USCCB: Nearly 1,000 Abuse Allegations Last Year—UPDATED

Details:

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops released their eleventh annual report on the progress of implementing the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People as part of the effort to increase transparency with regards to sexual abuse. The 2013 audit was carried out by StoneBridge Business Partners, which collected data from 127 dioceses/eparchies between July 1, 2012, to June 30, 2013.

Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, USCCB president, wrote:

The healing of victims/survivors of abuse remains our first priority. We join Pope Francis in his desire that the response of the Church be pastoral and immediate. This year’s report reflects our pledge to address the sexual abuse of minors through comprehensive efforts to reach out to victims with care and compassion, a commitment to report all abuse to the authorities, accountability for those who have committed acts of abuse, and strong efforts in education and prevention.

This report is part of a pledge we have made to remain accountable and vigilant. Behind the data contained in the report are men and women, adults and children, in need of our prayers and support. As we continue to create a climate of safety for all minors entrusted to the Church’s pastoral care, our three-fold pledge guides us: to help victims heal; to educate about and prevent abuse; and to hold accountable those who have harmed children. These remain essential priorities for our Church.

Takeaways from the report:

936 Allegations Of Sexual Abuse Were Made Last Year
Between July 1, 2012, and June 30, 2013, 857 people came forward in 191 Catholic dioceses and eparchies to make 936 allegations of sexual abuse.

Twenty-Seven Allegations Of Sexual Abuse Have Been Substantiated

As of June 30, 2013, 136 allegations were considered substantiated, which means that enough evidence was found to prove that abuse occurred.

730 Clerics Were Accused Of Abuse During The 2013 Audit Period
538 of those accused were priests, of which 382 were diocesan priests, 110 belonged to a religious order, and forty-six had been incardinated elsewhere. Eleven deacons were accused, and 175 accused were of an unknown clerical status.