Sir, – It is very disappointing that the summary of the findings of the Vatican visitation failed to recommend how pastoral care should be offered to victims of clerical abuse (Front page and Home News, March 21st). The assertion that; “much attention and care has been shown to the victims, both in terms of spiritual and psychological assistance and also from a legal and financial standpoint”, is patently untrue.
Many victims still find that there is little real understanding by the church and its leaders of the lifelong effects and trauma of their experience of clergy sexual abuse. Victims are offered short-term counselling, short-term support that saves the finances of the church, but does not repair the harm done. Compensation packages are still fought vigorously by church lawyers and there is evidence that there is a hardening of response to victims.
The Vatican’s sole recommendation is that “the Irish diocesan authorities and those of the religious institutes continue to devote much time listening to and receiving victims, providing support for them and their families.” There is no analysis of what “support” encompasses.
The failure of the visitation document to give priority to the victims means that again, those who have been grossly harmed by clergy sexual abuse are offered a “support” service that is not defined or clearly stated.
This results in a real “cop-out’, where the offering of a service that is meaningful, just and expansive is not achieved. – Yours, etc,