Expert questions safety of church support for priest abuse survivors

LRT reports that an expert has questioned whether people who experienced sexual abuse by priests can safely seek help through a service operated by the Vilnius Archdiocese.

The archdiocese invites people who have experienced sexual violence or other inappropriate conduct in a church setting to contact its Abuse Survivors Listening Service by email at [email protected].

Kristina Mišinienė, head of the Centre for Combating Trafficking in Persons and Exploitation, said she did not consider the initiative safe for survivors because it operates within the institution where the abuse took place.

“In today’s situation, marked by considerable uncertainty, insincere concern and clear efforts from above to control the situation, I do not think it is safe for people harmed by clergy to turn to the institution under whose roof the abuse occurred,” Mišinienė told LRT.

She said the situation could change if the Catholic Church in Lithuania took real steps towards openness, repentance and recovery. “But today, no, definitely not,” she said.

Mišinienė also said that, during her years of work, she had seen abusers try to influence victims directly or through other people, including by pressuring them to change their statements and manipulating their thinking.

“People who have experienced trauma, especially children, are highly vulnerable. Many cannot withstand such pressure when it is disguised as concern and compassion. In a hierarchical structure, everyone acts together,” she said.

The archdiocese established the listening service after information emerged several years ago about alleged sexual crimes by a priest. At the time, the Church said it wanted to create a safe space for reporting sexual crimes committed by priests.

According to the archdiocese, a psychologist and social worker arrange a meeting with people who contact the service. If further assistance is needed, they can refer them to psychotherapists, medical professionals or lawyers. The workers are also expected to assess the information they receive and pass it on to a bishop.

The Lithuanian Criminal Police Bureau says people who experience sexual violence should first ensure their safety and call 112. It also says the authorities should be contacted as soon as possible, but that it is never too late to seek help.

LRT said it asked the Lithuanian Bishops’ Conference for comment on the service and the criticism directed at it, but did not receive an answer. The conference reportedly responded that it had already answered the questions, although LRT said it had not received that response.