The Portuguese Catholic Church has agreed to pay compensation to victims of sex abuse by clergy. The country’s Bishops Conference has decided to set up a fund with contributions from all Portuguese dioceses to cover the eventual payments. The church has expressed a commitment to make reparations and hopes that the process will contribute to societal actions against abuse. Church officials have revealed that 20 victims have already asked for compensation, but a report suggests that more than 4,800 people may have been victims of child sex abuse within the Portuguese Catholic Church. The Independent Committee for the Study of Child Abuse in the Catholic Church, set up by Portuguese bishops, has found that over 500 alleged victims have come forward with their stories.
The committee’s report, covering abuse cases from 1950 onwards, highlights the truly endemic nature of historic child sex abuse within the Portuguese Catholic Church. While many of the alleged cases have expired under the statute of limitations, the church is now more open to providing compensation to victims. Previously, it had stated it would only do so if required by courts. Victims are now asked to submit their requests to either the independent VITA Group for victims or the Diocesan Commission for the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Adults from June to December. An evaluation commission will then determine the amount of compensation each victim will receive.
The decision to pay compensation marks a significant shift in the Portuguese Catholic Church’s approach towards addressing historical sex abuse by clergy. By acknowledging the suffering of victims and committing to making reparations, the church hopes to contribute to societal efforts in dealing with such cases of abuse. The establishment of a fund with contributions from all dioceses and the creation of evaluation commissions to determine compensation amounts demonstrate a concrete step towards addressing past wrongs and supporting victims. The church’s willingness to pay compensation, despite previous reluctance, signifies a growing recognition of the need to take responsibility and provide restitution to victims of abuse.
The Portuguese Catholic Church’s decision to compensate victims of sex abuse by clergy is a significant effort towards seeking justice and providing support to those who have suffered. With the establishment of a fund and the involvement of independent groups in evaluating compensation requests, the church is taking proactive steps to address historical instances of abuse within its ranks. While the number of alleged victims is high, the church’s commitment to making reparations and supporting victims is a positive development that could potentially contribute to wider societal actions in preventing and addressing cases of abuse. The shift in the church’s position on compensation demonstrates a greater willingness to take responsibility and provide restitution to victims, signaling a recognition of the need for accountability and support for those affected.
Moving forward, the Portuguese Catholic Church’s efforts to compensate victims of sex abuse by clergy will likely have a lasting impact on how similar cases are addressed within the church and society at large. By setting up a fund and opening the process for victims to request compensation, the church is creating a framework for acknowledging past wrongs and seeking to make amends. The involvement of independent groups in evaluating compensation requests is also a positive step towards ensuring transparency and fairness in the process. Ultimately, the church’s decision to pay compensation to victims of historical sex abuse reflects a commitment to justice, reparations, and supporting those who have suffered, marking a significant shift towards accountability and restitution within the Portuguese Catholic Church.
