I often see comments online in response to stories about sexual abuse that say "Just report to the police!" or "Go straight to the police!" I think these commenters mean well, and usually they're responding to problems with internal reporting mechanisms in a church, school, or other organization. But I also think there's sometimes a lack of understanding of how difficult it can be to make a police report - and that not all, or even most, reported sexual assaults are prosecuted. I thought you might appreciate hearing from some people who have experienced sexual abuse by a Catholic leader with their thoughts and experiences on the topic.
Survivors' Voices: Reporting to the Police
Survivors' Voices: Reporting to the Police
Survivors' Voices: Reporting to the Police
I often see comments online in response to stories about sexual abuse that say "Just report to the police!" or "Go straight to the police!" I think these commenters mean well, and usually they're responding to problems with internal reporting mechanisms in a church, school, or other organization. But I also think there's sometimes a lack of understanding of how difficult it can be to make a police report - and that not all, or even most, reported sexual assaults are prosecuted. I thought you might appreciate hearing from some people who have experienced sexual abuse by a Catholic leader with their thoughts and experiences on the topic.