Overview Estimates of Child Sexual Abuse

S INTERNATIONAL, 63 (4-A), 1253 . Participants were divided into three groups : Abused by priest (N = 48), no abuse (N = 76), and childhood sexual abuse history (N = 20) . Each subject completed a background data questionnaire, religiosity index, spiritual' injury scale, and trauma symptoms checklist. The abused by priest group scored higher than the group who experienced no abuse on guilt, dissociation, sexual abuse trauma index, and the trauma symptoms checklist . There were no difference between the two concerning Church attendance, but those abused by priests were more likely to no longer identify themselves as Roman Catholic. When compared to both groups those abused by priests had higher symptoms of grief, anger, a sense of meaninglessness, feelings that God treated them unfairly, dissociation, depression, sexual problems, sleep disturbances, higher scores on the sexual abuse trauma index, and higher scores on the trauma symptom checklist . Cardock, C. & Gardner, J.R. (1990). Psychological intervention for parishes following accusations of child sexual abuse . In S .J. Rossetti (Ed.) . Slayer of the soul: Child sexual abuse and the Catholic Church (pp . 123-142) . Mystic, CT: Twenty-Third Publications . The authors of this chapter described the impact child sexual abuse has on the religious community . "Target populations," which are comprised of the victim, victim's family, perpetrator, other children and their families, and the parish itself are affected by the abuse either directly or indirectly as rumors and media attention swell . The parish's resources must be utilized in order to address the specific needs of each group who may be experiencing 28 1 anger, confusion, and disillusionment. The emotional reaction of adults varied as certain basic assumptions about the Church and clergy are shattered by the revelation of abuse . These emotions may also spark a religious crisis where the parishioner experiences a sense of betrayal and loss of trust in Church and God . These emotions and thoughts are compounded by problems presented by the legal system, which may make the victim feel uncomfortable and re-victimized . The psychological reaction of child victims varies as the offender has created a unique relationship with the child. Psychological reactions may include denial, anxiety, anger, guilt, concerns about sexuality, and confusion. The authors presented three general principles for Church intervention that include the suggestion that the Church reach out as opposed to retreat from the parish community, that forums be established in which parishioners can express themselves and gain information, and that the Church uses its network with other professions to gain the support as needed . In assisting adults, it is important that the helpers validate the reactions the individual is feeling as well as provides information and education about the situation . Some individuals may want to pray about the situation and making the effort to return to a sense of normalcy as quickly as possible is also therapeutic . In helping children, helpers and the family are urged to create a safe and stable environment. It is also recommended that the parents first raise the issue of abuse with the child as opposed to a stranger. In doing this, it is important that the parents speak honestly and not avoid the topic . DE FUENTES, N. (1999). HEAR OUR CRIES : VICTIMSURVIVORS OF CLERGY SEXUAL MISCONDUCT. IN T. G . PLANTE (ED.) . BLESS ME FATHER FOR I HAVE SINNED : PERSPECTIVES ON SEXUAL ABUSE COMMITTED BY ROMAN CATHOLIC PRIESTS (PP. 135-167) . WESTPORT, CT: PRAEGER PUBLISHERS . The purpose of this chapter was to provide Church officials with an overview of the issues concerning victims of clergy sexual misconduct . Discussions concerning the various definitions of misconduct, prevalence, and dynamics are included . Risk factors that may play a role in rendering an individual susceptible to clergy sexual abuse include age, gender, history of abuse, access/availability, substance abuse, over idealization of the cleric/Church, clinical and character disorders, ethnic, racial, and cultural influences, illness and physical disability, and lack of training concerning the dynamics of clergy sexual misconduct . The author urged that each Church have a multi-disciplinary Sexual Abuse Advisory Board, which will respond to allegations and provide victim support . EATER, K. & MULLANEY, J. (2000) . THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF ADULT MALE SURVIVORS WHO ALLEGE CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE BY CLERGY. ISSUES IN MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, 21, 281-295 . This article reported the results of a phenomenological study of seven adult male survivors of childhood sexual abuse by clergy. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews that revealed that the survivors experienced a bifurcated rage (self directed and outwardly directed) and spiritual distress . This rage was found to be present in every aspect of their lives . Participants were solicited through survivor programs and ranged in age from 28-48. One Catholic priest abused four of the participants, another Catholic priest abused two other participants, and an Episcopalian priest abused one . Some of the participants removed themselves from the Church as a result of the rage they felt while others continued their involvement . HOPKINS, N.M. (1991) . CONGREGATIONAL INTERVENTION WHEN THE PASTOR HAS COMMITTED SEXUAL MISCONDUCT. PASTORAL PSYCHOLOGY, 39 (4), 247-255 . This article discussed the impact of sexual misconduct on the parish and the need for intervention . The author posits that since the congregation reacts with feelings of denial and anger, Church officials may avoid providing assistance . The cleric's behavior impacts not only the individuals directly involved, but the entire congregation . The author discussed the psychoanalytical concepts of projection and transference as causes, which facilitate denial. The pastor is looked upon as the embodiment of spirituality and when they lapse in their behavior it shatters the congregation's image . Anger is discussed in terms of displacement, repression, and exploding. The author recommended that the leaders of the intervention pay attention to the 282 following points : that the intervention be comprised of two individuals, small group work should be utilized, denial must be handled with sensitivity, feelings of anger should be validated, dependency of the congregation will have to be addressed as well as the issues of transference, projection, and the embodiment of the divine . The intervention will also have to focus on teachings about sexuality and victimization. LUEPKER, E.T. (1999) . EFFECTS OF PRACTITIONERS' SEXUAL MISCONDUCT: A FOLLOW-UP STUDY. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PSYCHIATRY & THE LAw, 27 (1), 51-63 . The author surveyed 107 women who had been victims of clergy or professional sexual misconduct in order to assess their situations before and after the misconduct . Through the Impact of Event Scale and Vinson's Scale, symptoms of posttraumatic stress were measured. Post-misconduct status was characterized by an increase in post traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorders, suicidiality, use of prescription drugs, concern over substance abuse, disrupted relationships, and disruptions in work or earning potential. Eighteen percent of the women had been re-victimized by a different professional . They also reported that they contacted an average of 2 .36 professionals before finding one, which provided adequate assistance . Once engaged in therapy at least 100 hours were devoted to the therapeutic alliance. The author contends that the victims were more satisfied with the steps taken by a professional review boards than the Church . In conclusion, these victims required intense therapy but are at risk of enduring re-victimization and must be handled with care . MCLAUGHLIN, B.R. (1994) . DEVASTATED SPIRITUALITY: THE IMPACT OF CLERGY SEXUAL ABUSE ON THE SURVIVOR'S RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND THE CHURCH. SEXUAL ADDICTION & COMPULSIVITY, 1 (2), 145158 . This study examined the impact of sexual abuse on the victims' Church attendance, participation, and relationship with God. An original 15-item scale was constructed in order to gauge spirituality. Forty-three usable surveys were analyzed from a sample comprised of 35 Catholics (26 of which were survivors and nine were co-victims) and eight Protestants . Results illustrated that spiritual development and sense of spiritual self at the time of the victimization determined their method of coping with the trauma. It was found that those abused by the clergy distanced themselves from the Church in order to avoid being victimized again . While it was clearly proven that clergy sexual abuse affected Church attendance and participation, the results are not as clear pertaining to its effect on the victim's relationship with God. MYER HOPKINS, N . (1999) . THE USE AND LIMITATIONS OF VARIOUS MODELS FOR UNDERSTANDING CLERGY SEXUAL MISCONDUCT: THE IMPACT ON THE CONGREGATION. JOURNAL OF SEX EDUCATION AND THERAPY, 24 (4), 268-276 . The uses and limitations of the systems model, psychoanalytic model, and the conflict resolution/mediation model in responding to clergy sexual abuse are discussed . The systems model assumes that everything is connected and that an intervention can impact the entire institution . Some strategies that characterized this model included exploring a congregation's history, working intensively with clergy who are asked to carry the burden for the congregation, carefully challenging the tendency for the congregation to keep secrets, and looking for larger ways to open up a system. This model was limited by the assumption that one individual can effect another and create a cycle of mutually reinforcing behaviors . One strength of this system model is that it draws attention to the fact that the system is comprised of individuals who do not share the same level of power. In combating this problem it is recommended that educational sources be utilized as well as small discussion groups where parishioners can discuss topics such as gender, sexual harassment, and race . The psychoanalytic model explains misconduct as resulting from transference and projection . This model is characterized by strategies in which education is provided about psychoanalytical concepts in order for individuals to understand these unconscious processes . These strategies also seek to provide minimal information pertaining to the diagnosis of the individual in question in order to maintain confidentiality. The limitation of this model is that it places the focus upon the individual and not the 28 3 system. In order to assist people in recognizing the complexities of the situation, the author recommended that you encourage people to see things "in shades of gray," ask them to talk about their experiences in the ministry, and encourage them to embrace ambiguity. The conflict resolution/mediation model is utilized when a conflict arises between those loyal to the accused cleric and those who sympathize with the victim. The author contends that mediation should not even be attempted until a full investigation of all of the facts has taken place . Some of the strategies utilized in this model include group discussion and work, which is aimed at the entire community. It is also important to manage those who may become abusive towards others in the community, provide guidelines for people . engaging in conflict resolution, suggest the involvement of a third party to help mediate the situation, and assist the congregation in examining their vision statements . The limitation of this model is that it is only useful once all of the pain associated with the situation is addressed . The author recommends that individuals not rely solely upon one of these systems and that an integration of all three may prove beneficial. The issues of damaged spirituality and ethical/moral considerations are also included in the conclusion of this article . NASON-CLARK, N . (1998). THE IMPACT OF ABUSES OF CLERGY TRUST ON FEMALE CONGREGANTS' FAITH AND PRACTICE. IN A. SHUPE (ED .) . WOLVES WITHIN THE FOLD: RELIGIOUS LEADERSHIP AND ABUSES OF POWER (PP.85-100) . NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ : RUTGERS