Abuse Allegations Down in 2013

The number of allegations of sexual abuse by clergy declined in 2013, while diocesan spending on child protection programs increased under the U.S. Catholic Church’s “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People,” according to a church-sponsored annual audit. Dioceses and Eastern-rite eparchies reported 370 new allegations of abuse of a minor brought by 365 people against 290 priests or deacons, said the Georgetown University-based Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate. About 69 percent of the alleged offenses reported last year occurred or began between 1960 and 1984. Three-quarters of the alleged offenders are already deceased or removed from active ministry. Eight of the alleged perpetrators were deacons; 282 were priests. Spending on child protection programs jumped to $41.7 million in 2013 from nearly $26.6 million in 2012. The audit reported that more than 99 percent of clergy members, 97.6 percent of church employees and 99.5 percent of educators had undergone safe environment training.

This article appears in April 21 2014.