Diocesan Resources
Safe Environment Training: The Effectiveness of the Catholic Church's Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Programs (2012)
Safe Environment Training: The Effectiveness of the Catholic Church's Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Programs by Kavita Desai, Esq. Staff Attorney and Dawn Lew, Esq., Senior Staff Attorney, Children At Risk Institute, November 2012
Sexual abuse is a crime that leaves a significant scar in the lives of victims, and the consequences can be especially severe when the victim is a child. Abused children may face serious long-term difficulties with psychological and mental health (Mikton & Butchart, 2009). Victims of sexual abuse are often at a higher risk for depression, anger, substance abuse, sexual difficulties, self-destructive behavior, and sexual revictimization (Lalor & McElvaney, 2010). While the exact number of incidents is difficult to measure, it has been well documented that child sexual abuse occurs across a broad spectrum of socioeconomic and ethnic groups (Topping & Barron, 2009). Unfortunately, not even houses of worship are immune from the occurrence of abuse. In 2002, reports on the sexual abuse scandal within the Archdiocese of Boston brought to light a broader crisis facing the Catholic Church in the United States.
In the summer of 2002, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) responded to the sexual abuse problem by issuing the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People (the Charter) which has been revised twice since its inception. In addition to implementing other policies and procedures related to child abuse, Article 12 of the Charter requires that all dioceses and eparchies institute “safe environment training and education for children, youth, parents, ministers, educators, volunteers and others” (USCCB Safe Environment Work Group, 2007, p. 1). These programs seek to prevent child abuse by educating ministers, parents, children, and those who work or volunteer with children. All dioceses and eparchies must implement safe environment programs for both children and adults, but the Charter is silent on the details of the program requirements. Rather, program approval is entrusted to the bishop of the jurisdiction. Consequently, the structure, content, thoroughness, and details of programs in particular dioceses may vary.