Bishops Not Obligated to Report Sexual Abuse

By Janice Yu
Hawaii News Now
February 13, 2016

http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/31203738/vatican-bishops-not-obligated-to-report-sexual-abuse-to-authorities

TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) -

The Roman Catholic Church told newly ordained bishops that they are not obligated to report sexual abuse to authorities, stating the responsibility to report the abuse falls on the victims and their families.

This was first reported by a journalist with Crux, a Catholic news website.

Tucson Diocese Bishop Gerald Kicanas said there is a lot of effort in the U.S. to make sure bishops report any sexual abuse to authorities.

He also said bishops are well aware of their responsibility to report.

Locally, the diocese screens those working in the ministry, as well as volunteers and staff.

Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) said they are upset by the news.

"No mention was made that you should call the police when a crime is reported to you and we found that deeply disturbing," said Barbara Dorris, with SNAP.

Dorris said there has been a lot of talk about changes that will be made within the church, but nothing has actually been accomplished to make sure those responsible for sexual abuse are held accountable.

"They've been promising since 2002 they'd be open, they'd be transparent, they would put the safety of the children first. Those are all good things. But when it comes to cases, they don't do that," Dorris said.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops released their annual audit.

The findings indicate 98 percent of the two million volunteers, clergy, employers, educators and candidates have been trained on how to prevent child sexual abuse.

They have also prepared more than 4.4 million children in how to protect themselves and recognize sexual abuse.

[You can read the full report here]