Spanish clergy sexually abused more than 200,000 children, inquiry estimates

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Child Sexual Abuse by the Roman Catholic Clergy in Spain

Introduction

A recent independent commission report reveals that more than 200,000 children have been sexually abused by the Roman Catholic clergy in Spain since 1940. This article highlights the significance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in addressing this issue.

Extent of Abuse

1. The report indicates that approximately 0.6% of the surveyed adults, equivalent to about 200,000 individuals, reported being sexually abused by members of the clergy during their childhood.
2. When including abuse by lay members of the church, the proportion increased to 1.13%, representing more than 400,000 people.

SDGs and Child Sexual Abuse

• The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a framework for addressing various global challenges, including child sexual abuse.
• Goal 16 of the SDGs focuses on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
• The report highlights the critical role of the SDGs in addressing child sexual abuse by calling for the creation of a state fund to pay reparations to victims.

Response of the Roman Catholic Church

• The report criticizes the attitude of the Roman Catholic church, describing its response to cases of child abuse involving the clergy as “insufficient”.
• The Spanish bishops conference has called an extraordinary meeting to discuss the findings of the report.
• Spain’s Catholic church declined to participate in the independent investigation but provided documents on cases of sexual abuse collected by dioceses.

International Context

• The Roman Catholic church has faced sexual abuse scandals worldwide, affecting its moral authority and membership.
• Similar cases of child sexual abuse by clergy have been reported in countries like France, Germany, Ireland, Chile, and Australia.
• These incidents highlight the need for global efforts, guided by the SDGs, to address and prevent child sexual abuse.

Conclusion

The prevalence of child sexual abuse by the Roman Catholic clergy in Spain underscores the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in addressing this issue. It is crucial to establish effective mechanisms for justice, reparations, and prevention to ensure the well-being and protection of children.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children
   • Indicator 16.2.3: Proportion of young women and men aged 18-29 years who experienced sexual violence by age 18

2. SDG 5: Gender Equality

   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation
   • Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months

The article highlights the issue of sexual abuse by the Roman Catholic clergy in Spain. This issue is connected to SDG 16, which aims to promote peace, justice, and strong institutions. Target 16.2 specifically focuses on ending abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children. The article mentions that more than 200,000 children are estimated to have been sexually abused by the clergy since 1940 in Spain. This figure indicates the prevalence of child sexual abuse within the Catholic Church, which aligns with the target of ending such abuse.

Additionally, SDG 5, which focuses on gender equality, is relevant to the issue discussed in the article. Target 5.2 aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls, including sexual exploitation. The article mentions that the abuse allegations involve both male and female victims, highlighting the need to address violence against all genders.

The article does not explicitly mention any specific indicators related to the identified targets. However, Indicator 16.2.3, which measures the proportion of young women and men aged 18-29 years who experienced sexual violence by age 18, can be used to measure progress towards Target 16.2. Similarly, Indicator 5.2.1, which measures the proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months, can be used to measure progress towards Target 5.2.

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Source: theguardian.com

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