members of The Portuguese Catholic Church abused nearly 5,000 people children over the last Seven decades, a report by the Commission of Inquiry on issue Monday said.
the report added The results were tip of The Iceberg identified at least 4,815 victims of Child sexual abuse by members of Portuguese Catholic Church – mostly priests.
“(we want) pure payment tribute for these who They were victims of abuse during their childhood and dared to do so give a voice Child psychiatrist Pedro Strecht said: who Chaired the committee. “They are many more of a statistic”.
Strecht said 4,815 cases is the “absolute minimum.” of victims of Sexual abuse by clergy in Portugal since 1950.
Most of the perpetrators (77%) were priests and most of them of were the victims menStrecht said, adding that they were abused in Catholic schools, churches and priests homesand sects, among others locations.
the majority of sexual assaults took place when children between the ages of 10-14, with youngest victim just 2.
Jose Ornelas, head of Bishops’ Conference, attended final View the report and it will be answered later on Monday. The church had said earlier that it was ready to “take appropriate measures”.
The Portuguese Catholic Church shook last year according to cases of alleged cover-up of sexual abuse, including by bishops who remain active in Church roles. UNHCR said it was preparing a plane list of The accused priests are still working.
The Portuguese commission began its work work in January 2022 post report in France has revealed that nearly 3,000 priests and religious officials have been sexually assaulted over 330,000 children.
Abuse allegations came from people from various backgrounds from everywhere region of country and also Portuguese nationals living in last countries in Europe, Africa and the Americas.
The commission has spoken with over 500 victims, analyzed historical church documents and interviewed bishops and other clergy.
a total of 25 of Testimonies heard by the commission were sent to public prosecutor office for Investigate where all others have been committed over 20 years ago and legal proceedings can no longer be initiated.
Law Commission said should He is changed So legal action can be initiated for Historical crimes committed 30 years ago.
committee that says It is independent and funded by the Catholic Church.
In response to a question from Reuters in December 2021, Strecht said, if that could pose a threat to the commission’s independence, it would be him first to walk out and denounce it if the Church intervened in the operation.
