Report on Child Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Providence – Rhode Island Attorney General (.gov)

Report on Child Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Providence: A Sustainable Development Goals Perspective

Content Warning and Support Resources

Content Warning: This report contains detailed descriptions of allegations of sexual abuse and other sexual misconduct against children. In alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, the Office of the Attorney General and the Rhode Island State Police urge victims and any persons with information regarding possible child sexual abuse or related crimes to contact the State Police Special Victims Unit’s dedicated clergy abuse hotline at 401-764-0142.

Background and Context

The history of child sexual abuse within the Catholic Church is a grave issue that spans generations and affects communities worldwide. Rhode Island, despite its small size, has one of the highest per capita Catholic populations in the United States, with over 39% of residents identifying as Catholic. Victims of clergy sexual abuse come from diverse communities, ethnic groups, and socioeconomic backgrounds, reflecting the broad societal impact of this trauma.

Recognizing the importance of SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, this report aims to provide transparency and truth to generations of victims, their families, and communities affected by these abuses.

Accessing the Report

This webpage serves as a resource for understanding the comprehensive report, including links to download the full report, appendices, and media resources. Key topics from the report are highlighted for public awareness and education, supporting SDG 4: Quality Education.

Download the Report

Explore the Report

Investigation Overview

The investigation, initiated in July 2019, reviewed over 250,000 pages of documents from the Diocese dating back to 1950. This extensive examination supports SDG 16 by promoting accountability and justice.

Recommendations for Change

Lasting change requires collective commitment from the Catholic Church, government, and public to acknowledge past failures and implement bold corrective actions. These efforts align with SDG 16 and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals to foster strong institutions and collaborative solutions.

Victim Support and Resources

In support of SDG 3, the Office of the Attorney General and Rhode Island State Police provide resources and encourage victims or witnesses to contact the clergy abuse hotline at 401-764-0142. Additional victim resources are available to assist in healing and justice.

Credibly Accused Clergy

Appendix A summarizes 72 clergy members credibly accused of child sexual misconduct in the Diocese of Providence. This transparency supports SDG 16 by promoting justice and institutional integrity.

By the Numbers

The report presents detailed statistics and data that illustrate the scope and impact of abuse within the Diocese, reinforcing the need for continued efforts toward SDG 16 and SDG 3.

Conclusion

This report underscores the critical importance of addressing child sexual abuse through transparent investigation, victim support, and systemic reform. Emphasizing the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3, SDG 4, SDG 10, SDG 16, and SDG 17, the collective actions of institutions, government, and communities are essential to foster justice, healing, and prevention of future abuses.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article addresses the mental and physical well-being of children affected by sexual abuse.
   • Focus on trauma and its impacts on victims aligns with promoting health and well-being.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Issues of sexual abuse and misconduct relate to protecting children, including girls, from violence and exploitation.
   • Calls for accountability and corrective action support gender equality and protection from abuse.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The investigation by the Attorney General and Rhode Island State Police highlights the pursuit of justice.
   • Emphasis on transparency, accountability, and protection of children aligns with building strong institutions.

2. Specific Targets Under Identified SDGs

1. SDG 3 – Target 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases and promote mental health and well-being.
   • Addressing trauma from sexual abuse supports mental health and well-being.
2. SDG 5 – Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls in public and private spheres.
   • Focus on preventing child sexual abuse and ensuring justice for victims.
3. SDG 16 – Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Investigation and legal actions against perpetrators reflect this target.
4. SDG 16 – Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions.
   • Recommendations for corrective actions and transparency in the Church and government institutions.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. Indicator for SDG 3.4: Suicide mortality rate; prevalence of mental health disorders.
   • Though not explicitly mentioned, the trauma and mental health impacts of abuse victims imply the use of mental health indicators.
2. Indicator for SDG 5.2: Proportion of women and girls subjected to sexual violence by age group.
   • The report’s documentation of 72 clergy credibly accused and the number of victims can be used to measure prevalence.
3. Indicators for SDG 16.3 and 16.6:
   • Number of investigations conducted and prosecutions made related to child sexual abuse.
   • Existence and use of dedicated hotlines and victim support resources.
   • Transparency measures such as publication of reports and summaries of accused clergy.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: riag.ri.gov