Increased attention to sexual violence within the Catholic Church has led to a rise in the number of reports, according to a KU Leuven study released on Saturday.
The study, which surveyed 97 victims, found that just over half (53%) experienced violence between 2020 and 2024.
This rise is attributed to improved reporting mechanisms and media coverage, which have encouraged past victims to come forward. Most of the reported incidents (86%) occurred between 1950 and 1989, with a peak in the 1960s. However, four recent cases have been reported since 2020, according to Professor Wim Vandewiele’s report.
More than 10% of the victims reported experiencing sexual violence before 2012, especially between 2000 and 2012 when the Halsberghe and Adriaenssens commissions and the 2010 Special Parliamentary Commission were active.
One-fifth of the reports concern the period between 2012 and 2020, when ten reception points and the Arbitration Centre were operational.
Additionally, 12% of the respondents were uncertain if they had reported the violence or stated they never reported it to the Church’s designated bodies.
While victims generally view the reception and support positively, they believe improvements are still necessary. They call for greater empathy, recognition, and support – including financial, psychological, and spiritual assistance.
They also stress the need for structural reforms within the Church, particularly regarding transparency and inclusion. The study concludes that the process of rebuilding extends over a lifetime.
