The interim results of the independent study funded by the Archdiocese of Paderborn entitled "Sexual violence against minors in the Archdiocese of Paderborn. A historical investigation (1941-2002)", which has been conducted by Paderborn University researchers since the beginning of 2020, has shown that the Church and society systematically looked the other way in cases of abuse and condoned criminal offences in several cases. Accused clerics were rarely sanctioned and there was hardly any sympathy for those affected. For their five-year study, Prof. Dr Nicole Priesching and Dr. des. Christine Hartig reviewed extensive material and conducted interviews with contemporary witnesses and those affected. As an investigation into the history of the church, this study asks under what conditions priests were able to perpetrate sexual violence, what premises guided the actions of those responsible in the archdiocese when dealing with accused priests and victims, what experiences victims of sexual violence had in their immediate environment and what factors ultimately led to changes.
The results will be presented on Thursday, 12 March, from 3 to 5 pm in room Q0.101 at Paderborn University. After introductory remarks by University President Prof Dr Matthias Bauer, Prof Dr Nicole Priesching, project manager and researcher at the University's Institute of Catholic Theology, will present the results. Afterwards, Reinhold Harnisch, spokesman for the representative body for those affected in the Archdiocese of Paderborn, will analyse the study. Registrations are possible until 27 February via e-mail to Madita Schmalenstroer(madita.schmalenstroer@zv.upb.de).
This text was translated automatically.