U.S. Catholic Bishops Issue 2013 Report On Clergy Abuse Allegations and Costs

On March 28, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops released its most recent report on the Church's ongoing efforts to deal with clergy sexual abuse of minors.  Its 2013 Annual Report on the Implementation of the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People" discloses that in 2013 there were 370 new credible allegations of sexual abuse of a minor made against 290 priests or deacons. Only nine of the allegations involved victims who were under 18 in 2013. The rest involved adults who claim abuse in the past. 80% of the victims were male while 20% were female.  Five of the 370 allegations involved only child pornography. 69% of the allegations involved conduct that occurred or began between 1960 and 1984. During 2013, dioceses and eparchies paid out $108.9 million as follows: $61 million in settlements; $6 million in therapy for victims; $10.4 million in support for offenders; $28.9 million in attorneys' fees; and $2.4 million in other costs. In the past ten years, costs related to claims have totaled $109 million. Insurance covered 21% of the amounts paid out in 2013. The report deals separately with abuse complaints directed to clerical and mixed religious institutes where 2013 saw 94 new credible allegations of abuse. Catholic World News covers the report. [Thanks to Pewsitter.com for the lead.]