abuse
The parliamentary committee of inquiry into sexual abuse in the church has itself gone to court over possible acts of sexual violence, which may even be ongoing today. This became apparent on Monday during the discussion of the report of the investigative committee in the plenary Chamber.
The committee was launched after the series Godforgotten on Canvas, in which victims of abuse were given their say. An important part of the investigation committee’s work was therefore listening to victims.
In his explanation of the report, Stefaan Van Hecke (Green) stated that during its work the committee became aware of possible facts of sexual violence that were not yet known to the judiciary. Because the facts may continue to this day, the investigative committee has filed a report with the competent attorney general. This happened after testimony behind closed doors.
In addition, the investigative committee also received allegations of perjury. The relevant reports were submitted to the Attorney General of the Court of Appeal.
The investigative committee also requested and received access to the so-called work covers that the Supreme Judicial Council could not view in its investigation into Operation Kelk. These covers, for example, contain notes and questions between magistrates and the personal notes of magistrates. The covers of the Brussels public prosecutor’s office have already been destroyed, but full access to those of the Attorney General of Brussels and the federal prosecutor were not granted during the investigation.
137 recommendations
The committee unanimously approved 137 recommendations last week. The committee recommends a coordinated approach, with the appointment of a commissioner for sexual misconduct and sexual violence against minors and vulnerable people. She also advocates the continuation of her work after the elections, in order to further investigate the HRJ’s investigation into Operation Kelk.
After discussing the report and recommendation in the plenary Chamber on Monday, the vote by the full parliament will take place on Wednesday. In 2010, the House had already established a special committee on sexual abuse. Of the 66 recommendations – three of which were proposals to the church – according to Van Hecke, 47 were fully implemented (71.2 percent) and 13 partially (19.7 percent). Six were not implemented (9.1 percent).
