Description
This timely and important book focuses on the current crisis within the Catholic Church over the sexual abuse of children by priests and other church personnel and the church hierarchy's failures in addressing the crisis. Seventeen skilled practitioners have contributed their experience in readable and approachable language. The opening chapters deal with the difficult and perplexing issue of child abuse by clergy. These are followed by contributions by an abuser, two victims and a bishop who was responsible for responding to the abuse. There are chapters on how best to respond to abuse, the appropriate treatment of victims and perpetrators and the proper pastoral response to allegations. The final section deals with education and the prevention of child sexual abuse in order to prepare people for ministry and ensure a culture of safeguarding in the Catholic Church. This is essential reading for all priests and church personnel, concerned lay Catholics and professionals involved in victim treatment and perpetrator rehabilitation. Many chapters will also offer useful resources to media professionals.