Following concerns from politicians that the investigation into sexual abuse of minors by clergy in the Catholic Church was somehow incomplete, the Deetman Committee is gearing up for the sequel to last year’s report, which revealed, among other things, that the victims of abuse that occurred between 1945 and today were mainly male. Since that somehow leads to the conclusion that women were underrepresented in the conclusions of the Committee, they will now be focussing on the physical and psychological, as well as sexual, abuse that women and girls suffered from caregivers in Catholic boarding schools, orphanages and other institutions.
Like the previous investigation, this one will be mainly scientific, intended to give a general impression of the problem, both within the Church and society as a whole. Preliminary work will be undertaken over the next few weeks, and the intention voiced by Mr. Deetman is to have the investigation completed before the end of autumn. Female victims of abuse can relay information via reactie@onderzoekrk.nl until 1 July. The Meldpunt Misbruik RKK continues handling official complaints and compensation as well, while victims’ organisation KLOKK facilitates contacts between victims.
In the course of June, the proposed means of investigation will be published at http://onderzoekrk.nl/.
In Caelo et in Terra 
I think this is a smart and necessary idea. I also think (I grew up Catholic) that priests should be able to marry. If that happened then they would attract more priests in general, and this culture of closeted behavior would work itself out I think. At least a more balanced future would be assured for the Catholic church. Just the opinion of one former longtime Catholic.
Well, I have to disagree with you on that. Celibacy, last year’s investigation found out, plays no part of consequence in the abuse crisis. The numbers are no higher than in areas where there is no obligation to celibacy.
On the contrary, these numbers are even lower. Child abuse is – contrary to popular belief – not a Catholic pastime. It happens in any stuation where adults are in close contact with children. More than any institution (e.g. youth care, sports instructors, education, (foster) families) the Catholic Church is trying to come to terms with this ugly truth. These efforts are probably flawed, like any human endeavour, but they are being made.