GERMANY
Deutsche Welle
August 27, 2020
Hundreds of monks, nuns, and other members of Catholic religious orders in Germany have been accused of sexually abusing children and teenagers. The orders are among the last Church organizations to address the issue.
As the German Catholic Church seeks to acknowledge decades of sexual abuse perpetuated and covered up by its clergy, one faction of the church remained relatively silent — until now.
A survey into sexual abuse within religious orders found that at least 1,412 people approached the organizations claiming they were sexually abused as children, teenagers or as wards. The research, published on Wednesday, was conducted by an umbrella group for the leaders of religious orders in Germany (DOK).
The DOK acknowledged the pain caused by its members and recognized its “failure” in tackling the issue.
At least 654 monks, nuns and other members of the orders were accused of abuse. Around 80% of the victims were male and 20% female.
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