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Catholic Church’s $5 billion expenditure on sexual abuse allegations over two, study decades

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Surveys have revealed a staggering 16,276 credible allegations of sexual abuse of minors involving priests, deacons, or religious brothers. This alarming figure underscores the pervasive and deeply troubling nature of the abuse crisis within the Catholic Church. The data, collected meticulously over 20 years, paints a grim picture of the extent of the violations and the enduring impact on countless victims.

Over the past two decades, Catholic dioceses, eparchies, and men’s religious communities have spent more than $5 billion addressing allegations of sexual abuse of minors, as revealed in a recent report by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University. Released on January 15, the report highlights the financial burden borne by the Church and underscores ongoing efforts to achieve transparency and accountability.

Between 2004 and 2023, approximately three-fourths of the reported $5.025 billion was allocated to compensating abuse victims. Seventeen percent of the funds were used for attorneys’ fees, 6% supported alleged abusers, and the remaining 2% covered other related costs. Notably, insurance companies accounted for only 16% of the total expenditure.

The CARA report compiles data from 20 annual surveys sent to dioceses and eparchies within the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, excluding certain U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and American Samoa. Surveys were also sent to U.S. religious communities affiliated with the Conference of Major Superiors of Men. The report acknowledges that some alleged perpetrators were assigned outside the U.S. The USCCB initiated the survey in 2004.

Jonathon Wiggins, a lead researcher on the report, emphasized the Catholic Church’s commitment to transparency, stating that the report is unprecedented for any non-governmental organization. Although there may be some overlap with the 2004 John Jay College of Criminal Justice study on sexual abuse in the Church, this report utilizes a different methodology.

Over the 20-year period, respondents reported 16,276 credible allegations of sexual abuse of minors by priests, deacons, or religious brothers. These allegations constitute slightly less than two-thirds (65%) of the total allegations received. Despite the surveys being conducted in the 2000s, most credible allegations pertain to abuse that occurred before 1980, with 92% dating back before 1989. In contrast, 542 credible allegations were for abuse incidents that began after 2000. The report defines credible allegations as those bearing the “semblance of truth” and sufficiently substantiated to be forwarded to the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.

The demographics of the credible allegations reveal that 80% of the victims were male, and 20% were female. More than half of the victims were between the ages of 10 and 14, while 24% were aged 15 to 17, and 20% were 9 years old or younger.

The financial repercussions of the abuse crisis have compelled dioceses across the country to sell properties, including diocesan headquarters, seminaries, schools, and churches. For instance, in the Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York, every parish had to contribute amounts ranging from five figures to over $1 million towards a bankruptcy settlement.

In addition to tracking expenses related to abuse allegations, the report also details nearly $728 million spent on abuse prevention efforts. This includes salaries for safe environment coordinators and victim assistance coordinators, administrative expenses, training programs, and background checks. The report notes that abuse prevention expenses have surged over time, with an 80% increase in spending from 2014 to 2023 compared to the previous decade.

The financial toll of the abuse crisis has significantly impacted the Catholic Church in the United States. Marie T. Reilly, a professor at Pennsylvania State University Law School, has documented 40 Catholic dioceses and religious organizations seeking bankruptcy protection, many citing the costs of settling abuse claims as a driving factor.

The profound financial challenges have led to extensive property sales and restructuring within the Church. In the Diocese of Rockville Centre alone, the financial burden required every parish to make substantial contributions toward a bankruptcy settlement. The Church’s commitment to addressing past abuses while implementing preventative measures reflects an ongoing effort to rebuild trust and integrity within the Catholic community.

source:https://www.ncronline.org/news/more-5-billion-spent-catholic-sexual-abuse-allegations-new-report-finds

 

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