TOWARDS A POLICY REGARDING SEXUAL ABUSE OF
SISTERS
STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL TEXT
There is need to have a policy or policies in place so that those
in positions of authority are prepared. A pro-active response ensures that
those responsible have some control of situations which have potential for
public scandal.
SOME PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS
1. IN ROME
In the light of problems that can arise in Rome, we recommend
that
- visiting residences for student Sisters be contacted and
consulted about current problems and challenges
- further residences be found for Sister Students in Rome (two
might be considered, one for Asians and one for Africans)
- religious congregations be asked to collaborate in this
venture, two or three staffing it for a number of years.
At the present time, some Congregations are seeking alternative
used of their large generalate buildings. It may be possible to find one within
walking distance of Regina Mundi and other places of study. The organizers of
such a house would work in partnership with the President and Directresses of
Regina Mundi and with Superiors of Sister-students before and during their
studies. There would be clear ground rules with regard to use of free time,
pocket money, travel expenses, etc.
In such a house, Sisters would be:
- given encouragement and help especially with study skills
- expected to participate in a communal life
- given offered opportunities for counseling on personal,
spiritual and academic development
- expected to follow the rules of the house.
Financial Support
The House of Studies (or the Students in them) would be subsidized
in the same way as clerical students are subsidized.
2. Suggested action to be taken by Major Superiors of Religious
Women to meet problems arising outside Rome
2.1 Prevention of Problems
Solid initial emphasis would include emphasis on
Development of the person
- Self-esteem, human dignity, personal authority and
responsibility
Meaning of Chastity/Celibacy
- The Vow of chastity/celibacy is more than not marrying
- Canonical norms and sanctions connected with failures in
chastity/celibacy
- Understanding of the implications of the vow of poverty in
relation to grating sexual favors in return for financial support or success in
studies
- Respect for cultural expectations regarding fertility balanced
with the counter-cultural Gospel challenges of the vow of
chastity/celibacy
- Education of parents and families to understand the meaning of
Consecrated Life and its implications for the continuation of the family.
- Community life presented as the bulwark of
chastity/celibacy
- Skills training to face and resolve conflict in community
living
- AIDS education how AIDS is passed on; attitudes to those
who contract AIDS; facts about nursing those with AIDS;
On-going formation would ensure
- On-going education on the rights and dignity of the human
person
- Continuous education regarding the vows and community life as
the woman matures
- Special preparation and care taken during periods of study when
individuals are living out of community
- An understanding that living the vows brings its own challenges
as the years pass
- Meaning of friendship between the sexes; examples taken from
the history of the Church; the friendship of the saints and present day abuse
cases
- Good example of formators and support of other experienced
religious
- Behavioral norms regarding dress, use of freedom, use of
telephone, letter-writing, spending time alone with male companions
- Openness with Superiors and spiritual directors
- Witness of community to healing and reconciliation
- Further education in skills for conflict resolution
- On-going education about AIDS
2.2 Response to Problems when they arise
Major Religious Superiors to have a policy in place which
indicates clearly who has the authority to deal with the situation e.g. which
level of Major Superior, general or provincial. It should also be clear when
the local Superior has authority to act in emergencies. This policy will also
include the following points:
2.2 COMMUNICATION
COMMUNICATION WITH THE SISTER
N.B. Substantial proof is required before the process of
communication begins with the Sister
- Confidentiality to be assured but not secrecy
- Use of Clear and direct language, while taking into account
differing cultural patterns of communication
- Understanding that full written records will be kept
- Religious Superior may choose to invite another person to be
present to facilitate the interview
- The Sister may also be accompanied by a person of her choice,
preferably another Sister
COMMUNICATION WITH THE COMMUNITY AND SISTERS
FAMILY
- Open though confidential information to the Sisters
community and province and other people as appropriate e.g. colleagues,
co-workers, while sensitive to the issue of rumor-control
- Sensitivity in dealing with the family
- Encouragement of charity and compassion in all
communications
COMMUNICATION WITH THE OTHER PARTY OR PARTIES INVOLVED
If it has been decided that direct contact with the other party
involved is possible and advisable, an action plan should be in place eg.
- Religious Superior accompanied by one other Sister or trusted
person to meet with the other person involved
- Request that he inform his Bishop or major Superior
- Nevertheless indicate that the Major Superior will be
acquainting the Bishop or Major Superior with the facts in her possession
- Indicate to the person and/or the Bishop expectations with
regard to financial and other responsibilities in the case of paternity or
public scandal
2.2 Communication with the Bishop or Major Superior of the
Other Party
The Major Religious Superior should make contact with the Bishop
or Major Superior immediately in the case of public scandal. Should the case be
in need of further investigation, the Religious Superior should wait until she
has a reasonable amount of information to convince her that such contact is
required.
2.3 ACTION
Before taking action, all accusations and information should be
carefully investigated and weighed. Speculations and assumptions do not prove
guilt.
- The Major Superior and her Council will decide whether the
Sister is to be removed totally from the situation
- Community will take responsibility for outcomes and provide
trauma counseling, medical care, pre and post-natal care if necessary
- Counsellors and medical and legal personnel will be consulted
as policy is being developed
- Names of these and other professional people will be available
when required
- Clarity about constitution and canonical aspects eg What would
constitute reasons for dismissal? Cf. Canon 696, Canon 1398 and Canon 1324
It has also been suggested that Religious Congregations begin to
train African Sisters as lawyers to deal with problems of sexual abuse and
violence.
3. Policies to be developed by Male Religious
Congregations
Presumable these follow the same or similar lines to those
outlined for Women Religious.
4. Diocesan Policy
In the spirit of dialogue and collaboration advocated by Mutuae
Relationes, we recommend that Bishops Conferences be encouraged to develop
guidelines to deal with the sexual abuse of Religious Women.
4.1. These guidelines would be developed in consultation
with:
- Conferences of Major Religious Superiors of Women in their
country/diocese.
- Conferences of Bishops in other countries where sexual abuse
policies have been developed and implemented in recent years.
4.2. We also recommend that
Such policies be made known to the priests of the diocese and to
the Conference of Major Religious Superiors both men and women.
4.3. Formation of Priests
Seminary training should include besides emphasis on the meaning
of celibacy for the priests
- Understanding the Vows made by Religious, especially the
meaning of chastity/celibacy
- Input from women religious during seminary training
- The scope and limitations of friendship between priests and
women
- Understanding of charism of Religious Congregations
- Education on Aids
- Need for Religious women to receive just payment for their
services in a diocese
4.4 Formation of Religious Women in Diocesan
Congregations
Having noted the caveat that Institutes should not be
imprudently brought into being, and that once established,
these Institutes are to be helped in acquiring juridical status and becoming
autonomous in the management both of their own works and of their respective
sources of income, we exhort Bishops to ensure solid formation as well as
spiritual and financial support for diocesan congregations of women where these
are already established.
Sister Ellen Gielty, S.N.D. November, 1998
National Catholic Reporter, Posted April 9,
2001
|