Family members, too, covered up sexual abuse, Irish priest argues

September 19, 2011

Catholic bishops are not alone in failing to confront the problem of sexual abuse, an Irish priest argues; the families of victims also share a portion of the blame.

Father Paddy Banville writes in the Irish Catholic that among lay people there are “far too many who failed miserably to deal with the abuse of their children by other family members.” While acknowledging the reason for dissatisfaction with the bishops’ “bungling attempts to deal with clerical abuse,” he says that it was “a typical response to child abuse right across the board, at least until very recently.”

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Wives and mothers of Ireland covered up abuse says Wexford Priest (Irish Catholic)