers, in-home daycares, of all ages, by all ages... it is a horrible situation whenever a child is abused. Some parents cite this as a reason not to use childcare services but, as we have learned, these abuses can occur anywhere. Parents need to do their due diligence in selecting who will spend time with their children, be present as much as possible, be on the look-out for possible signs of abuse, believe what their children tell them and work for the best possible situations at all times.