Spanish clergy sexually abused more than 200,000 children: Report
Spanish clergy sexually abused more than 200,000 children, commission finds Al Jazeera English
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Report: Over 200,000 Minors Sexually Abused by Catholic Clergy in Spain
Report finds 0.6 percent of Spain’s adult population said they were abused by members of clergy when they were children.
More than 200,000 minors are estimated to have been sexually abused in Spain by the Roman Catholic clergy since 1940, according to an independent commission.
Statistics on Sexual Abuse
- A poll of over 8,000 people revealed that 0.6 percent of Spain’s adult population, approximately 234,000 individuals, reported experiencing sexual abuse by members of the clergy during their childhood.
- When abuse by lay members was included, the percentage rose to 1.13 percent, equivalent to more than 400,000 people.
The revelations in Spain are the latest to rock the Roman Catholic Church after a series of sexual abuse scandals around the world, often involving children, over the past 20 years.
Victim Testimonies
- The commission interviewed 487 victims, who highlighted the emotional trauma caused by the abuse.
- Survivors have experienced severe consequences, including suicide and lifelong emotional struggles.
- Teresa Conde, a survivor who was abused for years starting at the age of 14, expressed that she will never fully recover from the abuse.
‘Downplay the Issue’
Unlike in other nations, in Spain – a traditionally Catholic country that has become highly secular – clerical abuse allegations only recently started to gain traction, leading to accusations by survivors of stonewalling.
The report is critical of the response of the Catholic Church, stating that “it has long been characterized by denial and attempts to downplay the issue.” It recommends the creation of a state fund to provide reparations to victims.
Spain’s parliament approved the creation of an independent commission led by the country’s ombudsman in March 2022 to investigate clerical abuse.
The Spanish Catholic Church declined to participate in the probe but cooperated by providing documents on cases of sexual abuse collected by dioceses. It has also initiated its own investigation through a private law firm.
‘Slightly Better Country’
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez described the release of the report as a “milestone” in the country’s democratic history.
Prime Minister Sanchez emphasized the importance of acknowledging and addressing the long-standing issue of clerical abuse, stating that it makes Spain a slightly better country.
Victims’ associations and lawmakers are now called upon to ensure reparations and further actions are taken to prevent future abuse.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| 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 subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status | Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities |
| 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 |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions | Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels | Indicator 16.6.1: Primary government expenditures as a proportion of original approved budget, by sector (or by budget codes or similar) |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Under SDG 5: 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.
- Under SDG 10: Target 10.2 – By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
- Under SDG 16: Target 16.2 – End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
- Under SDG 16: Target 16.6 – Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months.
- Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities.
- Indicator 16.2.3: Proportion of young women and men aged 18-29 years who experienced sexual violence by age 18.
- Indicator 16.6.1: Primary government expenditures as a proportion of original approved budget, by sector (or by budget codes or similar).
4. SDGs, Targets and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| 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 subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status | Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities |
| 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 |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions | Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels | Indicator 16.6.1: Primary government expenditures as a proportion of original approved budget, by sector (or by budget codes or similar) |
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Source: aljazeera.com
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