Child Sexual Abuse - Where Our Focus Should Be

[ahs]

I just wrote an article with a near-identical title as above (except it is in question form).
I want to share it here because I have seen a few folks on various venues fall into the trap of either trying to defend an defenseless action, or trying to spotlight ONLY the Church at the neglect of the world-wide problem that has yet to be addressed. This article is written in the context of the U.S. People in other countries may find that their situations are better off, or not.

**I once read a comment from a combox in a discussion about clerical abuse that read something very similar to this: “When Catholics are attacked about the sex-abuse scandal, we should only focus on the Church, not other organizations, because it only comes across as ‘making excuses’ or trying to draw the focus off of ourselves. It doesn’t help the cause.”

I could not disagree more. I think we should focus on ALL areas where child sexual abuse is occurring. Anything less would be hypocrisy. We should absolutely hold the Church accountable and keep a watchful eye. But ONLY focusing on the Church will only harm the cause, because we otherwise neglect over 62,000 other victims each year [in the US]…**

(Continue reading here:
Child Sexual Abuse - Where Should Our Focus Be? )

Where should our focus be? Our focus should be anywhere and everywhere…where child abuse is happening.

 

[Dorothy]

Excellent article! Thank you for posting it.

 

[esieffe]

I have read from different sources in the past that the CC child sex crime statistics are roughly the same across all Christian Churches and even in Judaism. Has your research found similar statistics? I would appreciate your comments.

 

[InSearchofGrace]

Priests Commit No More Abuse Than Other Males

newsweek.com/priests-commit-no-more-abuse-other-males-70625

 

[SuperLuigi]

In a lot of cases, it’s painstakingly obvious that the abuse scandal in the Church is used more as a battering ram against Catholicism by those who don’t like the Church (yes, I understand such low-blow tactics are necessary when one’s own personal philosophy lacks the real Truth) than it is for concern of “the children”.

And if the reference is to the American Catholic Church, well, the secular progressives have already been crying wolf over “the children” when it comes to their demands for education funding policy.

And I do believe Hofstra University did a study showing that in similar time frames child sex abuse was far worse in American public schools than in the Catholic Church.

 

[ahs]

I have read from different sources in the past that the CC child sex crime statistics are roughly the same across all Christian Churches and even in Judaism. Has your research found similar statistics? I would appreciate your comments.

I have not looked at stats for that specifically. This article reports that the problem is actually more prevalent in Protestant communities:
foxnews.com/story/2007/06/24/sexual-abuse-minors-in-protestant-churches.html

The bulk of the research I did was for the Church (because it’s the only organization where so much detailed information has been put together), at-home abuse (since that’s where the majority of abuse happens) and public schools (since they at least have been collecting data on it).

Here’s one I wrote back in December which went into FAR more detail linking to all the pertinent sources I used. (Its lengthy.) One of the links no longer works, but the pertinent report will still come up by clicking on the links to the tables within it…so no big deal there.

The Sex-Abuse Crisis: What are Christians Doing About It?

 

[ahs]

And I do believe Hofstra University did a study showing that in similar time frames child sex abuse was far worse in American public schools than in the Catholic Church.

Yes!! American public schools are riddled with sex abuse. That lengthier article I linked to above provides a few sources for exactly that. My mind was blown when I saw some of those stats.

In a news release titled “Sexual Abuse by Educators”, one school system reported that, in a 1991 survey of high school graduates from North Carolina, “17.7% of males and 82.2% of females reported sexual harassment by faculty or staff during their school career and 13.5% of those surveyed said they had engaged in sexual intercourse with a teacher” (Grayson). The article goes on to report an estimated 4.5 million children, nationwide, have been victims of sexual harassment or misconduct by public educators.

A 2004 report by the US Dept. of Education testifies that “nearly 9.6% of [public school] students are targets of educator sexual misconduct sometime during their school career” (Shakeshaft). Dr. Charol Shakeshaft would later go on to state, “[T]hink the Catholic Church has a problem? The physical sexual abuse of students in schools is likely more than 100 times the abuse by priests.”

Links:
psychweb.cisat.jmu.edu/graysojh/pdfs/Volume076.pdf

www2.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/misconductreview/report.pdf

 

[Theo520]

You are raising multiple issues.

If someone is asking specifically about sex abuse by Priests then the response should focus on what the church has done about the problem. Trying to point the finger at other groups is in fact a deflection, a Tu Quoque logical fallacy.

Obviously the church body should be focused on preventing abuse both inside and outside the church. After discussing what has been done within the church, you can follow up with a big AND we are trying to help the broader problem by these actions.

I guess I’m saying the focus should be broad in terms of action, but discussion should not lump church abuse in with the broader problem…

 

[ahs]

You are raising multiple issues.

If someone is asking specifically about sex abuse by Priests then the response should focus on what the church has done about the problem. Trying to point the finger at other groups is in fact a deflection, a Tu Quoque logical fallacy.

Right. I’m not talking about people who only want to discuss what the Church has done to address the issue from within. I’m talking about people who want to either 1) pretend that the abuse is ONLY a Catholic issue or 2) want to actually fight against ALL sexual abuse of children…yet have not looked at all the facts to find out where abuse is happening.

Obviously the church body should be focused on preventing abuse both inside and outside the church. After discussing what has been done within the church, you can follow up with a big AND we are trying to help the broader problem by these actions.

Yes! I agree with you 100%.

I guess I’m saying the focus should be broad in terms of action, but discussion should not lump church abuse in with the broader problem…

Why not? Aren’t we concerned with fighting ALL abuse? Obviously we should not fall into that “tu quoque” fallacy, and not deflect, as you and I agree above. But if the concern is really about fighting abuse, why not address ALL abuse EVERYWHERE? What’s wrong with trying to address sexual abuse where it’s actually happening?

 

[Theo520]

Why not? Aren’t we concerned with fighting ALL abuse? Obviously we should not fall into that “tu quoque” fallacy, and not deflect, as you and I agree above. But if the concern is really about fighting abuse, why not address ALL abuse EVERYWHERE? What’s wrong with trying to address sexual abuse where it’s actually happening?

I think we should hold Priests to a higher standard and overly mixing the two may be construed as a tu quoque response. Plus, the actions taken are different for Priests vs the general population.

 

[ahs]

I think we should hold Priests to a higher standard and overly mixing the two may be construed as a tu quoque response. Plus, the actions taken are different for Priests vs the general population.

I agree with holding the Priest to a higher standard. I also agree that “mixing” may be seen as a “tu quoque”, but only if done in a “oh yeah, well, look at these guys…protestants are just as guilty…” sort of way.

Wouldn’t you agree that, having addressed the scandal in the Church, pointing out what the Church has done and is currently doing [without dodging any bullets and honestly discussing that situation], it would be completely proper to then bring up all the other cases of abuse…if our goal is to stop ALL sexual abuse?
Why is it good enough to only discuss the Church, and then leave it at that, while there are still over 62,000 sexual abuse victims every year who are not otherwise being acknowledged? Should we not want to address ALL sexual abuse while we are on that topic?
Isn’t our “cause” to fight against the sexual abuse of ALL children? Or are we only concerned with protecting the Catholic ones?

 

[Theo520]

I agree with holding the Priest to a higher standard. I also agree that “mixing” may be seen as a “tu quoque”, but only if done in a “oh yeah, well, look at these guys…protestants are just as guilty…” sort of way.

Wouldn’t you agree that, having addressed the scandal in the Church, pointing out what the Church has done and is currently doing [without dodging any bullets and honestly discussing that situation], it would be completely proper to then bring up all the other cases of abuse…if our goal is to stop ALL sexual abuse?
Why is it good enough to only discuss the Church, and then leave it at that, while there are still over 62,000 sexual abuse victims every year who are not otherwise being acknowledged? Should we not want to address ALL sexual abuse while we are on that topic?
Isn’t our “cause” to fight against the sexual abuse of ALL children? Or are we only concerned with protecting the Catholic ones?

What is the church doing about all these other cases of abuse? If they are not showing clear leadership in solving the problem then the church should just zip it. Personally, I haven’t seen anything to brag about in this area.

 

[HelenRose]

What is the church doing about all these other cases of abuse? If they are not showing clear leadership in solving the problem then the church should just zip it. Personally, I haven’t seen anything to brag about in this area.

I am an Religious Education teacher and the training we are required to do for our teaching young people has changed considerably. Rules have come down from the diocese. I don’t know about other dioceses but mine is certainly taking this problem seriously.

 

[HelenRose]

I agree with holding the Priest to a higher standard. I also agree that “mixing” may be seen as a “tu quoque”, but only if done in a “oh yeah, well, look at these guys…protestants are just as guilty…” sort of way.

Wouldn’t you agree that, having addressed the scandal in the Church, pointing out what the Church has done and is currently doing [without dodging any bullets and honestly discussing that situation], it would be completely proper to then bring up all the other cases of abuse…if our goal is to stop ALL sexual abuse?
Why is it good enough to only discuss the Church, and then leave it at that, while there are still over 62,000 sexual abuse victims every year who are not otherwise being acknowledged? Should we not want to address ALL sexual abuse while we are on that topic?
Isn’t our “cause” to fight against the sexual abuse of ALL children? Or are we only concerned with protecting the Catholic ones?

I have heard lay people make these comments but so far I haven’t heart words like this coming from the Vatican or from any priest interviewed on TV (ei EWTN). I certainly have not heard words like this from the priests I have talked to. What priest or statement from the Vatican have you heard say these words?

 

[ahs]

What is the church doing about all these other cases of abuse? If they are not showing clear leadership in solving the problem then the church should just zip it. Personally, I haven’t seen anything to brag about in this area.

Well, by addressing the problem internally, the Church DOES begin to address other abuses. Catholics are ALSO citizens, public school attendees, neighbors, etc. And the Church IS showing clear leadership…but no one wants to follow.
daves-ahumbleservant.blogspot.com/2014/12/the-sex-abuse-crisis-what-are.html

If you don’t care to see other groups take the same action, then you have proven my point that many folks don’t actually care about sexual abuse, they just want a jabbing point against the Church. If they cared, they’d be addressing abuse where it is happening…just like the Church did, and continues to do.

But aside from that, **are you saying the Church is now responsible for addressing everyone else’s sexual abuse problems as well? ** Aside from leading the way and giving the example to follow, what do you want the Church to do? Do you think the Church should start opening up investigations into public schools and in neighborhoods? Are the school systems and the civil authorities exempt from having to address their own problems?
I’m sure the Church would not mind doing that…but I have a hunch there would complaint and backlash at the Church “overreaching” like that. What do you think?

I’ve seen LOTS that the Church has done. I have seen zero from community organizations and other groups, religious or otherwise, except for the fact that some school systems are beginning to look at abuse rates.

**Why is it good enough to only discuss the Church, and then leave it at that, while there are still over 62,000 sexual abuse victims every year **who are not otherwise being acknowledged? **Should we not want to address ALL sexual abuse **while we are on that topic?
Isn’t our “cause” to fight against the sexual abuse of ALL children? Or are we only concerned with protecting the Catholic ones?

(I bolded the questions that expect you to answer.)

 

[ahs]

I have heard lay people make these comments but so far I haven’t heart words like this coming from the Vatican or from any priest interviewed on TV (ei EWTN). I certainly have not heard words like this from the priests I have talked to. What priest or statement from the Vatican have you heard say these words?

Do you mean the “oh yeah…well look at those guys…” type comments? None. That’s my point. The Church is addressing this issue head-on and being responsible and proactive to protect our children. It’s time for others to do the same so that ALL sexual abuse can be stamped out.

 

[Theo520]

What’s clear to me is that you have an agenda.

By all means broadcast the improvements made in the church, and promote them as best practices others can follow to reduce the risk of sexual abuse.

Lead by example, not pointing fingers.

Well, by addressing the problem internally, the Church DOES begin to address other abuses. Catholics are ALSO citizens, public school attendees, neighbors, etc. And the Church IS showing clear leadership…but no one wants to follow.
daves-ahumbleservant.blogspot.com/2014/12/the-sex-abuse-crisis-what-are.html

If you don’t care to see other groups take the same action, then you have proven my point that many folks don’t actually care about sexual abuse, they just want a jabbing point against the Church. If they cared, they’d be addressing abuse where it is happening…just like the Church did, and continues to do.

But aside from that, **are you saying the Church is now responsible for addressing everyone else’s sexual abuse problems as well? ** Aside from leading the way and giving the example to follow, what do you want the Church to do? Do you think the Church should start opening up investigations into public schools and in neighborhoods? Are the school systems and the civil authorities exempt from having to address their own problems?
I’m sure the Church would not mind doing that…but I have a hunch there would complaint and backlash at the Church “overreaching” like that. What do you think?

I’ve seen LOTS that the Church has done. I have seen zero from community organizations and other groups, religious or otherwise, except for the fact that some school systems are beginning to look at abuse rates.

**Why is it good enough to only discuss the Church, and then leave it at that, while there are still over 62,000 sexual abuse victims every year **who are not otherwise being acknowledged? **Should we not want to address ALL sexual abuse **while we are on that topic?
Isn’t our “cause” to fight against the sexual abuse of ALL children? Or are we only concerned with protecting the Catholic ones?

(I bolded the questions that expect you to answer.)

 

[ahs]

What’s clear to me is that you have an agenda.

By all means broadcast the improvements made in the church, and promote them as best practices others can follow to reduce the risk of sexual abuse.

Lead by example, not pointing fingers.

You are absolutely right that I have an agenda…to stop sexual abuse of children. I have a vested interest in protecting children because I have children. I have a vested interest in stopping abuse because I personally know both victims and abusers. My agenda is to address abuse where it is occurring because we can’t stop abuse by not addressing it where it is occurring. I have no qualms about discussing the Church; none about discussing schools ,my neighborhood, my place of employment, my social networks, my local community parks, my family and friends…because I’m actually concerned about our children.

What I DON’T have is an agenda to hide anyone’s problems and fail to protect any of the 62,000 victims each year by closing my eyes and pretending, “hey, the Church took care of it, so we’re all safe now”. No, I’m actually concerned about ALL children, not just the Catholic ones.

 

[ahs]

Here are those questions that stemmed from things you actually said, which you forgot to address, in context:

What is the church doing about all these other cases of abuse? If they are not showing clear leadership in solving the problem then the church should just zip it. Personally, I haven’t seen anything to brag about in this area.

Well, by addressing the problem internally, the Church DOES begin to address other abuses. Catholics are ALSO citizens, public school attendees, neighbors, etc. And the Church IS showing clear leadership…but no one wants to follow.
daves-ahumbleservant.blogspot.com/2014/12/the-sex-abuse-crisis-what-are.html

If you don’t care to see other groups take the same action, then you have proven my point that many folks don’t actually care about sexual abuse, they just want a jabbing point against the Church. If they cared, they’d be addressing abuse where it is happening…just like the Church did, and continues to do.

But aside from that, **are you saying the Church is now responsible for addressing everyone else’s sexual abuse problems as well? ** Aside from leading the way and giving the example to follow, what do you want the Church to do? Do you think the Church should start opening up investigations into public schools and in neighborhoods? Are the school systems and the civil authorities exempt from having to address their own problems?
I’m sure the Church would not mind doing that…but I have a hunch there would complaint and backlash at the Church “overreaching” like that. What do you think?

I’ve seen LOTS that the Church has done. I have seen zero from community organizations and other groups, religious or otherwise, except for the fact that some school systems are beginning to look at abuse rates.

**Why is it good enough to only discuss the Church, and then leave it at that, while there are still over 62,000 sexual abuse victims every year **who are not otherwise being acknowledged? **Should we not want to address ALL sexual abuse **while we are on that topic?
Isn’t our “cause” to fight against the sexual abuse of ALL children? Or are we only concerned with protecting the Catholic ones?

(I bolded the questions that I expect you to answer.)

Because, afterall, the facts matter.

 

[Theo520]

Nothing is stopping you from taking action as a concerned parent, go for it! :clapping:

I just don’t think the Church should be scolding :tsktsk: other organizations for allowing abuse, and I suggested any church focus should on sharing best practices.

You are absolutely right that I have an agenda…to stop sexual abuse of children. I have a vested interest in protecting children because I have children. I have a vested interest in stopping abuse because I personally know both victims and abusers. My agenda is to address abuse where it is occurring because we can’t stop abuse by not addressing it where it is occurring. I have no qualms about discussing the Church; none about discussing schools ,my neighborhood, my place of employment, my social networks, my local community parks, my family and friends…because I’m actually concerned about our children.

What I DON’T have is an agenda to hide anyone’s problems and fail to protect any of the 62,000 victims each year by closing my eyes and pretending, “hey, the Church took care of it, so we’re all safe now”. No, I’m actually concerned about ALL children, not just the Catholic ones.