European Salon de News, Discussion et Klatsch - 22 March | 84 comments (84 topical, editorial, 0 hidden)

The allegations seem to be mainly valid.

What the victims have been doing (in some cases for many decades) all the time? Why they did not contact the police and kept silence?

Because they were kids? In the more-or-less total power of the representatives of the sort of god who sent you to hell for calling the cops? Because of all the normal factors that keep victims of sexual abuse quiet: abuse of power, social pressure, shame, blame-the-victim bullshit, people asking why they didn't do something at the time and casting doubt on their stories without even doing any checking.

by Colman (colman at eurotrib.com) on Mon Mar 22nd, 2010 at 07:23:59 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Europe (none / 1)

That's like asking why people don't report instances of abuse within the family. There are power and emotional dependence relationships involved, not to speak of the feelings of shame, guilt and the fear that victims will be blamed bo outsiders.

The brainless should not be in banking -- Willem Buiter

by Carrie (migeru at eurotrib dot com) on Mon Mar 22nd, 2010 at 07:29:44 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Europe (none / 1)

Also check Frank's diary: It's ok not to report crimes if you're a priest.

Even if, in other countries, the Catholic Church didn't hold such a strong grip on moral and secular power, it is still very, very difficult for young victims to turn against such an authority figure and powerful institution.

What the victims have been doing (in some cases for many decades) all the time? Why they did not contact the police and kept silence?

Victims and their families were repeatedly pressured, if not outright threatened with excommunication, if they dared move forward with pressing charges.

by Bernard (bernard) on Mon Mar 22nd, 2010 at 08:46:02 AM EST
[ Parent ]

European Salon de News, Discussion et Klatsch - 22 March | 84 comments (84 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)

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