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COMMENTARY
Survivor Support: Setting the Record Straight
VOTF president Jim Post
VOTF Supports Anonymity Protection for Survivors
Sexual abuse is difficult for survivors to talk about. As the recent example
of Bishop Thomas Gumbleton illustrates, it can take decades before a survivor
of sexual abuse is ready to publicly discuss his or her experience. This reality
impacts when allegations are filed and how they are received by officials.
The psychological barriers associated with public disclosure can be overcome,
in part, by making the process safe for victims. Sadly, the Catholic Church
does not have a good record on this matter and has too often made it difficult
for those who wish to file claims. As the National Review Board’s Robert
Bennett said, too often the church has “re-victimized” those who
file allegations with church authorities.
One important safeguard for survivors who wish to file their allegations with
authorities is the protection of their anonymity. Attorneys, social workers,
and survivors themselves confirm that anonymity is a crucial protection.
It was recently reported that VOTF was sympathetic to elimination of anonymity.
This is untrue. To my knowledge, no VOTF affiliate group, officer, or decision
making body, has ever urged the abandonment of this important protection.
Moreover, I would personally try to convince them of the need for, and wisdom
of, this protection.
To summarize,
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Voice of the Faithful does not support eliminating the anonymity protection
of those who file allegations.
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Voice of the Faithful has consistently urged the Catholic Church
to create a system that respects the privacy and confidentiality of
those who file
allegations.
We have publicly urged church officials to eliminate the re-victimization
about which Robert Bennett and the National Review Board expressed
concern.
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Church officials have an obligation to investigate the veracity
of all claims. In that process, the rights of the defendant should
be protected.
Historically, however, the system has been skewed toward protecting
priests by devaluing or ignoring the testimony of victim/survivors.
Church officials
have an obligation to protect both parties, not only one. Their goal
should be to ascertain the truth.
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Experience suggests that there are few false allegations.
Diocesan attorneys, as well as those who represent survivors, suggest that
less than 5% of all
allegations are false; many say that only 1 or 2% are false.
Voice of the Faithful supports survivors of clergy sexual abuse. Today, when
there are many proposals to create or amend legislation, the protection of
anonymity remains one of the fundamental steps every diocese and jurisdiction
should take to ensure a safe environment for those who seek justice within
the Church.
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