Clerical Sexual Abuse in an Illiberal State: The Case of Poland

The analyses of Roman Catholic clerical sexual abuse in various countries show that several factors are important in the process of reforming the church, especially the essential responsibility to ensure the safety of victims.1 This is critical in the event the survivors are condemned by people in their immediate surroundings or disregarded by those in power. First, the literature calls for a cultural change toward non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which provide psychological and legal support to victims. They have an important role to play because one of their functions is to gather information on child sexual abuse. Data and expertise on causes and effects of this phenomenon are necessary to mobilize public opinion and exert pressure on politicians. Such organizations must be financially independent and protected by law, given the political position of the Roman Catholic Church. Second, the literature points out that victims of clerical sexual abuse must have the opportunity to seek justice. Therefore, there must be relevant legislation that makes it possible to hold perpetrators and institutions accountable. There must be an independent judiciary that is immune to informal pressure as well as independent law enforcement agencies that are willing to act against the church hierarchy without pressure from politicians.