NCJ Number
224796
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 17 Issue: 3/4 Dated: November 2008 Pages: 197-200
Date Published
November 2008
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article is an overview of all articles in the journal which examined clergy-perpetrated sexual abuse (CPSA).
Abstract
This volume of articles should serve to advance the understanding of the traumatic impact of CPSA and is devoted to giving voice to the survivors, their families, and others impacted by these crimes. The articles in this volume are a direct result of the Archdiocese of Boston is considered the epicenter of the international crisis within the Catholic Church, decision to conduct a series of half-day focus groups that included survivors and their family members to consider the impact of CPSA. These groups elicited valuable insights and established a foundation for future collaborative planning with those most affected by CPSA and by the scandal. The presence of major symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as common co-occurring problems, including substance abuse, affective liability, and relational conflict was repeatedly confirmed through the personal testimony of survivors and family members. Additional themes are also noted, particularly the impact on the family, a profound alteration in individual spirituality, and a change in individual and family religious practices. Following the focus groups, a conference was held to examine the impact of CPSA with particular attention to family relationships and spirituality was offered in June 2005 in collaboration with the Boston College Church in the 21st century initiative and the Boston College Graduate School of Social Work. References