MALTA
Malta Independent
Curia announces new process to deal with cases of sexual abuse, says investigations will be quicker
The Archbishop’s Curia this morning announced new procedures for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. These include the procedure for cases of sexual abuse by members of the clergy.
The Curia said the emphasis is on education and preventing abuse and investigating it in a short time if it occurs, according to the national and church laws.
The revision of the procedures was carried out at the request of the Maltese Bishops and religious superiors. “These new procedures strengthen the Church’s resolve to offer psychological and spiritual help to victims of sexual abuse, whether they are minors or adults.
The church said it is launching a Safeguarding Commission made up of competent professionals. Among other things, the commission will have a duty to make risk evaluations in every case.
The new structure will allow investigators to gather all information related to an abuse case in the shortest possible time. They will establish the facts and determine whether abuse was carried out by members of the clergy as well as laymen and members of organisations related to the church.
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