The Abuse Crisis and the Medical Profession.

Abstract

Abstract It is fair to say that all Catholics have been impacted by the clergy sexual-abuse crisis. This crisis has impacted clergy, laity, bishops, the pope, and those outside the Catholic Church. The evil of sexual abuse cannot be underestimated. As noted in the recent John Jay report, victims of sexual abuse can suffer from depression, anxiety, an increased risk of suicide and suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, anger and resentment, low self-esteem, shame, and self-blame. Victims often have difficulty trusting others, exhibit antisocial behaviors, have strained interpersonal relationships, and may exhibit behavioral problems, including disordered eating and delinquency, promiscuity, and confusion over sexual identity and orientation. It is even more devastating when the perpetrator of abuse is someone in a position of trust, particularly someone representing a religious institution, as it is often to religion and spirituality that victims will turn for support. We all have a responsibility to work t...