The Portuguese Catholic Church has unanimously agreed to provide some form of compensation to victims of sex abuse by clergy, following a four-day general assembly meeting at the Fatima shrine. The decision comes after a 2023 report by the Independent Committee for the Study of Child Abuse in the Catholic Church revealed that more than 4,800 people may have been victims of child sex abuse in the Portuguese Catholic Church, with over 500 alleged victims coming forward. The Bishops Conference will establish a fund with contributions from all Portuguese dioceses to meet the payments to victims, with 20 victims already requesting compensation.
The Bishops’ Conference expressed their solidarity with the suffering of the victims and reiterated their commitment to doing everything in their power to make reparations for the abuse. The Church officials hope that by providing compensation and support to victims, they can contribute to the healing process and to preventing future instances of abuse. The decision to provide compensation marks a significant shift in the Portuguese church’s position, as they had previously stated that they would only pay victims if required to do so by courts. Victims will be required to submit their compensation requests to the independent VITA Group for victims or the Diocesan Commission for the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Adults between June and December, with an evaluation commission determining the amount of compensation each victim will receive.
The Independent Committee for the Study of Child Abuse in the Catholic Church was established by the Portuguese bishops to investigate alleged cases of abuse from 1950 onwards. However, in most cases, the statute of limitations has expired, making it difficult to seek legal recourse. The report highlighted the widespread nature of child sex abuse within the Portuguese Catholic Church, with thousands of potential victims coming forward to share their stories. The Church’s decision to provide compensation to victims is seen as a step towards acknowledging the harm caused by clergy members and taking responsibility for the abuse that occurred.
The announcement of the compensation fund reflects a broader shift within the Catholic Church towards accountability and transparency regarding cases of sexual abuse by clergy. In recent years, the church has faced increased scrutiny and criticism for its handling of abuse cases, leading to calls for greater accountability and support for victims. The decision by the Portuguese Catholic Church to offer compensation to victims of abuse is part of a larger effort to address the long-standing issue of child sex abuse within the Church and to provide support and justice for those who have been harmed.
The establishment of a compensation fund for victims of abuse represents a significant step forward in the healing process for survivors and in holding accountable those responsible for the abuse. By providing financial compensation and support to victims, the Portuguese Catholic Church is taking a significant step towards acknowledging the harm caused by clergy members and working towards preventing future instances of abuse. The process of evaluating compensation requests and providing financial support to victims will be overseen by an independent commission, ensuring transparency and accountability in the distribution of funds.
Overall, the decision by the Portuguese Catholic Church to provide compensation to victims of sex abuse by clergy reflects a growing recognition within the Church of the need to address past abuses and support survivors in their healing process. The establishment of a compensation fund and the commitment to making reparations for the harm caused by clergy members represents a significant step towards accountability and justice for victims of abuse. As the Portuguese Bishops Conference moves forward with the implementation of the compensation fund, victims of abuse within the Church can look towards receiving the support and recognition they deserve for the suffering they have endured.
