Clerical sexual predators: impact and aftermath

Viano, E. C. (2007) Clerical sexual predators: impact and aftermath. Rivista di Criminologia, Vittimologia e Sicurezza, I (3). pp. 25-38. ISSN 1971-033X

Preview

PDF articolo_viano_2007-03.pdf Download (101kB)

Abstract

Riassunto Lo scandalo degli abusi commessi da appartenenti al clero nell’ambito della Chiesa Cattolica ha avuto una grande risonanza nell’opinione pubblica, determinando importanti conseguenze per quanto concerne la tutela dei minorenni. Tale problema non è circoscritto alla Chiesa Cattolica. Anche appartenenti al clero, suore e altro personale religioso, cristiano oppure appartenente ad altre confessioni, sono stati accusati e, talvolta condannati, per abusi fisici, psicologici e sessuali sui bambini. Inoltre, una parte rilevante di tali atti sono stati perpetrati sia da altri minorenni che da parte di personale laico, volontari, insegnanti ed ausiliari che lavorano sotto l’egida di organizzazioni religiose. Tale scandalo non riguarda solo gli Stati Uniti. Tuttavia, la trasparenza della società americana, il potere dei mass media ed una solida tradizione di giornalismo investigativo hanno fatto emergere tale problema e l’hanno reso maggiormente visibile rispetto a quanto avviene in altri paesi. E’ certo che tale vicenda continua ad avere grande risonanza nei mass media negli Stati Uniti, in Europa e in altre parti del mondo. Ciò ha sollevato dibattiti, discussioni e riflessioni in diversi ambiti relativamente alle tematiche dello sfruttamento dei minori, producendo effetti complessi, sia positivi che negativi. Résumé Le scandale des abus du clergé dans l'Église Catholique a eu une grande résonance dans l'opinion publique et des conséquences importantes pour ce qui concerne la protéction des enfants. Ce problème n'est pas circonscrit à l'Église Catholique. Clergé, religieuses et autre personnel religieux, chrétien ou appartenant à d'autres confessions, ont été accusés, et parfois condamnés, pour d'abus physiques, psychologiques et sexuels sur enfants. En plus, une nombreuse partie de ces actes ont été perpétrés aussi bien par d'autres enfants que par professionnels laïques, bénévoles, enseignants, auxiliaires qui travaillent sous l'égide d'organisations religieuses. Ce scandale ne concerne pas seulement les Etats-Unis. Toutefois, la transparence de la société américaine et une tradition solide de journalisme d'investigation ont fait émerger ce problème et l'ont rendu plus visible que dans d'autres pays. Ce qui est certain, c'est que cette affaire continue à faire la une des médias aux Etats-Unis, en Europe et dans d'autres pays du monde. Cela a soulevé des débats, des discussions et des réflexions dans différents domaines en ce qui concerne le sujet de l'exploitation des mineurs, en donnant des effets complexes, soit positifs soit négatifs. Abstract The clergy abuse scandal in the Catholic Church has had a major impact on society’s understanding, approach and effort to protect children. It must be stated and stressed from the beginning that child abuse by the clergy is not limited to the Catholic Church. Clergy, nuns and religious personnel from other denominations, Christian or not, have also been accused and at times convicted of child physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Moreover, a substantial amount of abuse has been perpetrated by lay personnel, volunteers, teachers, and auxiliaries working under the aegis of religious organizations and by other children. It must also be stressed that the abuse scandal has not been limited to the United States. The transparency of American society, its powerful media and a strong tradition of investigative journalism have quite simply uncovered it and made it more visible than in other countries. No doubt the story of child sexual abuse by the clergy has been major news in the United States, Europe, and other parts of the world for a considerable amount of time now. It has caused debate, discussion and soul-searching on child exploitation issues in many homes, public gatherings, conferences, legislatures, religious events, and the media. The debate has had complex consequences, both positive and negative.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Child Abuse Catholic Church
Subjects:	300 Scienze sociali
Depositing User:	Prof.ssa Raffaella Sette
Date Deposited:	20 Dec 2007
Last Modified:	20 May 2010 12:01
URI:	http://eprints.bice.rm.cnr.it/id/eprint/468

Actions (login required)

View Item