Why Don't Abusers Report Abuse



The recent disciplinary action against a famous Cardinal for abuse of children and his seminarians has generated a lot of discussion. An article written by a Jesuit priest about why priests don't turn in other priests was insightful.

To begin with, we have to remember abuse and not reporting abuse happens in all kinds of institutions. Penn State, for example, was on the front pages for years. There is a current bit case of sexual harassment in Protestant Chicago area mega church.

The link discusses what we have all experienced working for an institution or even being a member of a family. We feel we want that institution to do well. If one is being abused he/she realizes the institution will be harmed if the whistle is blown. Clergy, especially priests, make a big commitment when they go into the group and if it fails their own investment in it fails as well.

Most victims have learned the hard way the abusers are clever people and know how to make others doubt an allegation of abuse. I would guess the major of accusations over time have ended up with the victims being the losers and the abusers go on prospering and abusing.

It's easy to claim someone who was abused 20 years ago did not report it so the time for them to complain has passed. That is not a healthy way to look at abuse. If it turns out many people come forward about 20 year old abuse circumstances change.

Abuse by those who have power over others is a terrible thing no matter the profession. To me, abuse by clergy who make their living preaching against sin make theirs more egregious than most other.

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