An inquiry investigating child sexual abuse in a wide range of religious organizations and settings in England found “shocking failures” in how many religions handled abuse allegations, with victim-blaming and abuse of power by religious leaders often contributing to under-reporting.
The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse looked into child protection in 38 religious organizations in England and Wales.
Between 2015 and 2020 11% of all reported abuse cases happened in a religious organization or setting and some 10% of suspects were employed by or linked to religion, but the inquiry said this is likely under-reported.
As it is hard for religious believers that members of their congregation could perpetrate abuse, some religious settings have no child protection policies in place or no processes to deal with such cases.
Check the report to find out more about the main topics or in the executive summary:
- Child sexual abuse in religious organisations and settings
- Barriers to reporting child sexual abuse in religious organisations
- Child protection policies and procedures
- Responding to allegations of abuse
- Supplementary schooling, out-of-school settings and unregistered schools
- Inspection and oversight
- Conclusions and recommendations