USCCB Webinar on Resources for Prevention of Sexual Abuse Presented by Sr. Katarina Schuth, O.S.F., Ph.D. St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity University of St. Thomas St. Paul, Minnesota October 6, 2014 1 Main Sources of Data Reports presented to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops by the John Jay College Research Team, The City University of New York* • The Causes and Context of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Catholic Priests in the United States, 1950-2010, March, 2011 • The Nature and Scope of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Catholic Priests and Deacons in the United States, 1950-2002, February 2004 * The two reports are based on data supplied by 97 percent of U.S. archdioceses and dioceses on all clergy accused of sexual abuse of minors 2 Overview of Modules • Modules A through G are intended for several different audiences, with emphasis noted on each module. They include: - Dioceses and Parishes, - Seminary Faculty and Seminary Students • Module J outlines “Promise to Protect – Pledge to Heal,” the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, Essential Norms, and Statement of Episcopal Commitment. It is intended for all audiences. • Modules K through O are intended primarily for dioceses and parishes, with emphasis noted on each module. N.B. There are no modules H and I. 3 Module A: Background and Responses to Sexual Abuse of Minors by Catholic Priests in the United States (Parishes, Dioceses, and Seminaries) A. B. C. D. Causes and Context of Abuse – Methodology Timeframes and Extent of Abuse Development of the Five Principles Ongoing Concerns about Sexual Abuse 4 A. Causes and Context – Methodology, 1 • Analysis of clinical data from the files from three treatment centers, including information about priests who abused minors as well as those being treated for other behavioral problems (individual/psychological analysis) • Analysis of seminary attendance, history and the development of a human formation curriculum, as well as information from seminary leaders (seminary analysis) • Interview and primary data from the 1971 Loyola University study of the psychology of American Catholic priests (baseline study of priests at the peak of the abuse crisis) 5 Methodology, 2 • Surveys of survivors, victim assistance coordinators and clinical files about the onset, persistence and desistance of abuse behavior (victim and situational analysis) • Surveys of bishops, priests and other diocesan leaders about the policies that were put in place after 1985 (leadership analysis) • Surveys of and interviews with inactive priests with allegations of abuse, and a comparison sample of priests in active parish ministry who had not been accused (identity and behavior survey) 6 B. Timeframe and Distribution of Incidences of Abuse Sources: John Jay Studies, (JJC) 1950-2002, & CARA, 2004-2008) 2000 1800 CARA 1600 1400 JJC 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 1954 or 1955-1959 1960-1964 1965-1969 1970-1974 1975-1979 1980-1984 1985-1989 1990-1994 1995-1999 2000-2002 2004-2008 Earlier 7 The Extent of Abuse 16,321 Total credible accusations in which the date of abuse is known through 2013 Although widely believed to be a significant ongoing problem, most abuse occurred between 1960 and 1984 (74.6%); after that year the numbers dropped substantially and remain low 7.4% of abuse took place after 1990 217 New cases reported that occurred from 2004 to the present – 2013 (1.3%) Nevertheless, every case of sexual abuse is a tragedy 8 New Credible Allegations of Sexual Abuse Occurring in the Year of the Report from 2004 to 2013 Allegations Diocesan Priests Religious Priests Total 2013 9 1 10 2012 11 1 12 2011 21 2 23 2010 7 0 7 2009 6 0 2008 10 3 13 2007 4 1 5 2006 14 3 17 2005 9 0 9 2004 19 1 20 (2004-07 = 64) TOTAL 110 12 122* Year 6 (2008-13 = 58) * Besides the annual new cases, 95 others were reported from 2004 and 2013 to equal 217. Source: CARA Annual Survey of Allegations and Costs (by year of occurrence) 9 Total Credible Allegations of Sexual Abuse Reported from 2004 to 2013 Allegations Diocesan Priests Religious Priests Total 2013* 370 94 464 2012 397 74 471 2011 495 99 594 2010 428 77 505 2009 398 115 513 (2008-13 = 2,547) 2008 625 178 803 2007 599 92 691 2006 635 79 714 2005 695 88 783 2004 898 194 1,092 (2004-07= 4,083) TOTAL 5,540 1,090 6,630* Year * Includes all allegations reported for the first time in each year; all except 217 occurred before 2004. Source: CARA Annual Survey of Allegations (by year of occurrence) 10 C. Development of the Five Principles • 1985 – 1995: The issue of sexual abuse is discussed annually at meetings of the bishops; expert presentations given • Leadership from Cardinal Bernardin, Archdiocese of Chicago, importance of lay review boards stressed • Work of the Ad Hoc Committee resulted in publication of Restoring Trust and other changes • Use of treatment continues, with extensive communication with treatment centers (surveys of treatment centers; reports to dioceses on priests referred for treatment provided) • Growing advocacy for victims from organized groups of those who had been abused; included priests who had been abused • Most dioceses had codified the Five Principles by mid-1990s; about 50% had review boards 11 Problems with the Implementation of the Five Principles, 1990 - 2002 • Diocesan leaders in many instances failed to meet with victims directly • Reports from family members did not result in any follow-up from the diocese • Priests were sent for treatment, then returned to service; parishes were not notified of the history of abuse • Communication took place with civil authorities only in the most severe cases of repeated abuse • Diocesan leaders who gave testimony under oath in civil cases denied the substance of the Five Principles • Focus was on outcomes for priests, but lacked recognition of responsibility for harm to victims 12 D. Ongoing Concerns about Sexual Abuse Sexual abuse is a dynamic issue, an ongoing problem; the harm of even one case is not to be underestimated “The problem of sexual abuse has not been fixed” • Potential rise in abuse may be related to pornography, which is a potential predictor of abuse; it is done in privacy and more difficult to identify • Objectification of the person, such as use of children in pornographic materials, is not victimless 13 Module B: Church and Seminary Responses to Sexual Abuse of Minors by Catholic Priests in the United States (Primarily for Seminaries and Also Parts for Parishes and Dioceses) A. Church Directives on Formation for Celibacy and Sexuality in Seminaries B. Phases of Reports and Responses C. Responses to Sexual Abuse by the Bishops’ Conference 14 A. Church Directives on Formation for Celibacy and Sexuality Pope John Paul II’s Pastores dabo vobis, 1992 • Introduced for the first time a section on human formation (#43), insisting that “the whole work of priestly formation would be deprived of its necessary foundation if it lacked a suitable human formation” The Program of Priestly Formation • Guided seminaries on every aspect of preparing future priests and was issued five times by American bishops between 1971 and 2005 15 B. Phases of Reports and Responses • Early reports of a few incidents; clergy sexual abuse considered an anomaly; little response • Still limited reports of incidents; little official response; seminaries developed some programmatic elements on celibacy and sexuality • More reports of clergy sexual misconduct came to light, with some response by bishops, more response by seminaries • Outpouring of reports of clergy sexual abuse resulted in extensive response by both church officials and seminaries 16 C. Responses by the Bishops’ Conference Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People • Developed from work of the Ad Hoc Committee on Sexual Abuse, entitled Restoring Trust, 1994 Reports • “Essential Norms” were approved in 2002 and were published as the second part of what is commonly called “The Charter” or “The Dallas Charter” • “The Charter” was approved by U.S. Bishops in revised form in 2005 • “The Charter” was revised and approved for a second time in 2011 17 Module C: Research Explaining Susceptibility and Possible Causes of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Catholic Priests (For Seminaries, Parishes, and Dioceses) A. B. C. D. Susceptibility and Possible “Causes” of Abuse Behavioral Explanations – Intimacy Deficits Some Controversial Findings in the John Jay Report Some Key Findings of the Report 18 A. Susceptibility and Possible “Causes” of Abuse • Before examining factors that relate to sexual abuse, it is important to note that no single “cause” of sexual abuse of minors in the Catholic Church has been identified as a result of the John Jay research, nor is there a single cause in the general population • However, it is critical to understand, for individual priests who abused minors, many organizational, psychological, and situational factors contributed to their susceptibility to perpetrate abuse 19 Progression of Risk Factors Related to Abuse • Early Factors Victim of sexual abuse as a child or young adult Early sexual experience Low self-esteem and social isolation • Formational Factors Intimacy deficits and lack of healthy emotional relationships Confused sexual identity Theological misunderstandings • Situational Factors Inappropriate relief from stress, such as alcohol abuse Loss of support structures during times of transition 20 B. Behavioral Explanations Clinicians and behavioral theorists observe the following impacts of childhood experience and learned behavior on adult lives • If a youth or child is a victim of sexual abuse by an adult, his capacity for emotional attachment and sexual response as an adult may be impaired • Early sexual experience is thought to have an influence on subsequent sexual behavior • Low self-esteem and social isolation are considered to be associated with child sexual abuse 21 Intimacy Deficits in Priests Accused of Sexual Abuse of Minors • Intimacy deficits are weaknesses or difficulties in developing healthy emotional relationships with others • Intimacy deficits increase susceptibility to deviant sexual behavior, due in part to lack of openness and honesty in relationships with mentors and peers • In cohorts of priests ordained between 1940 and 1960, intimacy deficits were pronounced and sexual abuse of minors was most numerous 22 Other Factors: Stress and Abuse Transition from seminary to parish life may induce high levels of stress in some priests • These situational stressors can lead to higher levels of susceptibility to abuse, and though they do not “cause” abuse, they may serve as “triggers” • These stressors also may lead to reactive behavior to relieve stress, such as high levels of alcohol use, which could in turn act to decrease inhibitions that allow abuse to occur 23 Theological Misunderstanding and Sexual Abuse Priest-abusers managed their identity in relation to acts of abuse by using the image of “sinner-self” • Their understanding of their fallibility (sinfulness) and the possibility of forgiveness in confession mean that, having received the Sacrament of Reconciliation, their relationship with God was restored, without reference to victims • Often related to intense narcissism, only many years after the acts of abuse took place, did they come to understand the impact of their behavior on victims 24 C. Some Controversial Findings in the John Jay Report Celibacy and Sexual Abuse of Minors Homosexuality and Sexual Abuse of Minors Sexual Abuse by Age and Gender Social Influences on Sexual Behavior 25 Celibacy and Sexual Abuse of Minors • Given the continuous requirement of priestly celibacy over a long period of time, it is not clear why the commitment to celibate chastity should be seen as a cause for the steady rise in incidence of sexual abuse between 1950 and 1980 • This view is supported by the statistical observation that the vast majority of incidences of sexual abuse of children are committed by men who are not celibates 26 Homosexuality and Sexual Abuse of Minors • Homosexual orientation alone is not a significant predictor of sexual abuse of minors, a finding consistent with academic research • Sexual abuse by individual priests was often varied – victims included both genders, and adults and youth of various ages • Sexual experience – heterosexual or homosexual – before ordination predicts sexual misconduct after ordination, but with adults – not minors • Those who hold that homosexuality has a greater role in determining susceptibility to sexual abuse of minors maintain that the relatively high proportion of male victims (81%) implies that conclusion 27 Sexual Abuse by Age and Gender Overall gender and age distribution of victims *Gender - Males = 81 percent Females = 19 percent *Based on the Nature and Scope data *Age - Under age 7 = 6 percent 8 to 10 = 16 percent 11 to 14 = 51 percent 15 to 17 = 27 percent Pedophilia is a clinical diagnosis characterized by sexual attraction to prepubescent children Ephebophilia is defined as sexual attraction to pubescent or postpubescent children. Clinical diagnoses categorize the type of sexual abuse according to behaviors and not merely according to age. The percentage of priests who are identified as pedophiles is disputed by those who say that it should be higher than reported in Causes and Contexts. This view differs because of the definition being based only on age, often as high as 14. 28 Social Influences on Sexual Behavior Norms of sexual behavior were changed in the 1960s, for example • The representation of sexuality was contested and the depiction of sexuality became more graphic • Sexual behavior among young people became more open and diverse These and other social changes can be understood as a new “valuation” of the individual person and fostered the exploration and pursuit of individual happiness and satisfaction, sometimes in the form of what we now understand as sexual abuse 29 D. Some Key Findings No single “cause” of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic priests has been identified; however: Priests with intimacy deficits and an absence of close personal relationships before and during seminary were more likely to abuse minors Low self-esteem and social isolation are associated with child sexual abuse Abusive priests created opportunities to be alone with minors and often integrated themselves into the family, then arranged to be alone with a child Organizational, psychological, and situational factors contributed to their susceptibility to abuse 30 Module D: Situational and Organizational Factors Related to Sexual Abuse of Minors by Catholic Priests (For Seminary Students and Faculty, Parishes and Dioceses) A. Settings Where Victims First Met Priests Who Abused Them B. Physical Locations of Abuse C. Circumstances/Timing of Abuse D. Priest’s Primary Duty or Role at Time of Abuse 31 A. Settings Where Victims First Met Priests Who Abused Them Location of First Meeting % Male Victims % Female Victims A. Church/Parish Related 64.8 58.9 B. School/Teacher 15.1 13.6 C. Home of Victim or Relative of Victim 4.9 14.2 D. Other Institutions 7.8 7.3 E. Other 7.1 6.2 99.7 100.2 Total * % Based on Nature and Scope and victim survey of 7,142 boys and 1,762 girls. 32 B. Physical Locations of Abuse Location of Abuse % Male Victims % Female Victims A. Church/Parish Related 65.8 62.7 B. Residences 59.0 47.0 C. Other Locations 30.5 25.4 Note well: Clergy sexual abuse occurs in multiple settings Most frequently it is in church-related locations A wide range of residential contexts are used Other public and private venues also are exploited 33 C. Circumstances/Timing of Abuse Circumstances/Timing % Male Victims % Female Victims A. Church/Parish Related 27.1 27.8 B. Social Event/Other Recreation 42.2 40.8 C. Other 14.4 16.2 83.7 84.8 Total * Categories are not mutually exclusive, as victims may have experienced abuse in more than one location. 34 D. Priest’s Primary Duty or Role at Time of Abuse Duty or Role % Male Victims % Female Victims 77.2 80.2 B. Other Clerical Role 6.7 5.6 C. School/Teaching Role 8.7 5.6 D. Other 7.4 8.6 100.0 100.0 A. Pastoral/Parish Related Total * Based on Nature and Scope victim surveys of 7,864 boys and 1,863 girls. 35 Additional Observations Related to Situational and Organizational Circumstances, 1 To prevent or identify abuse, education of potential victims, potential abusers, and potential “guardians” is essential since abuse can occur when these three factors exist: • • • a person who is motivated to commit the act of abuse a potential victim lack of a “capable guardian” A capable guardian is one who has oversight and awareness of a child’s wellbeing, most often parents 36 Additional Observations Related to Situational and Organizational Circumstances, 2 Precautions to lessen conditions for sexual abuse to occur during meetings with children: • Do not meet alone with a child in a closed room without windows • Have two adults present when meeting a child whenever possible • Have cameras installed in rooms where meetings take place Keep in mind: • An abuser is likely to be considered “a very good person” • Many priests who were accused of sexual abuse were in other ways excellent in carrying out their ministry 37 Module E: Typologies of Child Sexual Abusers (Primarily for Dioceses and Seminary Formation Faculty and Administrators) Typologies of Child Sexual Abusers in General and Clergy Sexual Abusers in Particular A. Fixated Typology B. Regressed Typology C. *FBI Typologies of Situational Offenders D. *FBI Typologies of Preferential Offenders E. Personality Characteristics of Clergy Offenders *For details on FBI Typologies, see complete Module E 38 A. Fixated Offenders: Definition • From adolescence onward, fixated offenders have persistent, continual, and compulsive attraction exclusively to children • They are usually diagnosed with pedophilia, (recurrent, intense, sexually arousing fantasies of at least six months in duration involving prepubescent children), or show characteristics of ephebophilia, which is attraction to adolescents 39 B. Regressed Offenders: Definition • Regressed offenders often begin offending in adulthood • Their offenses are triggered by stressors in the environment, which undermine self-esteem and confidence, and from disordered childhood relationships • They are not necessarily motivated by sexual needs alone Some 90 to 95% of child sexual abusers do not have a diagnosis of pedophilia and fit within a regressed typology 40 Some researchers have concluded that clergy offenders are unique compared to offenders within the general population • One review of literature maintained that clergy offenders displayed shyness, loneliness, and passivity • MMPI scores illustrated the presence of depression, authority concerns, and addiction problems • Rorschach results indicated greater affect constriction than normal • Offending clergy exhibited the presence of overcontrolled hostility more than non-offending clergy 41 Personality Characteristics of Clergy Offenders, 2 One of the specific clergy studies found that offenders came from backgrounds: • Characterized by rigidity and dysfunction with themes of abuse • Had little insight into these areas • Had insufficient training in the issue of transference/counter transference • Had virtually no training or education concerning sexual abuse, domestic violence, addictive disease, or healthy professional boundaries, and • Failed to appreciate how their history of trauma affected their professional life 42 Module F: Understanding the Sexual Victimization of Children (For Seminary Faculty and Students, Parishes and Dioceses) A. B. C. D. Sexual Abuse Victims Onset of Sexual Abuse Grooming Behavior Persistence of Abuse – Excuses, Justifications, and Disavowal E. Desistance from Abuse 43 A. Sexual Abuse Victims Who Were the Minors Abused by Priests? Gender: Male = 81% Female = 19% Age: Under 10 11 to 14 15 to 17 = = = 22% 51% 27% 44 B. Onset of Abuse, 1: Preconditions • The motivation to sexually abuse, for example, emotional congruence, sexual arousal, or blockage to “normal” sexual relationships • The ability to overcome internal inhibitions • The ability to overcome external factors that may prevent the abuse • The ability to overcome the child’s resistance to the abuse 45 Onset of Abuse, 2: Relevant Factors for Priests Priest-abusers were likely to have experienced some of the following: Poor relationships with their parents when they were youths A history of sexual abuse Isolation, loneliness, insecurity, poor social skills, lack of identity Confusion over sexual identity, psychosexual immaturity Alcohol abuse 46 C. Grooming Behavior Grooming is a pre-meditated behavior intended to manipulate a potential victim into complying with sexual abuse • Examples of various tactics or methods used to entice victims: seduction or manipulation building of personal and family relationships providing “benefits” such as drugs, alcohol, or pornography, money, or other gifts, tickets to sporting events, or taking them on trips verbal or physical intimidation 47 D. Persistence of Abuse: Categories Mechanisms used to alleviate feelings of guilt and shame, thus enabling offenders to commit acts of abuse, are called neutralization techniques Three categories: • Excuses for behavior • Justifications for behavior • Deviance disavowal 48 Excuses for Behavior, 1: Denial of Responsibility • Accused priests denied responsibility by making claims that They were “not well” (using or addicted to substances such as alcohol and/or drugs) They were compelled by “sick” or “sinful” impulses • Forces beyond their control allowed them to deny full responsibility for their behavior, similar to legal claims of diminished capacity 49 Excuses for Behavior, 2: Denying the Victim • Accused priests denied the victim his or her status by claiming that the victim participated by being seductive or precocious, or the victim did not fight back or say anything during the abuse • Accused priests blamed the victim or the victim’s family for setting up conditions that allowed abuse to occur by inviting him into their home, engaging him socially, and including him as part of the family 50 Justifications for Behavior, 1 • Accused priests justified their actions by Diminishing the wrongfulness of the behavior Deflecting the harmfulness of the actions Placing the responsibility for the deviance on others, sometimes actually condemning the condemners or criticizing their accusers • Accused priests downplayed what actually occurred or used positive language surrounding the “relationship” between themselves and the victim 51 Justifications, 2: Minimization of Harm Many priest-abusers explained their actions as being part of “a relationship,” “not sex,” or that it “happened only once,” or “occurred long ago” • Viewed the sexual behavior as consensual, not harmful, and any behavior short of intercourse as not wrong because it was not sex • Insinuated that a single incident of sexual behavior was not harmful; only repetitive acts caused harm • Implied that the harm should be forgotten because of the time between the incident(s) and the accusation 52 Justifications, 3: Inadequate Seminary Preparation • Accused priests indicated that had each man been adequately trained to undertake priestly life, they may have been able to make better choices, for example: They may not have chosen to be ordained, but in some way felt pressured They might have been better equipped to adjust to the loneliness and realities of the life of celibate chastity, though no priest said that the vow of celibate chastity was the actual problem 53 Deviance Disavowal: Appealing to a Higher Authority • Accused priests believed that a sin or infraction must first be mended with a higher authority, that is, the authority of God Their particular focus was on relationship with God; through the sacrament of reconciliation the slate would have been wiped clean of sin They may have sought forgiveness also from parishioners and victims, or completed some distinct punishment or treatment and therefore that should be enough to end the process of condemnation However, they failed to recognize any harm to the victim 54 Desistance from Abuse, 1: Why Abuse Stopped Desistance from abuse is affected by both internal and external influences • Some priest-abusers stopped because of internal reasons Feeling guilty about their behavior Having a sense of remorse Feeling shame because of their behavior 55 Desistance from Abuse, 2: Why Abuse Stopped • More commonly, abuse stopped because of external reasons being removed from the parishes and situations in which they could abuse • Others stopped because of a combination of internal and external reasons they earned a disgraceful reputation because of their behavior they were “reformed” after treatment 56 Module G: Prevention, Deterrence, and Treatment of Those Accused of Sexual Abuse (For Parishes and Dioceses as well as Seminary Formation Faculty and Administrators) A. Prevention: Education and Policies B. Deterrence – Oversight and Accountability C. Models of and Changes in Treatment for Sex Offenders D. Recommendations for Policy Changes 57 A. Education - Initial Formation of Seminarians, Ongoing Formation of Priests Having had at least some human formation education was a critical factor in distinguishing between priests with allegations of abuse and those without allegations • • The presence of Human Formation in seminary programs has evolved over the past 40 years; its development was consistent with the decline in sexual abuse incidents Ongoing formation is needed to enhance the integration of priestly identity and the tasks of pastoral ministry; for reasons of excessive workloads, lack of money, or other personal factors, not all priests engage in ongoing formation 58 Policies: Five Ways to Prevent Abuse 1. Increase the effort it takes for priests to commit acts of abuse 2. Increase the risks by making it more likely that those who commit acts of abuse will be identified, and once identified, will have more to lose 3. Reduce the rewards by providing alternate outlets for close bonds with others 4. Reduce provocations by diminishing the factors that may lead priests to abuse, such as stress 5. Remove excuses through education about what types of behavior are and are not appropriate with minors 59 B. Deterrence - Oversight and Accountability, Time and Leadership Changes in response to sexual abuse take time • Such changes can be achieved only through transparency in reporting and dealing with sexual abuse, involving review boards, parishes, and dioceses • Change must come from the leaders of organizations • Transparency/accountability structures must become routine, so that they are institutionalized as part of the ordinary practices and culture of the diocese • International priests, unfamiliar with the American context, must be given special opportunities to participate in cultural learning programs regarding sexual behavior 60 Deterrence - Oversight and Accountability: Steps in Developing Responses Transparency requires that the whole church community be engaged at all levels, including laity and clergy, in order to maintain vigilance in the prevention of the abuse of children Decreased rates of clergy sexual abuse do not mean that less vigilance is acceptable since new forms of abuse, such as internet relationships and pornography, are steadily increasing To prevent sexual abuse, don’t let the guard down 61 Initial Diocesan Response to Sexual Abuse Allegations, 1950-1989 Initial Diocesan Action 1950 – 1979 1980 – 1989 Reprimanded & returned to ministry Referred for evaluation Suspended 34.8 12.4 33.0 6.4 50.7 7.6 Administrative leave Resigned or retired Reinstated 6.0 5.2 3.0 8.9 4.8 1.7 Treatment Other No Action Taken 2.2 5.7 3.7 4.6 6.9 2.4 62 Reassignment and the Understanding of Relapse • When church leaders discovered that priests who had received psychological treatment had subsequently committed new offenses, they began to challenge the premise that psychological treatment could address and change the behavior of priests who had sexually abused minors • There is a clear difference in the abusive behavior of the priests who were sent to specialized sex offender treatment when compared to all priests accused of abuse by the end of 1990 63 D. Recommendations for Policy Changes, 1 The 1992 Policy on Priests and Sexual Abuse of Children stated: [W]hen there is even a hint of such an incident investigate immediately remove the priest whenever the evidence warrants it follow the reporting obligations of the civil law extend pastoral care to the victim and the victim’s family and seek appropriate treatment for the offender 64 Recommendations for Policy Changes, 2 • • A commission of the Archdiocese of Chicago recommended that a priest involved in sexual misconduct with minors not be returned to parish ministry or other ministry with access to minors, although it left open the possibility of other nonparochial work following administrative leave and aftercare Other recommendations included a review board to assist the bishop in the evaluation of cases of abuse, a lay case manager to initiate an immediate process following an accusation, and a 24-hour hotline for victims to report incidents of abuse 65 Discussion Questions (Re Module K) • What reflections do you have about clerical sexual abuse in recent years? • How can the response by those who must be accountable for preventing sexual abuse in parishes be improved? • How can the “The Five Principles” be used in parish settings to help parishioners better understand the guidelines described by the USCCB? • What more needs to be done to ensure continued progress in understanding and acting on the problem of clerical sexual abuse in parish settings? 66 Discussion Questions, 1 (Re Module L) • Taking into account the circumstances and timing that were most common when abuse was perpetrated, what instructions should be given to parishioners, especially parents, and to children about sexual abuse? • What safeguards should be implemented in parish settings to reduce the probability of abuse? • Considering the settings and locations where abuse took place, what precautions should priests and other church leaders take relative to where they meet young people? • What are the major differences between types of sexual offenders? 67 Discussion Questions, 2 (Re Module L) • What risk factors particular to clergy might be observed in potential clergy sex offenders? • What are the essential ingredients of educational programs that can help prevent sexual abuse? • What components of the prevention models are most useful in your situation? • How can oversight be enhanced to prevent further sexual abuse? • To what extent are recommendations on education of young people, parishioners, and church leaders being implemented? 68 Discussion Questions (Re Module M) • What reflections do you have about clerical sexual abuse in recent years? • What are some of the major concerns you have about the implications of sexual abuse at the diocesan level? • What precautions should be taken into account by dioceses when assessing possible “causes” or risk factors involved in sexual abuse? • How can the response by those who must be accountable for preventing sexual abuse be improved? • What situational safeguards and preventive measures might be put in place to help prevent sexual abuse? 69 Discussion Questions, 1 (Re Module N) • Taking into account the circumstances and timing that were most common when abuse was perpetrated, what instructions should be given to those who are or soon will be serving in ministry? • Considering the settings and locations where abuse took place, what precautions should priests and other church leaders take about where they meet young people? • What other safeguards should dioceses put in place to deter abuse in and around parishes? • How can those responsible for the care of children and young people be made more aware of the characteristics of grooming behavior and how to respond when it occurs? 70 Discussion Questions, 2 (Re Module N) • What are the essential ingredients of educational programs that dioceses should have in place to help prevent sexual abuse? • What are some of the relevant factors to be aware of at the onset of abuse? • How do the excuses and justifications for sexual abuse affect the persistence of the behavior? • What are some ways supervisors can more readily detect abuse? Link to USCCB – http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/childand-youth-protection/charter.cfm 71 Discussion Questions (Re Module O) • What components of the prevention models are most useful in your diocesan and parish situations? • What other means of deterrence are possible to prevent further abuse in your diocese? • To what extent are recommendations on education of young people, parishioners, and church leaders being implemented? • Does the progression in treatment of sexual abuse ensure the safety of children and young people as much as it can? • How can oversight be enhanced in your diocese to help prevent further clergy sexual abuse? 72 Module J: “Promise to Protect – Pledge to Heal,” Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, Essential Norms, and Statement of Episcopal Commitment (For All – Seminaries, Parishes and Dioceses) A. Preamble B. To Promote Healing and Reconciliation with Victims/Survivors of Sexual Abuse of Minors C. To Guarantee and Effective Response to Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors D. To ensure the Accountability of Our Procedures E. To Protect the Faithful in the Future F. Conclusion 73 Module K: Background and Responses to Sexual Abuse of Minors by Catholic Priests in the United States (Primarily for Parishes) A. B. C. D. Timeframes of Abuse Development of the Five Principles Church and Seminary Responses Some Key Findings 74 Module L: Situational and Organizational Factors Related to Sexual Abuse of Minors by Catholic Priests (For Parishes) A. Situational Factors: Settings and Circumstances of Sexual Abuse B. Organizational Factors Relating to Abuse C. Typologies of Offenders D. Grooming Behavior E. Five Ways to Prevent Abuse by Implementing Situational Crime Prevention Models 75 Module M: Background and Responses to Sexual Abuse of Minors by Catholic Priests in the United States (Primarily for Dioceses) A. B. C. D. Timeframes of Abuse Sexual Abuse and Civil Authorities Development of the Five Principles Church and Seminary Responses 76 Module N: Understanding Sexual Abuse of Minors by Catholic Priests: Situational Factors; Organizational Factors; Typologies of Abuse; Excuses, Justifications and Desistance from Abuse (Primarily for Dioceses) A. Situational Factors: Settings and Circumstances of Sexual Abuse B. Organizational Factors Relating to Abuse C. Typologies of Abuse D. Excuses for Behavior, Justifications for Behavior, and Desistance from Abuse 77 Module O: Prevention and Deterrence of Sexual Abuse and Treatment of Those Accused of Abuse (Primarily for Dioceses) A. Prevention Policies B. Deterrence – Oversight and Accountability C. Models of and Changes in Treatment for Sex Offenders 78