AFPEA protest sign by Catholics at the World Youth Days in Lisbon last year
NOS Nieuws•vandaag, 01:10
The Portuguese Catholic Church will pay compensation to victims of sexual abuse. It is not known how much that compensation will be. The church will determine this per victim.
More than a year ago, it came to light that at least 4,815 children have been sexually abused within the church over the past 70 years. The chairman of the investigative committee called this “the tip of the iceberg” last year. More than a hundred priests are said to have been guilty of the abuse. No action was taken, so they could continue their business.
Since Monday, members of the Portuguese bishops’ conference have been meeting in the Basilica of Fatima, in central Portugal. The head of the conference, José Ornelas, said it was “unanimously decided” that the compensation should be provided.
Victims can report in the second half of this year. 21 people have already applied for compensation. A special committee must determine how much compensation someone receives. According to Ornelas, there is no maximum amount and the criteria for determining the amounts are still being examined.
Criticism
Victims who have united in the group Coração Silenciado are critical of the compensation scheme. “People will have to tell their story again and then wait to see whether they get more or less money,” says group co-founder Antonio Grosso.
He also does not think it is right that the initiative should lie with the victims. “The bishops’ conference is taking a passive attitude. We are not beggars.”
2024-04-11 23:10:10
#Compensation #victims #abuse #Portuguese #Catholic #Church
