This report is about the UK but it is certainly occurring in other parts of the world too.
A recent inquiry into a wide range of religious organizations based in the United Kingdom found a number of issues in how such organizations handle abuse allegations. The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) examined child protection within 38 religious institutions within England and Wales. According to their report, the groups had a “significant; or even dominant influence on the lives of millions of children.” It was also found that religious leaders deterred reporting of abuse to protect the reputations of the organization, and that victim-blaming was part of the tactics used to silence allegations. The inquiry provided several case studies from various religious groups including Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. Alexis Jay, chair of the inquiry commented, “Religious organizations are defined by their moral purpose of teaching right from wrong and protection of the innocent and the vulnerable. However, when we heard about shocking failures to prevent and respond to child sexual abuse across almost all major religions, it became clear many are operating in direct conflict with this mission.” Roland. Toronto.
